Where is hxh set

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Hunter x Hunter is primarily set in a fictional world that includes multiple continents and locations. The story begins on Whale Island, where protagonist Gon Freecss lives, and expands to locations like Yorknew City, Greed Island, and the Dark Continent. The series features over 20 distinct locations across its 390+ manga chapters and 148 anime episodes.

Key Facts

The series begins on Whale Island, Gon's home island located in the Azian Sea
Yorknew City arc spans chapters 71-119 of the manga (1999-2000)
Greed Island is a virtual reality game world accessed through special game consoles
The Dark Continent is introduced in chapter 340 (2012) as a massive unexplored land
The Hunter Exam takes place across multiple locations including Zaban City and Trick Tower

Overview

Hunter x Hunter is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi that began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in March 1998. The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who discovers his father Ging is a legendary Hunter, leading him to embark on his own journey to become a Hunter and find his father. The series has been adapted into two anime adaptations: a 1999 version with 62 episodes and a 2011 reboot with 148 episodes that more closely follows the manga.

The world of Hunter x Hunter features a complex setting with multiple continents, nations, and unique locations that serve as backdrops for the story's various arcs. Unlike many shōnen series that remain in a single primary location, Hunter x Hunter constantly expands its geographical scope, introducing new regions with distinct cultures, rules, and challenges. This expansive world-building has been praised as one of the series' strengths, with Togashi creating a setting that feels both fantastical and logically consistent.

How It Works

The setting of Hunter x Hunter operates through a structured world with specific geographical and political systems that influence the narrative.

Primary Continents: The known world consists of six major landmasses: Azian Continent, Yorbian Continent, Padokea, Republic of East Gorteau, Republic of West Gorteau, and the massive Dark Continent. The Azian Continent serves as the starting point for Gon's journey, while the Dark Continent represents the ultimate frontier, estimated to be over 10 times larger than the known world.
Hunter Association Structure: The Hunter Association operates as an international organization with headquarters in various locations. Hunters hold special licenses granting them privileges across nations, including access to restricted areas and the right to use lethal force in certain situations. There are approximately 660 active Hunters in the association during the series' timeline.
Nen System Integration: Locations in Hunter x Hunter often feature unique interactions with Nen, the series' energy manipulation system. For example, Greed Island exists as both a physical location and a Nen-created virtual space, requiring special game consoles and Nen abilities to access. The Kukuroo Mountain region serves as the training ground for Zoldyck family assassins, featuring Nen-enhanced security systems.
Political Geography: The world features independent nations with varying political systems, from the democratic Republic of Padokea to the monarchy of Kakin Empire. The V6 nations (six powerful countries) control access to the Dark Continent through the Hunter Association, creating political tensions that drive several story arcs.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Hunter x Hunter World	Typical Shōnen Setting
Geographical Scope	Multiple continents with distinct cultures and political systems	Often limited to single country or region
Travel Methods	Airships, boats, trains, and Nen-based transportation	Primarily walking or conventional vehicles
World Rules	Hunter licenses grant special privileges; Nen system governs supernatural abilities	Magic or power systems with less institutional integration
Unexplored Areas	Dark Continent (massive uncharted territory)	Typically minimal uncharted territory
Political Systems	Multiple nations with different governments and international organizations	Often single ruling system or monarchy

Why It Matters

Narrative Flexibility: The expansive setting allows for diverse story arcs ranging from urban crime dramas in Yorknew City to survival adventures in the Chimera Ant arc's NGL (Neo-Green Life) region. This geographical diversity has enabled the series to explore genres including tournament battles, crime thrillers, and political dramas within a single narrative framework.
Character Development: Different locations challenge characters in unique ways, forcing adaptation and growth. Gon's journey from the peaceful Whale Island to dangerous locations like Heaven's Arena (a 251-story fighting tower) demonstrates how environment shapes character progression. The varied settings have allowed for the introduction of over 150 named characters across different regions.
World-Building Depth: The detailed geography creates a believable world with internal consistency that enhances reader immersion. Locations like the Zoldyck Estate on Kukuroo Mountain feature specific architectural styles and security systems that reflect the family's assassin heritage, adding layers to the storytelling beyond mere backdrop.

The setting of Hunter x Hunter continues to evolve as the manga progresses, with recent chapters exploring the Dark Continent expedition that began in 2012. This ongoing expansion demonstrates how geographical discovery remains central to the series' themes of exploration and human potential. As the story moves forward, new locations will likely introduce additional challenges and mysteries, maintaining the series' reputation for innovative world-building that pushes beyond conventional shōnen boundaries while maintaining logical consistency across its 25+ year publication history.