Shogakukan Apologizes to Its Own Serialized Manga Artists Over “Joujin Kamen” Controversy, Admits Betrayal of Trust

Shogakukan has issued a new statement regarding the Joujin Kamen (JP: 常人仮面) controversy, apologizing not only to readers but also to its own serialized manga artists. On the 28th, the publisher released an official statement addressing problems surrounding the appointment of the original author of the Manga ONE series Joujin Kamen, and extended an apology to unrelated creators currently publishing with the company.

The controversy began on the 27th, when the Manga ONE editorial department announced that it had suspended digital distribution of Joujin Kamen and halted shipments of its collected volumes. In a statement titled “Explanation and Apology Regarding the Suspension of Joujin Kamen,” the editorial team reported that there were issues in the decision to appoint the original author and in its internal confirmation process. It also disclosed that Hajime Ichiro (一路一), credited as the original creator of Joujin Kamen, is the same individual as Shoichi Yamamoto (山本章一), author of Daten Sakusen (堕天作戦).

Admission of Responsibility and Human Rights Concerns

According to the previous explanation, serialization of Daten Sakusen was discontinued in 2020 after Yamamoto was arrested, summarily indicted, and fined. However, in 2022, the Manga ONE editorial department launched a new series, Joujin Kamen, based on an original work credited under the different pen name Hajime Ichiro. The editorial department acknowledged that the individual should not have been appointed as the original author and offered a direct apology to the victim, stating that it takes its responsibility very seriously.

The department also apologized to readers, to Eri Tsuruyoshi, the illustrator of Joujin Kamen, to contributing authors, and to all related parties for the distress and inconvenience caused.

In its new statement released on the official website, Shogakukan further clarified that Shoichi Yamamoto, author of Daten Sakusen, had been arrested and summarily indicted for violating the Act on Regulation and Punishment of Acts Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, specifically for production offenses, and had received a fine, leading to the suspension of his earlier series. Despite this, the company appointed him as the original author of Joujin Kamen under a different pen name. The publisher admitted that he should not have been appointed.

The statement emphasized that sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and all forms of human rights violations are never permissible. It acknowledged that there were serious flaws in the decision to appoint the original author and in the confirmation system, which led to the suspension of distribution and shipments. The company described the matter as a serious case that calls into question its supervisory responsibility and admitted a lack of adequate awareness regarding human rights and compliance.

Investigation Committee and Future Measures

Shogakukan announced that, in order to prevent a recurrence, it will establish an investigative committee including external legal counsel. The committee will promptly clarify the facts and causes, including the process that led to the launch of the serialization and the extent of editorial involvement in settlement discussions. After completing the investigation, the company will report its findings, impose strict disciplinary measures, and formulate and implement preventive measures.

The company also stated that, above all, it should have prioritized consideration for the victim and expressed sincere regret for failing to adequately empathize with her feelings.

In addition, following the controversy, creators currently serialized on Manga ONE and other Shogakukan platforms have reportedly strongly demanded suspension and halting of updates on Manga ONE. In closing its statement, Shogakukan apologized once again to Eri Tsuruyoshi, who is responsible for the artwork of Joujin Kamen, to creators publishing across its media platforms, and to related parties, acknowledging that it had betrayed the trust built to date. The company also renewed its apology to readers who have supported Shogakukan works.

Source : ORICON NEWS