'Attack on Titan' creator Hajime Isayama discusses regrets over ending

Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan, has shared reflections on the series’ ending, expressing concerns about how the story concluded and how its central character, Eren Yeager, was portrayed.

The statement was displayed at the Attack on Titan Museum in Hita City, Oita Prefecture, offering insight into the creator’s original intentions and later reassessment.

Isayama explained that Eren’s transformation into a character responsible for large-scale destruction was part of a narrative concept he developed early on.

“Eren became a protagonist who committed mass slaughter on a scale rarely seen in other works of fiction. As for why I conceived such a story from the beginning, part of it was my desire to create a narrative with a major twist—where the victim becomes the perpetrator,” he said.

Isayama also reflected on his mindset during the early stages of writing the series. “But a large factor was also my own immaturity and foolishness at the time, when I was in my early twenties,” he added, noting that this perspective influenced the direction of Eren’s character.

He further explained that the story evolved beyond his sole control as its popularity grew. “However, Attack on Titan had long since ceased to be mine alone, and Eren became a character loved by many readers,” he said.

Discussing the ending, Isayama stated, “As a result, I feel there remains a sense of insincerity in the story's conclusion—at least in my own assessment.”

The original manga ending received mixed reactions from sections of the audience, with some describing it as rushed. Additional pages were later included to expand on the conclusion and provide further context.