Kodansha Issues Public Apology to Cells at Work! Creator Akane Shimizu Following Her Statements

Cells at Work! publisher Kodansha has issued a public apology to manga creator Akane Shimizu after she shared a series of posts on X regarding her working conditions during the serialization of the hit manga.

According to the publisher's official statement, Shimizu raised concerns between July 1 and July 3, 2026, regarding the medical supervision system, her working environment, the conduct of her editor at the time, and credit attribution for derivative works produced after the series ended.

Kodansha Acknowledges Shortcomings

Kodansha stated that although Shimizu had repeatedly requested improvements during the manga's serialization, the company failed to properly establish an adequate medical supervision system and a suitable production environment, including arranging assistants.

The publisher also acknowledged that some spin off works and publications related to animated adaptations were released with credit listings that were not properly confirmed with Shimizu in advance.

The statement reads:
"We sincerely apologize once again for the tremendous burden and emotional distress caused to Ms. Shimizu due to shortcomings in the editorial department's management system and our inappropriate handling of these matters."

Current Discussions Continue

Kodansha explained that the editor involved is no longer assigned to Shimizu, but emphasized that the issue reflects shortcomings in the editorial department's management and oversight rather than the responsibility of a single individual.

The company said it is continuing sincere discussions with Shimizu, involving the relevant departments, to resolve issues related to past events.
Kodansha also stated that it has confirmed a positive support system is now in place for Shimizu and that current and future projects are proceeding while giving top priority to her wishes.

The publisher added that it remains committed to strengthening support systems so that all manga creators can work in a safe creative environment with psychological safety.

Shimizu Responds

Shimizu also commented on X after receiving the apology.

"I would like to inform everyone that I have received a letter of apology from the editorial department. I sincerely appreciate everyone involved for responding to my posts with sincerity. I also deeply apologize for causing concern to everyone who read my posts. Discussions with Kodansha are currently ongoing regarding this matter, and I will continue to respond calmly."

On July 1, Shimizu had shared a chronological account of events dating back to 2014, explaining that it reflected her own perspective based on documents and memories. She emphasized that it was not intended as a definitive judgment of those involved and clarified that the matter was entirely separate from the sexual abuse she had previously disclosed.

After publishing the series of posts, she added another message explaining that discussions with Kodansha were already underway. She also stressed that all current spin off projects, collaborations, licensed works, and new projects are being produced only after receiving her confirmation and approval, and that she has built a positive working relationship with her current editor.

Shimizu explained that after carrying these experiences alone for many years, she felt it was necessary to publicly organize the events from her own perspective, while apologizing for the concern caused to readers and supporters.

Kodansha's Full Statement

Apology Regarding Akane Shimizu's Posts on X

Between July 1 and July 3, 2026, Akane Shimizu, the creator of Cells at Work! published by our company, posted on X regarding the medical supervision system, working environment, the conduct of her editor during the serialization period, including hiatuses, and the credit listings for derivative works published after serialization.

Although Ms. Shimizu repeatedly requested improvements to her working environment during serialization, we failed to properly implement an adequate medical supervision system and establish an appropriate production environment, including arranging assistants.

In addition, there were instances in which Ms. Shimizu was not properly consulted in advance regarding credit listings for certain spin off works and publications related to animated adaptations produced after serialization.

We sincerely apologize once again for the tremendous burden and emotional distress caused to Ms. Shimizu as a result of shortcomings in the editorial department's management system and our inappropriate handling of these matters.

Although the editor involved is no longer assigned to Ms. Shimizu, we recognize that this issue reflects shortcomings in the editorial department's management and oversight, and we take it very seriously.

As Ms. Shimizu also noted in her posts, discussions are currently ongoing between her and the relevant departments within Kodansha in an effort to sincerely resolve issues related to past events.

We have also confirmed that Ms. Shimizu is currently working in a positive environment that prioritizes her wishes regarding editorial support and new projects.
Kodansha is committed to ensuring that all manga creators can focus on their creative work with peace of mind by strengthening support systems and promoting psychological safety. The Sirius Editorial Department will continue working to further improve its support structure for creators.

We once again sincerely apologize to Ms. Akane Shimizu, our readers, and everyone involved for the concern and inconvenience this matter has caused.

Takashi Yamaguchi
Editor in Chief, Sirius Editorial Department
Kodansha Ltd.

Source : ORICON NEWS