Shogakukan Announces Findings and Measures Following Investigation into Manga ONE Editorial Department
Japanese manga publisher Shogakukan has announced the findings of a third-party investigation into its Manga ONE editorial department and its involvement with manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto. The investigation found that the company had insufficient systems in place to prevent human rights violations and that editorial decisions were prioritized over the well-being of victims. Shogakukan has since announced measures to address these issues, including the establishment of a human rights policy and
## Investigation Findings Japanese manga publisher Shogakukan has revealed the findings of a third-party investigation into its Manga ONE editorial department and its involvement with manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto. The investigation, which was conducted through dedicated hotlines, received reports of 44 incidents, including suspected cases of sexual misconduct and other misconduct. The committee found that while the company took appropriate action in some cases, its response was insufficient in others. The investigation also found that editorial decisions were prioritized over the well-being of victims, and that coordination between editorial, legal, administrative, and managerial departments did not function sufficiently. The committee specifically criticized Shogakukan for "encouraging and supporting" the violation of a victim's human rights in one case. ## Company Response In response to the investigation findings, Shogakukan has announced a series of measures to address the issues raised. The company will establish a human rights policy and commission, which will be led by senior managing director Kumiko Hanazuka and will include external experts. The commission will be responsible for preventing, mitigating, and correcting human rights violations within the company. Shogakukan will also expand its human rights training program, which will include regular training sessions for employees on respect for human rights, prevention of sexual violence and harassment, victim support, and whistleblowing procedures. Managers will undergo separate training on supervision and guidance, and the company will offer human rights seminars to writers, authors, and freelancers. ## Proposed Measures Shogakukan has proposed several measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. These include: * Formation of the Shogakukan Human Rights Policy and Human Rights Commission * Expansion of human rights training and corporate culture reform * Revised system and process for working with external creators * Strengthening supervisory bodies and systems * Establishing and reforming internal whistleblowing, reporting, and investigating systems Shogakukan has also promised to continually review and renew its preventative measures for effectiveness. ## Background The investigation was sparked by allegations of sexual misconduct against manga creator Shōichi Yamamoto, who was found guilty of violating the Child Prostitution and Pornography Prohibition Act in a separate criminal case. The victim in the case had initially filed a civil suit against Yamamoto, the teaching staff, and the educational corporation that operated the distance-learning high school she attended. Manga ONE and Shogakukan both apologized to readers and other creators who contribute to Manga ONE, stating that they would set up a third-party investigative committee to clarify the facts of the situation. However, many manga creators took to social media to criticize the statements and Shogakukan in general, and many stated they would pull their manga from the Manga ONE platform.
