Shogakukan Responds to Weekly Magazine Report, Explains Known Facts: “We Do Not Recognize Company-Wide Involvement in Settlement Talks”

Shogakukan updated its official website on the 4th to present its position regarding an article published in the March 12, 2026 issue of the weekly magazine Shukan Bunshun (JP:週刊文春), released on the 5th. The article was titled “The Victim Speaks Out: ‘I Cannot Forgive the Sex-Offending Manga Artist or Shogakukan.’”

The controversy stems from the appointment of the original author for the Manga ONE series Joujin Kamen (original story by Hajime Ichiro, illustrations by Eri Tsuruyoshi). On its website, under a statement titled “Regarding the Report by Shukan Bunshun,” Shogakukan explained its position concerning the article.

Company Statement on Known Facts

Shogakukan stated the facts currently confirmed by the company. According to the statement, in February 2020 Shoichi Yamamoto, the author of Daten Sakusen, was arrested on suspicion of violating the Act on Regulation and Punishment of Acts Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (production). Once the company became aware of this fact, it instructed that the serialization be discontinued.

The company further explained that in 2021, an editor in charge consulted the company’s legal department regarding settlement negotiations between Yamamoto and the victim. Because the company was not a party to the dispute, it instructed that Yamamoto be advised to appoint a lawyer to handle the matter. The company stated that it does not recognize that it was institutionally involved in those settlement negotiations.

Discovery of New Pen Name Serialization

Shogakukan also explained that it first learned on February 25, 2026, after the ruling by the Sapporo District Court, that Yamamoto had resumed serialization under a different pen name. This information was reported to the company by the Manga ONE editorial department.

The company stated that it confirmed the situation for the first time at that point. Following the report, Shogakukan immediately began an internal investigation and has since publicly disclosed the facts that have been identified by both the company and the Manga ONE editorial department.

Establishment of Third Party Investigation

In its concluding remarks, Shogakukan stated that the protection of the victim’s human rights remains its highest priority. In order to clarify the facts, identify the causes of the situation, and obtain recommendations to prevent recurrence, the company has decided to establish an independent third party committee.

Further details regarding the third party committee will be announced at a later date.

Shogakukan concluded the statement by once again offering a sincere apology to the victim. The company also apologized to readers, creators who contribute to its publications, business partners, and all related parties.

Source : ORICON NEWS