Manga legend Takehiko Inoue. He made us fall in love with basketball through Slam Dunk and etched life's philosophy via Musashi's sword in Vagabond. Yet, the 10-year silence on Vagabond remains a mystery. Recalling his recent interview where he said, "I can't wait to draw it," fans' hearts reignite. In this piece, we'll trace his latest updates, uncover why the long wait persists, and explore hopes for the future. If you're a manga enthusiast, feel the weight of that anticipation you've shared.
Takehiko Inoue: The Immortal Giant of Manga
Born in 1970, Japanese mangaka Takehiko Inoue—real name Nariai Takehiko, but known by his pen name. Debuting with Slam Dunk in 1990, he transcended sports manga to depict youthful passion and human limits. Selling over 100 million copies worldwide, it's still the bible for basketball fans. But his true ambition shone in Vagabond, adapting Eiji Yoshikawa's novel Musashi to question "What is life?" through the Edo-era swordsman.
Inoue's charm lies in his 'perfectionism.' He traveled with sketchbooks for months to draw scenes photo-realistically. This process transformed him from mangaka to painter and philosopher. In the early 2000s, Vagabond serialized in Morning Magazine, earning global acclaim. But after Chapter 327 in 2015, it halted. The reason? His own 'pressure.' "If I can't draw it perfectly, better not at all"—his stubbornness has kept fans waiting a decade. Yet, in this wait, Inoue never stopped; he spread his wings wider.
"Manga isn't just drawings. It's a record of life, a mirror to the soul." – Takehiko Inoue
Vagabond's Glory and Sudden Silence: The Secret of the 10-Year Hiatus
Vagabond was Inoue's ambitious project, serializing from 1998. Through Musashi's growth, it portrayed not the sword, but humanity, winning the Ministry of Culture Media Arts Festival Manga Award. Up to 37 volumes, but it stopped at Chapter 327, right before the climax. May 21, 2015—the last chapter's publication—marks 10 years to 2025. Fans echo posts like "Will I see Volume 38 before I die?" with despair and hope.
Why? Inoue revealed in interviews it's the 'pressure of perfectionism.' Diving into martial arts training and historical research for each issue exhausted him. "The story isn't finished, but I can't end it like this"—the hiatus is a 'pause,' not abandonment. He shifted to REAL. This torments fans because Vagabond feels like a 'life textbook.' Like Musashi's journey, perhaps our wait fosters growth?
Statistically, Vagabond sold over 80 million worldwide, with a steadfast English fanbase. The 10-year gap affected volume releases; in Korea, post-37 fans scour secondhand markets or scans. Will this wait end? Still unknown, but it proves Inoue's work's depth.
| Serialization Period | Volumes | Status | Main Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-2015 | 37 Vols (327 Ch) | Hiatus | Perfectionism Pressure |
Hiatus Tip
Revisit Vagabond during the long wait for fresh insights. Patience, like Musashi's journey, is key to creation.
REAL's Revival: New Chapters and Vol.16 Promises
Inoue's recent focus is REAL. Serialized since 1999, this moving story depicts wheelchair basketball and disabled lives. Like a Slam Dunk sequel but with deeper social messages. Late 2024, a new chapter hit Weekly Young Jump Issue 52, with Vol.16 slated for October 28, 2025. This news assured fans: "Inoue's still alive!"
REAL's appeal is realism. Meticulous action from studying real players, inner conflicts. Inoue conveys "Basketball transcends disability." Recent chapters add Nomura's growth, sparking "After REAL, Vagabond?" hopes. In interviews, Inoue hinted at returning post-REAL. But Vol.16 isn't the end, so the wait continues.
- New Chapter Highlights: Nomura's teamwork challenge, emotional climax.
- Release Schedule: October 28, 2025, Young Jump resumption.
- Fan Expectations: REAL finale as Vagabond's signal?
Inoue as a Painter: Exhibitions, Art Books, and Expanding Creativity
Beyond manga, Inoue's honing his painter side. Since the 2020s, solo shows like Wind Breaker and art books Peacock: The Cherry Grove showcase his work in galleries. Inspired by Vagabond sketches, using ink and watercolor for Japan's nature and humanity. "Manga tells stories, painting captures souls"—his philosophy shines here.
His 2025 Tokyo exhibition unveiled unpublished Vagabond sketches. Fans marveled: "Teaser for the finale?" Art book sales topped 500,000, proving his creation expands beyond manga. This supports the hiatus, as Inoue says "Drawing is life." For fans, this evolution might hasten his return.
Peacock (2023)
200pp, ¥3,500
Wind Breaker (2025)
Tokyo Art Museum, 3 months
Vagabond Sketches
50 pieces revealed
Fans' Voices: Hope and Frustration Blooming in Reddit and Communities
In 10 years of waiting, fan communities burn bright. Reddit's r/vagabondmanga sees posts like "Worth reading in 2025?" with hundreds of replies. One user: "Vagabond's timeless masterpiece. Hiatus hurts, but Inoue's growth builds hype." Another jokes: "I'll wait another 10 for REAL's end!" Korean DCInside galleries and Naver blogs echo: "Can I die after Volume 38?"—despair laced with humor binds fans.
Frustration exists: "Too long, time to quit?" met with "Respect Inoue's perfectionism—it's his art." The 2025 Definitive Edition sparked "Return signal?" and REAL news went viral: "Vagabond next!" These aren't just fan groups; they're a 'community of waiting,' supporting Inoue. Join the conversation—you'll find hope there.
- Hopeful Post: "Saw Inoue's interview? 'Can't wait to draw it!'" (500+ Upvotes)
- Frustrated Humor: "Vagabond reading license expired in 2025" (Laughter ensues)
- Collective Cheer: "REAL ends, Vagabond begins—promise kept!"
Clues to Vagabond's Return: Definitive Edition Reprint and Interview Messages
On January 21, 2025, Vagabond: Definitive Edition Volume 1 released. Same 3-in-1 format, high-quality reprint captivating fans. This signals "Inoue still loves Vagabond." In February's interview, he said: "I can't wait to draw Vagabond. Want to reignite Musashi's flame." Not just a wish—it's intent for return.
No firm date yet. Post-REAL Vol.16 in October, perhaps. Fans see the reprint as a 'bridge': "Prep for finale?" Inoue's perfectionism will shine again. We'll wait together—like Vagabond's theme, this builds strength.
Waiting for the Future: Inoue's Philosophy and Fans' Cheers
Tracing Inoue's updates reveals his creation as 'way of life.' Slam Dunk's passion, REAL's empathy, Vagabond's philosophy—his journey. The 10-year hiatus hurts, but proves depth. As fans, we cheer: "Return anytime, we're waiting."
Future Inoue will grow as painter, perhaps concluding Vagabond. Until then, revisit his works for our 'Musashi journey.' Manga doesn't end— it lives in us. May your wait touch his pen tip. 🌟