Manga Publisher Shokagukan Faces Backlash Over Hiring Convicted Sex Offender

The company employed a writer with a criminal past, leading to outrage and calls for accountability.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:25pm

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The Japanese manga publisher Shokagukan has come under fire after it was revealed that they employed a convicted sex offender, Kazuaki Kurita, to write manga series under a pen name. Kurita was convicted in 2020 under Japan's child pornography laws, but continued publishing on Shokagukan's Manga ONE platform for nearly six years. The publisher has now suspended distribution of Kurita's works and issued an apology, acknowledging failures in its editorial decision-making and verification process.

Why it matters

This scandal highlights ongoing issues in the Japanese entertainment industry around properly vetting contributors and holding those accountable who commit serious crimes. It raises questions about the industry's responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain public trust, especially when dealing with sensitive subject matter like manga aimed at young audiences.

The details

Kurita, who wrote under the pen name Hajime Ichiro, was the author of the popular manga series Jojin Kamen. He also published another series called Daten Sakusen (Operation Fallen Angel) under the pen name Shoichi Yamamoto. Despite his 2020 conviction, Kurita continued publishing on Shokagukan's Manga ONE platform for nearly six years. The publisher's editorial department has now issued an apology, admitting failures in its verification process that allowed Kurita's employment to proceed. Criticism has also intensified over reports that a Manga ONE editor was involved in settlement discussions between Kurita and his victim in 2021.

  • Kurita was convicted under Japan's child pornography law in 2020.
  • Kurita continued publishing manga on Shokagukan's Manga ONE platform for nearly six years after his conviction.
  • On February 20, 2026, Kurita was ordered to pay 11 million yen in damages to his victim.
  • On February 27, 2026, Shokagukan confirmed it has suspended distribution of Kurita's manga series.

The players

Shokagukan

A Japanese manga publisher that publishes popular series like Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Detective Conan.

Kazuaki Kurita

A convicted sex offender who wrote manga series under the pen names Hajime Ichiro and Shoichi Yamamoto for Shokagukan's Manga ONE platform.

Takuya Narita

A Manga ONE editor believed to have mediated between Kurita and his victim in 2021 regarding a settlement agreement.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges the entertainment industry faces in properly vetting contributors and holding those accountable who commit serious crimes. It raises questions about the industry's responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain public trust, especially when dealing with sensitive subject matter.