My First Girlfriend Is a Gal Manga Takes a Break for a Happy Reason

We’ve got some news that’s both sweet and a little surprising. After a solid ten-year run without a single break, the romantic comedy manga Hajimete no Gal (My First Girlfriend Is a Gal) is finally hitting the pause button. But don’t worry, it’s for the best possible reason.

A Decade-Long Streak Comes to a (Temporary) End

Can you imagine working on the same project for ten years straight without a single official hiatus? That’s exactly what creator Meguru Ueno has been doing with his popular series in Monthly Shōnen Ace. The announcement from the magazine’s staff revealed the manga is on an extended hiatus.

The reason? Ueno is on paternity leave. Talk about a plot twist worthy of a rom-com itself!

Ueno shared a message saying his household is happily spending time together after the birth. It’s a heartwarming reminder that life, and new little characters, sometimes take priority.

Clarifying the Confusion

Now, here’s where things got a bit funny. The initial magazine post led some fans to assume Ueno was a woman taking maternity leave. Ueno later personally took to social media to set the record straight: he is a man, and yes, he is on paternity leave.

We have to admit, it’s a refreshing change from the usual industry news. A creator stepping back for family? We’re all for it.

What’s the Story About Again?

For those who need a refresher (or are discovering this for the first time), let’s recap the hilarious premise:

• We follow Junichi "Jun" Hashiba, your typical, uncool high school student obsessed with one thing: losing his virginity.
• Pushed by his friends, he gets down on his knees and confesses to the trendy, fashion-conscious "gal" in his class, Yukana Yame.
• Against all odds, she says YES.
• Cue the chaos as Jun navigates a relationship with a girlfriend who is completely out of his league and comfort zone.

It’s a story about awkward firsts, cultural clashes, and the universal panic of teenage dating. Simple, relatable, and packed with humor.

When Can We Expect Its Return?

Mark your calendars! The manga is scheduled to make its comeback in the September issue of Monthly Shōnen Ace, which is set to ship in late July.

So, while we’ll miss Jun and Yame’s antics for a few months, we’re sending all our congratulations to the Ueno family. A new baby is a far better reason for a hiatus than creator burnout or health issues, don’t you think?

The series, which began in November 2015, even had a TV anime adaptation in 2017, so its fanbase is well-established. This short break is well-deserved.

What do you think about creators taking proper paternity leave? Is it something you’d like to see more often in the industry? Let us know your thoughts!