The controversy surrounding publisher Shogakukan's manga app, Manga One, continues to escalate after it was revealed that manga artist Shoichi Yamamoto (real name: Kazuaki Kurita), who was previously convicted of sexually assaulting a high school girl, was publishing a new series on the platform under a different name. The decision has drawn widespread condemnation, with many directing their anger at Shogakukan for what they see as a major ethical lapse.
In response to the growing firestorm, Japanese House of Councillors member and former manga artist Ken Akamatsu issued a statement that has been widely praised by netizens as "pushing the boundaries of what a politician could say." The Japan Cartoonists Association has also released a formal statement, taking a serious stance on the matter.
(Previously: Shogakukan Apologizes After Backlash for Hiring Sex Offender Artist Under New Name, But Critics Slam It as Deflection)
Speaking as both a politician and a former manga artist, Ken Akamatsu based his comments on Shogakukan's official explanation of the events.
He began by expressing his condolences to the victim and her family, emphasizing that acts causing such indelible physical and psychological harm are a serious transgression of basic human decency. Akamatsu noted that the perpetrator had been arrested, summarily prosecuted, and fined for the crime. He criticized the editor's subsequent involvement in an out-of-court settlement as inappropriate and described the decision to let the artist resume work under a new name as "far too careless." He stated that while rehabilitation is important, this was not the way to handle it.
Akamatsu acknowledged that as a member of the Diet, commenting on a private company's affairs could be seen as political pressure and should typically be avoided. However, drawing on his background as a manga creator, he offered three key recommendations:
① An external investigative body should be established.
He pointed out that Shogakukan has been embroiled in several recent controversies and that its "initial responses" have consistently caused unease within the manga community. He questioned whether a third-party investigative body should be formed to review and improve the company's practices.
② The illustrator is innocent.
The controversy stems from the actions of the original story writer; the illustrator is completely uninvolved and has been unfairly caught in the crossfire. Akamatsu argued that the illustrator should receive some form of compensation.
③ Do not attack artists who chose not to join the boycott.
While many manga artists have chosen to halt their series on the app in protest, Akamatsu stressed that criticizing those who have not is "completely wrong." He warned against this behavior, calling it a form of "runaway justice" that must be restrained.
Akamatsu also highlighted a systemic issue in the industry that this case has brought to light: the lack of established protocols for when one creative partner in a writer-artist duo is involved in a scandal. He noted that the writer and illustrator in this case had only met once.
He argued that it is time for the manga world to seriously address these questions: What compensation mechanisms should be in place for the uninvolved partner? Should the creator be replaced? How should a project be handled if the writer and artist have a conflict?
Manga artist Makoto Raiku, creator of *Zatch Bell!* which was serialized in a Shogakukan magazine, publicly thanked Akamatsu for addressing the issue, stating, "As a manga artist, I know I made the right choice in voting for you."
Many netizens echoed this sentiment: "For a politician, he's walking a tightrope by speaking out, which is commendable." "Only someone like Akamatsu-sensei could say this." "You can tell he's incredibly angry, but he's still being rational."
Akamatsu's carefully measured yet firm response has been seen as a stark contrast to Shogakukan's widely criticized apology, demonstrating a much greater level of maturity in handling the sensitive issue.
The Japan Cartoonists Association also released a formal statement:
According to media reports, a manga artist was involved in a sexual harassment incident, and the publisher's subsequent handling of the matter has also been called into question. While we believe the facts of the case have not yet been fully clarified, we recognize this as an extremely serious issue.
This is not an isolated incident but a problem that the entire manga industry must confront.
We urge the publisher involved to conduct a transparent investigation with full consideration for the dignity and safety of the victim, and to promptly announce the results and concrete measures to prevent a recurrence. Furthermore, we hope they will provide appropriate explanations and assurances to the manga artists who may feel anxious about their future series or contracts due to this incident.
The public outcry has focused on several key points: criticism is aimed primarily at the original writer and the publisher for their poor judgment and for enabling a criminal; the illustrator and other creators are seen as victims; and there is a strong call for the publisher to implement concrete preventative measures and for the industry to establish better systems.
This incident has evolved from a controversy over a single work into a broader discussion about the "structure and systems of the manga industry." Shogakukan's subsequent investigation and response will undoubtedly remain under intense scrutiny.
via： togetter