Japanese media outlet NHK reported today (June 20) that Aichi Prefectural Police recently arrested three individuals—two men and a woman—on suspicion of violating the Copyright Act. The trio was allegedly involved in possessing and intending to sell counterfeit "Weekly Shonen Jump" magazines, specifically rare issues featuring the first appearances of popular manga series, which are often resold at high prices in the collector's market. According to police sources, all three arrested individuals are Taiwanese.
The three are suspected members of a group specializing in selling fake manga magazines. On June 18, Aichi police raided a location in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, where they discovered a counterfeit 1997 issue of "Weekly Shonen Jump"—the very one that featured the debut chapter of "One Piece."
Magazines featuring the inaugural chapters of popular manga are considered "dream items" among fans, naturally commanding exorbitant prices. Police suspect the group also used online second-hand e-commerce platforms to sell other counterfeit first-chapter issues of popular manga. Authorities noted the fakes were remarkably well-produced and are currently tracing the origins of their manufacture and distribution.
Minoru Tomishige, Section Chief of Shueisha's Intellectual Property Department, stated, "The ease of selling items on auction sites is one reason for the proliferation of fakes. Most people who buy these magazines are passionate fans who deeply love these works and their creators. Exploiting that passion to sell counterfeits is truly unforgivable. We want everyone to understand that counterfeit products do exist, and to please refrain from purchasing such illegal pirated goods."
While media reports did not disclose specific details about the Taiwanese individuals, only mentioning their ages ranged from their twenties to their sixties, profiting from the sale of pirated goods in Japan undoubtedly casts a shadow on Taiwan's reputation internationally.
via： NHK