The Lingering Controversy: Decoding Togashi's Discontent with the Yu Yu Hakusho Ending

The Yu Yu Hakusho ending continues to be a topic of discussion among the anime and manga community, especially considering its iconic status as a '90s series created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the author of Hunter X Hunter. Recently, Togashi's statements regarding the future of Hunter X Hunter and the potential endings have stirred up the internet due to his health issues, which may hinder the completion of the series in the upcoming years. This has reminded many fans of the Yu Yu Hakusho ending, which is often seen as a clear indication of Togashi's creative burnout and overall dissatisfaction with the manga industry. It serves as a warning of what can happen when editors and higher-ups pressure a successful series for the wrong reasons.

The story behind the Yu Yu Hakusho ending

Yu Yu Hakusho, with its main cast (Image via Studio Pierrot), serves as a prime example of artistic progression. It marks the precise moment when Yoshihiro Togashi transitioned from a relatively conventional mangaka to one of the industry's most exceptional talents. Originally beginning as a series of episodic ghost stories in the early '90s, the narrative then transformed into a renowned battle shonen before eventually becoming a deconstruction of the genre. In retrospect, this transformation showcased Togashi's tendencies that would later be fully displayed in Hunter X Hunter.

The series enjoyed great success in terms of sales, and the anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot was also highly praised. However, as the Chapter Black arc progressed, signs of trouble started to surface. Togashi, the creator, was burdened by persistent back problems that continue to afflict him to this day. Additionally, he experienced creative exhaustion as he grappled with uncertainty about how to progress further. Despite considering further deconstruction of the characters in the final arc, Three Kings, Togashi's mental and physical health issues proved to be overwhelming obstacles.

The aftermath of the Yu Yu Hakusho ending

The reason why the arc and the ending of Yu Yu Hakusho feel rushed is because Yusuke's battle against Yomi is completely omitted in the manga. The entire saga is condensed into a mere 21 chapters, making it the shortest arc in the entire series.

The inclusion of significant anime-original content in the final arc, particularly the climactic showdown between Yusuke and Yomi, serves as a clear indication that the conclusion of the Yu Yu Hakusho manga was hurriedly executed. Such an approach would be considered extraordinary in the present-day industry. Nevertheless, Togashi, the creator, has been remarkably forthright and transparent about his decision to conclude the series on his own terms.

The mangaka expressed his lack of enjoyment while writing and drawing the final chapters of the series, attributing it to the excessive pressure. As a result, he opted for an abrupt ending. Togashi's decision had an impact on his work with Hunter X Hunter, as he now has the freedom to release chapters at his own pace, which is beneficial considering his health issues.

Although the Yu Yu Hakusho ending has some notable moments, such as Yusuke's unexpected loss in the final battle and his reunion with Keiko on the beach (another example of Togashi deviating from typical shonen expectations), it is widely agreed upon that a series of such quality deserved a more satisfactory conclusion. Nonetheless, Togashi's circumstances at the time made his decision seem reasonable.

Final thoughts

Togashi's reliance on the Yu Yu Hakusho ending continues to impact his choices, and fans anxiously hope that Hunter X Hunter will not share a similar fate. As an iconic manga, it has earned the right to conclude in a manner that befits the rich legacy it has established throughout the years.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of Yu Yu Hakusho, I have mixed feelings about the ending. On the one hand, I understand Togashi's frustration and burnout, and I appreciate his honesty about his creative process. On the other hand, I can't help but feel that the ending was rushed and unsatisfying.

The final arc, Three Kings, felt like a pale imitation of the earlier arcs, and the omission of Yusuke's battle against Yomi was a major disappointment. Togashi's health issues and creative exhaustion are certainly understandable, but I still wish he had been able to give the series a more satisfying conclusion.

Despite my disappointment with the ending, I still have a lot of love for Yu Yu Hakusho. It was one of the first anime series I ever watched, and it holds a special place in my heart. I'm grateful for the journey Togashi took us on, even if the destination wasn't quite what we expected.