Horror Manga Titan Hideshi Hino Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Vows to Fight Amid Global Support

Horror manga icon Hideshi Hino, the visionary creator behind unsettling masterpieces such as Panorama of Hell and Hell Baby, has shared a significant personal update with his global readership. The renowned Japanese artist announced via his X/Twitter account on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, that he has received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Hino provided critical details regarding his prognosis, confirming that the disease remains localized and has not metastasized. He is scheduled for surgical intervention early next year to remove the cancerous tumor. In the interim, he has commenced intravenous chemotherapy treatments alongside oral medication. These strategies are aimed at shrinking the tumor size and halting any further progression of the disease.

Creator Addresses Lifestyle Factors

Hino, whose decades-long career has indelibly shaped the landscape of horror manga, addressed the root causes of his condition with unflinching honesty. He candidly attributed the diagnosis to years of excessive consumption, stating: "This is the end result of someone who has drank excessively and has been a heavy smoker. I take full responsibility. I have no choice but to accept this fate. I am grateful to have lived to this age." This raw, self-reflective statement resonated deeply across the manga community, drawing widespread praise for his transparency.

Following the initial announcement, Hino posted a message the next day expressing immense gratitude for the outpouring of global support, prayers, and encouragement received from peers, friends, and devoted readers. He reflected on his life, emphasizing that he feels incredibly blessed by his loving family including his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and affirmed that he has lived a happy and fulfilling existence. Hino pledged to channel the collective support into motivation as he faces the rigors of his upcoming medical treatment.

Industry Support and Enduring Legacy

The news elicited a supportive response from another giant of the genre, Junji Ito, who publicly urged Hino to focus entirely on his recovery and expressed hopeful wishes for a full remission. Hideshi Hino’s influential bibliography, which includes titles like Living Corpse, Red Snake, and Lullabies from Hell, has been made accessible to Western audiences through prominent English-language publishers such as Dark Horse Comics, DH Publishing, and Blast Books. As the manga community worldwide unites in sending well-wishes, Hino’s legacy of fearless, surreal, and deeply disturbing storytelling continues to serve as an enduring inspiration for emerging artists and established creators alike.