Hunter × Hunter (stylized as HUNTER×HUNTER; pronounced "Hunter Hunter") is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. It has been serialized in Shueisha's "Weekly Shōnen Jump" since March 1998, although the manga has frequently gone on extended hiatuses since 2006. Its chapters have been collected in 36 "tankōbon" volumes as of October 2018. The story focuses on a young boy named Gon Freecss who discovers that his father, who left him at a young age, is actually a world renowned Hunter, a licensed professional who specializes in fantastical pursuits such as locating rare or unidentified animal species, treasure hunting, surveying unexplored enclaves, or hunting down lawless individuals. Gon departs on a journey to become a Hunter and eventually find his father. Along the way, Gon meets various other Hunters and encounters the paranormal.