Manchuria Opium Squad Manga Artist Shikako Dies at 37

It was announced today, December 21, that Shikako, who was the illustrator of the Manchuria Opium Squad manga, died at 10:38 AM on November 8 from a chronic malignant tumor. Kodansha’s Young Magazine editorial department announced the news on X (formerly Twitter).

Shikako had suffered from the tumor for some time, impacting their ability to work. The series had switched to an irregular serialization last year out of consideration. Shikako had been diagnosed in the summer of 2023; the tumors had begun in the eyes before spreading to other organs.

The Young Magazine editorial department shared that one of Shikako’s dying wishes was that the series continue in their absence. Manchuria Opium Squad author Tsukasa Monma and the editorial department have committed to doing so.

Manchuria Opium Squad launched in Comic Days in April 2020 and was serialized there until September 2021. The series then moved to Weekly Young Magazine. 22 volumes have been released to date. The series has over 3 million copies in circulation. Kodansha USA publishes the manga in English via K MANGA. It describes the series:
A tenacious fight for survival between a young man and the powers vying for control of the turbulent, brutal Manchurian frontier……

This series is a work of fiction and contains graphic depictions of intense violence, drug abuse, and other shocking imagery. The story and its contents are not recommended for young or sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Source: Young Magazine Editorial Department
© Tsukasa Monma/Shikako/Kodansha

Rest in peace, Shikako.