Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine has announced that The Days of Diamond will be on a two-week hiatus. The manga, which was set to appear in the 36 & 37 merger special issues, will now resume with the 39th issue on August 29, 2024. The break is due to the mangaka’s personal reasons, and Ōhashi Hirai has issued an apology for the delay.
Background on The Days of Diamond
- Serialization: The Days of Diamond began serialization in February 2023 and is also available in English on Shueisha’s Manga Plus web platform.
- Tankōbon Volumes: Six volumes have been released so far, with the first volume hitting shelves on June 19, 2023.
The manga follows Jiro Ayasegawa, a fifth-grade baseball prodigy with a remarkable 100 km/hr+ pitch. Despite his exceptional talent, Jiro’s primary motivation is to enjoy the sport rather than pursue competitive success. His natural ability quickly garners attention, leading him to join the struggling Bambies and eventually be pushed into Japan’s U-12 national team.
The Days of Diamond has resonated with readers for its portrayal of the pressures faced by young athletes. Jiro’s journey highlights the clash between his desire to play baseball for fun and the expectations imposed on him by adults. The manga delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities behind athletic fame.
Jiro shares similarities with Shohei Ohtani, the Major League Baseball star known for his impressive skills. Like Jiro, Shohei began his baseball career in elementary school and has risen to become a celebrated athlete, securing a historic contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Stay tuned for further updates on The Days of Diamond and its return to Weekly Young Jump.