Where is hxh based

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Hunter x Hunter (HxH) is a Japanese manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi, first serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on March 3, 1998. The series is published by Shueisha in Japan and has been adapted into two anime adaptations: a 1999 series by Nippon Animation and a 2011 series by Madhouse that ran for 148 episodes.

Key Facts

First serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 3, 1998
Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, who also created Yu Yu Hakusho
Published by Shueisha in Japan
Two anime adaptations: 1999 (62 episodes) and 2011 (148 episodes)
Manga has sold over 84 million copies worldwide as of 2022

Overview

Hunter x Hunter (commonly abbreviated as HxH) is a Japanese manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The series first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on March 3, 1998, and has since become one of the most influential and critically acclaimed shōnen manga of all time. The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who discovers his father is a legendary Hunter—an elite member of society who specializes in finding rare treasures, hunting dangerous beasts, or tracking down criminals.

The manga is published by Shueisha in Japan and has been collected into 37 tankōbon volumes as of 2022. The series has experienced multiple hiatuses throughout its publication history, with Togashi taking breaks due to health issues. Despite these interruptions, Hunter x Hunter has maintained a massive global following and has sold over 84 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time.

How It Works

Hunter x Hunter operates through a complex world-building system with detailed power mechanics and character development.

Nen System: The series introduces Nen, a sophisticated energy manipulation system that serves as the foundation for supernatural abilities. Nen has six categories (Enhancement, Transmutation, Conjuration, Emission, Manipulation, and Specialization) with specific percentages determining compatibility. For instance, Enhancers have 100% affinity for Enhancement but only 40% for Conjuration.
Hunter Association: The Hunter Association is a professional organization with approximately 660 active Hunters as shown in the series. Hunters are classified into ranks (Single Star, Double Star, Triple Star) based on achievements, with only 16 Triple Star Hunters existing worldwide. The association administers the Hunter Exam, which has a pass rate of less than 0.1%.
Story Arcs: The narrative is structured into distinct arcs: Hunter Exam (1999), Zoldyck Family (2000), Heavens Arena (2001), Yorknew City (2001-2002), Greed Island (2002-2004), Chimera Ant (2005-2011), and Election (2011-2012). Each arc introduces new characters and expands the world, with the Chimera Ant arc spanning approximately 132 chapters.
Publication Schedule: The manga follows an irregular publication pattern due to Togashi's health. Between 2006 and 2018, the series went on hiatus 10 times, with the longest break lasting nearly two years (2014-2016). Despite this, new chapters typically appear in Weekly Shōnen Jump when active, with storylines progressing in batches of 10-20 chapters.

Key Comparisons

Feature	1999 Anime Adaptation	2011 Anime Adaptation
Production Studio	Nippon Animation	Madhouse
Episode Count	62 episodes + 30 OVAs	148 episodes
Story Coverage	Hunter Exam through Greed Island	Hunter Exam through Election Arc
Animation Style	Traditional cel animation	Digital animation with updated designs
International Distribution	Limited overseas release	Streamed globally on platforms like Crunchyroll

Why It Matters

Cultural Impact: Hunter x Hunter has significantly influenced the shōnen genre with its complex storytelling and moral ambiguity. The series has inspired numerous creators and has been referenced in other media. The manga's sales of over 84 million copies demonstrate its lasting popularity across generations of readers.
Industry Influence: The Nen system has become a benchmark for power systems in manga and anime, studied by fans and creators alike. The series' willingness to subvert shōnen tropes—such as having protagonists fail or face moral dilemmas—has pushed the genre toward more sophisticated narratives. The 2011 adaptation received critical acclaim, with an 8.5/10 rating on MyAnimeList from over 1.2 million users.
Creator's Legacy: Yoshihiro Togashi's work on Hunter x Hunter represents a maturation of his storytelling from his previous hit Yu Yu Hakusho. The series demonstrates how manga creators can evolve their craft while maintaining commercial success. Togashi's approach to character development—where even antagonists receive nuanced backstories—has raised standards for character writing in the industry.

Looking forward, Hunter x Hunter continues to shape the landscape of manga and anime despite its irregular publication schedule. The series' complex world-building and character development have set new standards for the shōnen genre, influencing countless works that followed. As the manga potentially approaches its conclusion, its legacy as a groundbreaking work that balanced commercial success with artistic ambition seems secure, ensuring its place in anime and manga history for decades to come.