Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter is a treasure trove of intricate storytelling, world-building, and nuanced 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, signs, and documents, blending seamlessly into the narrative and providing fans with a puzzle-like element to decode. Some might assume that these are just random symbols meant to signify text, but Hunter x Hunter’s original written language is not entirely fictional.

Hunter x Hunter follows the exploits of the world’s most elite adventurers as they search for their hearts’ desires using the access and power afforded to them by the Hunter Association. Initially introduced as a decorative element to give the world of Hunter x Hunter a distinct cultural identity, Hunter Script quickly became a key visual tool. Togashi cleverly uses the script to create an air of mystery while simultaneously grounding the fantastical setting with its own unique linguistic system. This element mirrors the series’ broader themes of discovery 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 substitution cipher for Japanese kana—hiragana and katakana, the phonetic components of Japanese writing. Each symbol corresponds to a specific kana, meaning that the signs and written media that decorate the environment can be translated into real Japanese words and sentences. This system ties 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-level story.

These photos display Hunter X Hunter's alphabet (above) and its translation to Japanese kana (below), as glimpsed in the commercial bumpers of season 1, episode #26, "Then x And x After". Please note that in the photo below the subtitles reflect the Roman alphabet rather than a translation in Romaji; Hunter X Hunter's alphabet does not translate directly to English.

The writing system also fits within the broader linguistic diversity of the Hunter x Hunter universe, which features over 200 languages. Togashi’s fictional script appears to dominate most countries as a common language, but others—like real-world English and Japanese—exist alongside it. For instance, English signage is prevalent on the Black Whale, the cruise ship at the center of the ongoing Succession War arc. Meanwhile, the Kurta Clan and Feitan’s homeland each have their own unique, made-up tongues. These details further immerse readers in a world that feels vast and lived-in, while still testing the boundaries of imagination.

Creating His Own Writing System Shows Togashi's Attention to Detail

Even the Smallest Details Have Meaning in the Author's Masterwork

Togashi’s creation of a brand-new language is not surprising, as he’s known for his own obsession with wordplay. His works are often littered with puns and double entendre that provide an additional layer of thematic resonance. Most references are clever reworkings of real-world iconography, like Yorknew City and Pariston Hill, anagrams for New York City and Paris Hilton respectively. Names like Knuckle, Shoot, and Palm are all baseball pitches, but also have double meanings that reflect aspects of their character. Palm, for example, is also named so for her similarity to a palm reader or psychic.

However, fans should not believe that these details are there just for fun. A recent chapter of Hunter x Hunter proved that knowledge of Hunter Script adds important details that are otherwise not conveyed by the story. In chapter #406, Chrollo is using one of the Nen Abilities provided by his Skill Thief to search for someone on the Black Whale. However, the only explanation of how this ability works is given in an open page of Chrollo's book, and readers must translate it from Hunter Script if they don't want to miss key details.

The ability is called "Koi no Dial 6700", a reference to a popular Japanese J-pop song, and it allows the to search for an "ideal partner" by inputting specific criteria."

The Hunter x Hunter alphabet and linguistic framework further illustrate Togashi’s genius for immersive storytelling. Every detail in Hunter X Hunter has meaning, even with Togashi’s penchant for deliberately “loose” plotting. By combining fictional elements with real-world parallels, he 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 enhances its intricate world-building. Decoding the alphabet and exploring the language is a rewarding exercise and reflects Hunter x Hunter’s core themes of exploration and intellectual curiosity.