The plot of “Act-Age” revolved around Kei Yonagi, a young woman with an innate talent for acting but a challenging personal life. The story explored his journey into the world of acting, highlighting his personal struggles, his growth as an artist, and overcoming obstacles on his path to success in theater. The series was known for its unique approach to performance art and character building, which made it appealing to many readers.

However, the promising trajectory of “Act-Age” was interrupted by an unexpected turn of events. In August 2020, author Tatsuya Matsuki was arrested on charges of child sexual abuse. This event resulted in the immediate cancellation of the series, leaving fans with a feeling of surprise and disappointment. The series gained popularity and was considered one of the rising stars of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine.

It was mentioned that “Act-Age” still had anime adaptation plans in the works before its cancellation. This leak excited fans and further fueled the hype around the series. The cancellation put on hold the possibility of seeing the story of Kei Yonagi and his world on screen, which added a bittersweet flavor to the story of “Act-Age.”

Despite its abrupt end, the “Act-Age” compiled volumes are still available for those who wish to explore the story that could have been. The series' cancellation remains a reminder of how events beyond one's control can impact the fate of a promising work in the manga industry.

On this third anniversary of its cancellation, fans remember “Act-Age” as a series that showed potential and creativity, but also as a story that was left unfinished due to unexpected circumstances.

©宇佐崎 しろ (著), マツキ タツヤ (原著) / SHUEISHA