Explanation and Apology Regarding the Suspension of Distribution for ‘Joujin Kamen’
We would like to take this opportunity to explain the situation regarding ‘Joujin Kamen’. Due to issues with the decision to employ the original author and the verification system, we have suspended distribution and halted shipment of the tankōbon volumes.
The original author, Hajime Ichiro, is the same person as Yamamoto Shoichi, the author of Daten Sakusen.
In 2020, following Mr Yamamoto’s arrest, summary indictment and subsequent fine, we discontinued the serialisation of ‘Daten Sakusen’.
However, in 2022, the Manga One editorial department initiated a new serialisation titled ‘Ordinary Man Mask’ under the original author name Hajime Ichiro. It is my professional opinion that this author should not have been engaged as the original creator. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere apologies to all those who were adversely affected. As an editorial department, we take this responsibility extremely seriously.
We would like to express our sincere apologies for the significant concern and inconvenience this matter has caused our readers, the illustrator of “Joujin Kamen,” Eri Tsuruyoshi, the contributing writers, and all other involved parties.
Manga One Editorial Department
In relation to the ongoing settlement negotiations in the civil lawsuit between Mr. Yamamoto and the complainant, the editorial department wishes to clarify that it has no intention of becoming involved as an organisation. However, at the request of both parties, an editor did join a group chat on a messaging app. Prior to this participation, the conditions had already been discussed between the parties involved. The editor recommended that the parties retain legal counsel and prepare a notarised document. The editorial department demonstrated an inadequate understanding of the gravity of this matter and its grasp of the information, constituting inappropriate handling. We would like to express our sincere apologies for this regrettable incident and we are committed to working with you to ensure that this issue does not happen again.
Source : ORICON NEWS