On the 27th, the production committee for GACHIAKUTA the Stage released an official statement on its website in response to feedback regarding certain expressions used in the planning and presentation of the stage adaptation.

The statement said:
“Regarding certain expressions used in GACHIAKUTA the Stage, we have received various comments and feedback. We would like to clearly state that neither this production nor any individuals involved in its creation have any intention to discriminate against, demean, or show disregard for any race, ethnicity, or culture.”

It continued:
“This production is a fictional work adapted for the stage while respecting the worldview of the original manga. With regard to the characters, we confirmed with the original author whether specific nationalities or racial backgrounds were defined in the source material. The visual design of the characters and the expressive choices made in this production are not modeled after, or intended to depict, any particular race, ethnicity, or culture, but are instead creative expressions developed within the fictional world of the work.”

The statement further emphasized:
“Furthermore, casting and directorial decisions were made without any intent to exclude or discriminate based on race or nationality. These decisions were carefully considered by the production committee, with priority given to each performer’s expressive ability and suitability for the role, and were made in consultation with both the original author and the director.”

It concluded with a request:
“We respectfully request that all discussions regarding this production refrain from slander, harassment, or statements that undermine the dignity of individual cast or staff members. The entire production team remains fully committed to this work and will continue to approach it with sincerity, striving to create a stage production that can be enjoyed with confidence by a diverse global audience. We appreciate your continued understanding and support for GACHIAKUTA the Stage.”

Regarding the stage adaptation, some overseas fans have voiced criticism on social media, questioning casting choices related to characters depicted with dark skin. On X, comments from international users included statements such as, “Unintentional racism is still racism,” and “Why weren’t Black actors cast?”

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Overview of Gachiakuta

Gachiakuta is a battle action manga centered on Rudo, an orphan boy born in a slum inhabited by the descendants of criminals. The series began serialization in Weekly Shonen Magazine published by Kodansha in February 2022.
A television anime adaptation produced by Bones Film is scheduled to air and stream starting in July 2025, running for two consecutive cours, with production of a second season already announced.

Source : ORICON NEWS