Yoshihiro Togashi Hunter x Hunter is a treasure trove of intricate storytelling, world-building, and subtle details that captivate its audience. Among its many layers of complexity is the unique writing system used throughout the series, Hunter Script, a fictional alphabet that adds a subtle otherworldly quality to an already surreal environment. This rune-like script appears on Hunter licenses, plates, and documents, fitting perfectly into the narrative and providing fans with a puzzle-like element to decode. Some might assume these are just random symbols meant to mean text, but Hunter x Hunterthe original written language of is not entirely fictional.
Hunter x Hunter follows the exploits of the world’s elite adventurers as they pursue their heart’s desires using the access and power granted to them by the Hunter Association. Initially introduced as a decorative element to give the world Hunter x Hunter a distinct cultural identity, Hunter Script quickly became a fundamental visual tool. Togashi cleverly uses the script to create an air of mystery while also grounding the fantastical setting with his own unique linguistic system. This element reflects the series’ broader themes of discovering and understanding hidden knowledge.
Hunter x Hunter’s hieroglyphics are actually coded messages
Decoding the language is easy, but requires effort
THE Hunter x Hunter writing system operates as a replacement cipher for Japanese kana—hiragana and katakana, the phonetic components of Japanese writing. Each symbol corresponds to a specific kana, which means that the signs and written means that decorate the environment can be translated into actual Japanese words and phrases. This system links the fantastical elements of Togashi’s world to a real-world linguistic structure, adding authenticity while still existing as a fantasy. Those who crack the cipher can uncover hidden messages and gain deeper insight into the world, which encourages audience engagement beyond the surface story.
The writing system also fits into the broader linguistic diversity of the Hunter x Hunter universe, which features more than 200 languages. Togashi’s fictional script appears to dominate most countries as a common language, but others – such as real-world English and Japanese – exist alongside it. For example, English signage prevails on the Black Whale, the cruise ship at the center of the ongoing War of Succession arc. Meanwhile, the Kurta Clan and Feitan’s homeland each have their own invented languages. These details further engage readers in a world that feels vast and inhabited while also testing the limits of imagination.
Creating his own writing system shows Togashi’s attention to detail
Even the smallest details have meaning in the author’s masterpiece
Togashi’s creation of an entirely new language is not surprising, as he is known for his obsession with wordplay. His works are often filled with puns and double entendres that provide an additional layer of thematic resonance. Most of the references are clever reworkings of real-world iconography, such as Yorknew City and Pariston Hill, anagrams of New York and Paris Hilton, respectively. Names like Knuckle, Shoot, and Palm are baseball pitches, but they also have double meanings that reflect aspects of their character. Palm, for example, is also named for its resemblance to a palmist or fortune teller.
However, fans shouldn’t believe that these details exist just for fun. A recent chapter of Hunter x Hunter proved that Hunter Script knowledge adds important details that would not otherwise be conveyed in the story. In chapter #406, Chrollo is using one of the Nen abilities provided by his Skill Thief to search for someone in the Black Whale. However, the only explanation of how this ability works is given on an open page in Chrollo’s book, and readers must translate it from the Hunter Script if they don’t want to miss important details.
THE Hunter x Hunter the alphabet and linguistic structure further illustrate Togashi’s genius for telling compelling stories. Every detail in Hunter X Hunter it has meaning, even with Togashi’s penchant for deliberately “loose” conspiracies. By combining fictional elements with real-world parallels, it bridges the gap between fantasy and reality. The writing system isn’t just an aesthetic choice, it’s a narrative tool that deepens the series’ thematic resonance and highlights its intricate worldbuilding. Decoding the alphabet and exploring the language is a rewarding exercise and reflects Hunter x Hunter’and central themes of exploration and intellectual curiosity.