Manga ONE recently announced a temporary halt in the serialization of Miyakokasiwa's popular Battle in 5 Seconds manga. The artist, known for the gripping remake of Saizō Harawata's original series, is taking a much-needed break to focus on their health and recovery after being diagnosed with depression. This news comes as a pause for fans who have followed the intense battle-of-wits narrative.
Miyakokasiwa's Health Update
In a candid message, Miyakokasiwa revealed a prolonged struggle with poor health that significantly worsened in June, making the demanding process of drawing manga increasingly difficult. Following medical examinations, the artist received a diagnosis of depression, along with identifying an underlying medical condition contributing to their state. The decision to go on hiatus was made to prioritize treatment and recovery, allowing Miyakokasiwa to fully recuperate. The artist extended heartfelt gratitude to readers for their unwavering support, especially as the manga celebrates its 11th anniversary.
The Battle in 5 Seconds Series
Battle in 5 Seconds, or Deatte 5-byō de Battle, is a remake of Saizō Harawata's original online manga. Miyakokasiwa launched this reimagined version in 2015 on Shogakukan's Ura Sunday web comic service, also making it available on the Manga ONE app. The series has garnered a dedicated following for its unique premise and engaging plot. Shogakukan released the manga's 31st compiled book volume on July 10, highlighting the series' impressive run.
Previous Hiatus and Story Overview
This is not the first time Miyakokasiwa has paused work on the series. The artist previously went on hiatus in October 2024, citing health and personal issues that had persisted since the beginning of 2024. At that time, it was also mentioned that the series was nearing its conclusion. The manga later resumed serialization in January 2025 before this current, more indefinite hiatus was announced.
The story centers on Akira Shiroyanagi, a high school student with a penchant for challenging games and Konpeito candy. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the enigmatic Mion, leading to his kidnapping along with other individuals. They are forced into a dangerous experiment by a mysterious organization, granted unique abilities, and compelled to fight each other. Akira, armed with his new powers and sharp intellect, resolves to dismantle this sinister group and conquer their deadly game, navigating a captivating battle of wits against overwhelming odds.
Anime Adaptation and English Release
The popularity of Battle in 5 Seconds transcended the manga pages, inspiring an anime adaptation in 2021. This animated series further brought Akira's high-stakes adventures to a broader audience. Crunchyroll provided an English dub for the anime, making it accessible to international fans. For manga enthusiasts, Comikey publishes the series in English, allowing readers worldwide to follow Akira's strategic battles.
Support for Miyakokasiwa
The manga community extends its thoughts and best wishes to Miyakokasiwa during this challenging time. An artist's well-being is paramount, and the decision to prioritize health is commendable. Fans eagerly anticipate Miyakokasiwa's full recovery and eventual return to Battle in 5 Seconds, whenever that may be, ready to dive back into the intricate world of strategy and survival.
