The crime suspense manga "Manchuria Opium Squad," written by Tsukasamonma and illustrated by Kano, gained a significant following for its unique setting in pre-WWII Manchukuo.
Today (12/22), official sources delivered the somber news: artist Kano, who had been on hiatus since late October due to choroidal malignant melanoma, tragically passed away on November 8, 2025, at the age of 37.
In fact, when his hiatus was announced in late October, Kano had revealed on X that he had previously taken a break two years prior for an eye condition. In 2023, he was diagnosed with choroidal malignant melanoma, which was confirmed to have metastasized to other organs by the end of last year. Unable to continue his drawing work, he had chosen to focus solely on treatment.
However, according to today's official announcement, Kano passed away on November 8, 2025, meaning his death occurred shortly after his hiatus was declared, leaving many fans heartbroken.
The future of "Manchuria Opium Squad" remains undecided. The editorial department will honor Kano-sensei's final wish: "If anything ever happens to me, I hope someone can be found to finish the story properly." They will carefully discuss the matter with original author Tsukasamonma-sensei before making a decision. Any further updates will be communicated to readers via official channels.
The editorial department of "Weekly Young Magazine" also stated that Kano-sensei always gave his all on set, never compromising on his work. His deep understanding of characters, his portrayal of historical atmosphere, and his unwavering determination to "finish the story properly" profoundly impacted everyone involved in the production. It was an immense honor for the editorial team to create "Manchuria Opium Squad" alongside Kano-sensei.
Original author Tsukasamonma also shared that during the creative process, Kano-sensei constantly asked, "If I were in that position, what would I choose?" He wasn't aiming for cheap thrills but wanted readers to witness the characters' pain, confusion, and the weight behind their choices within the story.
"Manchuria Opium Squad" was brought to life through repeated discussions and meticulous refinement between the editorial department and Kano-sensei. Every character and plot point was born from the question, "How can we honestly confront this world?"
Throughout the creation process, he always kept the idea of "the story must reach its conclusion" at heart. He believed that if a story could be told completely, it could become a source of strength for readers. Although Kano-sensei has now departed, his will and his work will continue to live on in "Manchuria Opium Squad." This work doesn't belong to just one person, but to all readers who have followed it thus far. We will cherish everything Kano-sensei left behind and, with respect, continue to safeguard this story until its very end.
Of course, for fans of "Manchuria Opium Squad," finding an artist with a style as strong and distinctive as Kano's to take over will not be easy. However, to fulfill his dying wish that "the story must reach its conclusion," any further updates will be communicated to readers via official channels.
▼ A year ago, "Weekly Young Magazine" interviewed Kano's studio.
via： 《滿洲鴉片小隊》官方X