Hunter x Hunter – What Is the Most Important Thing in Your Life?
Hunter x Hunter – What Is the Most Important Thing in Your Life?
Hi this is Jennifer from Team Animehood UK.
If you ask me why I chose to watch an anime that first came out in the 90s, you’ll understand by the time you finish reading this review.
Hunter x Hunter is a Japanese manga series written by6 Yoshihiro Togashi. It was first serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump in March 1998. A year later, it was adapted into an anime television series, which now spans six major story arcs.
Now, moving on to the storyline — I will try my best not to spoil too much.
The story begins with a young boy named Gon Freecss. He embarks on a journey to find his father, who left him when he was little. Determined to understand why his father chose his profession over family, Gon decides to follow in his footsteps and become a Hunter.
In the world of Hunter x Hunter, Hunters are licensed elites capable of tracking treasures, exploring dangerous lands, and even pursuing criminals. The series is divided into six major arcs: Hunter Exam, Heavens Arena, Phantom Troupe, Greed Island, Chimera Ant, and Election.
Throughout these arcs, Gon grows tremendously as a character, facing increasingly difficult challenges. Along the way, he meets three close friends:
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Killua, a 12-year-old assassin trying to escape his family’s dark legacy
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Leorio, who aspires to become a doctor but needs money to pay his tuition
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Kurapika, who seeks revenge against those who massacred his entire clan
While the setting may initially feel like a typical shōnen adventure, the themes explored in Hunter x Hunter are far deeper and more complex. The series touches on crime, political conflict, virtual realities, war, invasive species, and moral ambiguity.
What I admire most about Yoshihiro Togashi’s writing is his character development. The main characters are not simply kind-hearted and hot-blooded heroes. They each have layered personalities and emotional depth. There is no absolute “good” or “evil” in this anime — even antagonists have understandable motivations. This makes the story feel more realistic and mature.
Another powerful theme is purpose. Each character has something — or someone — that drives them forward. They remain committed to their goals, even when friendship or emotions are tested. Gon, for example, never wavers from following his father’s path. Watching this made me reflect on my own life: What is the most important thing to me?
That said, while Hunter x Hunter is an excellent series, I do think some parts could have been stronger. The beginning of certain arcs could have been more engaging. In particular, during the Chimera Ant arc, I expected more intense and nerve-wracking fight scenes.
Overall, Hunter x Hunter is absolutely worth watching. I would highly recommend it.
My rating: 8.8/10.
And like many fans, I’m still hoping that one day Yoshihiro Togashi will finish the story where he left off. I’m still waiting…