Ryuta Amazume Announces Cancer Diagnosis: 'Nana & Kaoru' Artist Takes a Hiatus from Commercial Manga Series

According to an Anime News Network report dated August 10, 2026, manga creator Ryuta Amazume, known for works such as Sefure and Nana & Kaoru, announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The mangaka announced that he would pause commercial manga serializations during this period. Amazume is expected to focus on treatment, and the fate of his series will become clear after his recovery.

Ryuta Amazume gained a wide following among manga readers, especially with Nana & Kaoru, published in Hakusensha's Young Animal magazine. The series, which handles adult relationships, boundaries, and BDSM-themed dynamics in a character-driven story, achieved cult status by combining romance with sexual discovery. Sefure, on the other hand, became another Amazume signature known for its more explicit scenes, addressing modern individuals' search for emotional and physical intimacy.

Fans who learned the news shared their get-well wishes on social media, and this development once again highlighted the intense pressure on artists in the Japanese manga industry. The health issues and long hiatuses of masters such as Yoshihiro Togashi and Kentaro Miura are often cited as examples of the harsh working conditions in the industry. Amazume's openly sharing his cancer diagnosis draws attention to these discussions once more.

For now, no cancellation decision has been announced for Nana & Kaoru and Sefure, and a return date is also unclear. Fans hope the beloved artist recovers and that the series continue from where they left off. Since treatment is the priority, the biggest hope is that Amazume returns to the drawing desk healthy.