Beloved Fantasy Manga Yona of the Dawn to Conclude After 15-Year Run
After more than 15 years captivating readers,Mizuho Kusanagi’s acclaimed fantasy romance manga,Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona),is set to conclude in December 2025. The final chapter will appear in the second 2026 issue of Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume, slated for release on December 19, 2025, JST.
The impending conclusion of Yona of the Dawn was previously announced, and the publisher is marking the occasion with a series of special commemorative gifts for readers. The 24th 2025 issue of hana to Yume will include a shikishi-style illustration card, alongside an alternate cover featuring the manga Spring Storm and Monster (Haru no Arashi to Monster). The first issue of 2026 will offer a set of 16 original art reproductions, while the second 2026 issue will be packaged with a brand-new acrylic stand featuring exclusive artwork.
Fans can also find additional exclusive merchandise at Animate stores. Visitors purchasing the second 2026 issue of Hana to Yume will receive an A4-size acrylic plate (available for purchase). This complements an ongoing Animate promotion offering original art reproductions attached to Hana to Yume and The Hana to Yume issues released between October 3, 2025, JST, and December 19, 2025, JST.
Yona of the dawn first debuted in the 17th issue of Hana to Yume in 2009. The story centers on Yona, a red-haired princess whose peaceful life is shattered by an unexpected murder, forcing her to flee the palace and embark on a journey of self-finding and resilience. The narrative quickly evolves beyond a simple romance between Yona and her cousin, Soo-Won, into a sweeping tale of political intrigue and personal growth.
the manga inspired a 24-episode TV anime series directed by Kazuhiro Yoneda (Gleipnir, Kageki Shoujo!!, do It Yourself!!) at Studio pierrot, which aired from October 2014 to March 2015.The series garnered a dedicated following and further expanded the reach of Kusanagi’s world.
The manga recently resumed publication on October 3, 2025, JST, following a hiatus that began in July 2025. English-language editions of the physical volumes are published by Viz Media, making the series accessible to a wider international audience.
The conclusion of Yona of the Dawn marks the end of an era for fans of the series, but its enduring legacy as a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure is assured.
Why did it end? The manga is concluding due to the author, Mizuho Kusanagi, reaching the natural conclusion of the story she intended to tell after a 15-year run.
Who is involved? The series is written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi and published
