On January 5, manga artist Yoichiro Tanabe apologized for posting an image edited using generative AI that was based on a photograph of an idol active in Japan. The image drew intense backlash on social media, where many users condemned it as “AI sexual harassment.”

👉Yoichiro Tanabe’s X account

👉【Photos】Japanese Idol Targeted in the AI Image Incident

Tanabe, who has previously worked on idol themed manga for youth oriented magazines, had posted the image on his X account on January 3. The image was an AI modified photo of a member of the idol group STU48. Following the post, another member of the group publicly demanded that the image be removed, prompting a surge of criticism online.

In response, Tanabe released a written statement titled “Regarding My Recent Inappropriate Post,” in which he offered an apology. He wrote that he deeply regretted causing discomfort and acknowledged several failings, including a lack of awareness regarding portrait rights, insufficient understanding of generative AI usage, and an arrogant misjudgment of appropriate boundaries with idols he worked with professionally.

He further stated that he had deleted the related posts and suspended all business dealings with the idol group he was involved with.

Details of the AI Image and Reactions From STU48 Members

According to additional information, Tanabe had used xAI’s AI system Grok to edit a photo of STU48 member Riko Kudo, applying sexualized modifications after instructing the AI to add a scarf around her neck and dress her in a bikini. Although the post has since been deleted, Tanabe initially explained that the image was intended as drawing reference material.

Kudo responded by posting messages expressing her discomfort using emojis. Despite this, the image was not immediately removed. This led fellow STU48 member Mai Nakamura to publicly urge Tanabe to delete the post, stating that such content was not amusing and should not be shared on a platform accessible to anyone.

On the same day, STU48 released an official statement on its website addressing AI generated images and videos involving its members. The group stated that such acts constitute a serious violation of members’ portrait and publicity rights regardless of whether photographs were used as a basis, and emphasized that the management would take a firm stance against unauthorized uploads in the future. The statement also noted that the group would cooperate with other agencies when addressing similar issues involving idols from different organizations.

Source : ORICON NEWS