Shogakukan’s digital manga platform, Manga ONE, is embroiled in a significant scandal as it faces intense scrutiny for rehiring two convicted sex offenders under pseudonyms. Initially, the focus was on Shoichi Yamamoto, but revelations have surfaced regarding Tatsuya Matsuki, the writer of the popular manga Act-Age, who also returned to the industry using a false identity. This has triggered a wave of criticism from fans, artists, and industry insiders, with several prominent manga creators withdrawing their works from the platform in protest.
Tatsuya Matsuki, once regarded as a rising star within the manga community, was the author of Act-Age, a series that debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2018. The narrative centered around a young girl aspiring to become a successful actress, navigating the competitive entertainment industry. The series, illustrated by Shiro Usazaki, quickly gained acclaim for its emotional depth and psychological insights into performance. Plans for adaptations, including a stage play and an anime series, were in the works as its popularity soared.
However, Matsuki’s career came to a sudden halt following his arrest in August 2020 for indecent assault against female middle school students. Reports indicated that he groped multiple girls while riding a bicycle, leading to his conviction later that year. A Tokyo court sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended for three years, citing his remorse and lack of prior offenses. The fallout from these events led to the immediate cancellation of Act-Age, with all volumes removed from stores and digital platforms, and Matsuki’s ties with Shueisha, the publisher, severed.
A Secret Return to Manga
Despite the severe repercussions of his actions, Matsuki’s story took an unexpected turn in 2024 when he was contacted by editors at Shogakukan’s Manga ONE after they discovered a novel he had self-published online. Following internal discussions, the company decided to allow him to write a modern series under the pen name Miki Yatsunami. This new work, titled Seisou no Shinrishi, delved into themes of trauma and mental health.
Critics have condemned this decision, arguing that it obscured vital information from collaborators and readers, especially since the illustrator involved was unaware of Matsuki’s true identity and past offenses. Once the truth emerged, Shogakukan suspended the series and initiated a review of the hiring practices that led to this controversy.
Wider Implications and Backlash
The situation escalated further when it was revealed that Matsuki was not the only offender linked to Manga ONE. Shoichi Yamamoto, another author who had been convicted in 2020 for grooming and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student, was also discovered to have returned to the platform under the alias Hajime Ichiro. His series Jojin Kamen had been serialized since 2022, raising serious concerns regarding Shogakukan’s editorial oversight.
In response to the backlash, several notable creators, including Rumiko Takahashi, who is celebrated for works like Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura, have removed their content from Manga ONE. Other creators, such as Kanehito Yamada, Tsukasa Abe, and Ryuhei Tamura, followed suit, signaling a rare protest from within the manga community. This collective action reflects an industry grappling with ethical standards and accountability.
Community Reactions
Social media reactions have been swift and fierce. Many users have expressed outrage at the notion that convicted offenders could quietly resume their careers in manga. One user on X described the situation as deeply troubling, asserting that a platform for manga should not serve as a refuge for individuals with such serious past offenses. Others have echoed this sentiment, arguing that it undermines trust in the manga community.
As the controversy unfolded, Shogakukan issued an apology, confirming the suspension of Seisou no Shinrishi and announcing the formation of a third-party committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the hiring decisions. The company’s handling of these sensitive issues has raised broader questions about accountability within the manga industry.
The Shogakukan Manga Award ceremony, originally scheduled for early March 2026, was postponed amid the growing criticism. Observers note that this scandal could lead to significant changes in how publishers approach hiring authors with criminal backgrounds, emphasizing the necessity of ethical considerations in creative industries.
The fallout from this scandal is ongoing, and the implications for both Shogakukan and the broader manga community remain to be seen. As the investigation continues, the focus will likely be on ensuring that the safety and well-being of all creators and readers are prioritized moving forward. For now, the manga industry is left to reckon with the consequences of these revelations, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability.
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