In the biggest scandal to rock the manga world in 2026, Shogakukan is in hot water following its confirmation of a sexual abuser writing under a different pseudonym. Kazuaki Kurita, who originally wrote Daten Sakusen or "Operation Fallen Angel" (under Shoichi Yamamoto pseudonym) was confirmed to be working again for Shogakukan's MangaONE service under a second pseudonym.
With the revelation about Kurita's actions, particularly the resolution of the civil trial on February 20, 2026, it was shocking to see him allowed on as staff again for his new series, Jojin Kamen aka "Ordinary Mask". Shogakukan has since released a statement on February 28, confirming suspension of the series' distribution, setting up an internal investigation, amid backlash from, among others, One-Punch Man's creator.
One-Punch Man Creator Joined by Iconic Manga Voices Condemning MangaONE
Iconic One-Punch Man webcomic and Shogakukan's Mob Psycho 100 creator ONE recently tweeted a strong statement denouncing the prospect of teaming up with MangaONE. Later, the writer/artist also shared Shogakukan's confirmation that appointing Kurita under this pen name should never have been done, with an apology to the victim who brought up a civil case against resuming Kurita's other work.
"MANGA ONE, I can't team up with people who can't clearly state their strong condemnation of sexual harm against minors. That's a given. Waiting for the disclosure of circumstances by the relevant parties. I also want Shogakukan to support them if they take that action."
-Tomohiro, aka ONE
In addition to being retweeted by One-Punch Man's manga artist, Yusuke Murata, ONE stands among a growing chorus including Rumiko Takahashi, creator of Inuyasha, Ranma ½, and Urusei Yatsura. But perhaps one of the most intrepid posts was by Sumi Eno, creator of After God whose work is published on MangaONE. In her post, she alleges an editor-involved cover-up.
"If the people who tried to cover up Mr. Kurita's crimes continue to be involved with MangaONE, it will be impossible to continue the series."
-Sumi Eno
Kurita's actions are indicated via his previous arrest and summary order to pay ¥300,000 in fines for violating the Child Pornography Prohibition Act in February 2020, the 2022-2026 civil trial's conclusion where he admitted to his crimes, and editor Takuya Narita, who allegedly attempted to arrange a bribe to the victim in exchange for her silence and to withdraw an appeal against Kurita's manga continuing.
The actions of Kurita and their maximum sentences, as compiled by Eno, include:
- Non-consensual Sexual Intercourse resulting in Injury (six years or more, up to Life)
- Non-consensual Sexual Intercourse (five to 20 years)
- Non-consensual Indecent Assault (six months to 10 years)
- Filming Sexually Explicit Material (three years or less, to fine of ¥3 million or less)
- Coercion in Violation of Child Pornography Prohibition Act (three years or less)
- Assault (two years or less, ¥300,000 or less)
- Injury (15 years or less, ¥500,000 or less)
- Confinement (three months to seven years)
Kurita was fined for possession of CSAM, which he knowingly created. In light of these events and allegations, especially since Jojin Kamen began in December 2022 with Kurita contributing under the pseudonym Ichiro Hajime, Shogakukan's investigation is intended to look into the following:
- Ascertain all the facts about the cancellation of Daten Sakusen.
- Investigate the start of Jojin Kamen's serialization.
- Look into the involvement of the editor, allegedly Narita, who attempted to negotiate with the victim.
- Implement disciplinary action against all implicated in MangaONE's editorial department and evaluate its hiring process.
- Install measures to prevent recurrence of this matter.
In this process, Shogakukan appears to be taking actions to prevent platforming abusive creators unknowingly, and to prevent future circumstances where editorial staff create loopholes to potentially protect known abusers. In this case, unfortunately, their investigation has already turned up additional creators operating under pseudonyms.
Shogakukan's Investigation Has Confirmed Another Offender's Identity
While the greater internal investigation is ongoing, Shogakukan issued a new update on March 2 confirming that, on top of specifically condemning sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and other human rights violations, it established a third-party investigative committee. In light of this investigation, the company revealed another guilty offender, Tatsuya Matsuki (Act-Age) under the pseudonym Miki Yatsunami.
Matsuki, unlike Kurita, has demonstrated remorse for his actions, as his suspended sentence of one year, six months was given after being found guilty of Indecent Assault. The intent of this name change was so that "his old pen name would not evoke memories of the incident among the victims," although the editorial department acknowledges this confirmation may undermine that intent.
This announcement was given with Matsuki's consent, with the creator having taken his sentence seriously, including self-reflection and counseling. While this investigation is ongoing, it's important to stay updated via Shogakukan's website. Any corrections necessary will be reflected on this piece as Shogakukan and MangaONE's investigation continues to develop.
- Release Date
- October 5, 2015
- Network
- YouTube, TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC
- Directors
- Shinichiro Ushijima, Makoto Sokuza, Nobuhiro Muto, Ryoh Ando, Shuuji Miyazaki, Youhei Suzuki, Miyuki Ishida, Katsushi Sakurabi, Hideki Okamoto, Yoshio Suzuki, Hiroyuki Okuno, Riki Fukushima, Shigeki Awai
- Writers
- Tatsuro Inamoto
- Franchise(s)
- One-Punch Man
Cast
-
Makoto FurukawaSaitama (voice) -
Kaito IshikawaGenos (voice)
- Creator(s)
- Yusuke Murata
