The biggest news in the manga industry last year must be the arrest of Nobuhiro Watsuki (和月 伸宏), the famed artist who writes and illustrates global hit Rurouni Kenshin (るろうに剣心).
Despite Watsuki’s much respected artistry and writings about Bushido and redemption, he has been degraded to just a dangerous lolicon after police found child porn DVDs at his home and office in October 2017. Long after his arrest, the case is finally settled today.
Watsuki is fined 200,000 yen, which is approximately $1866 USD, and he is free to leave afterwards.
Right: Nobuhiro Watsuki
（Source: kenshin_himura620)
In Japan, a person found guilty of keeping child porns has to spend either at most a year in jail or at most one million yen of fine.
Instead of rejoicing over the possible continuation of the manga, most Japanese netizens are disappointed at this adjudication, saying the punishment is too mild for such a serious crime, and for a wealthy artist who probably doesn’t care about paying a fine that’s even less than a mangaka assistant’s monthly salary.
Rurouni Kenshin’s Hokkaido arc was serialised on Jump Square until taken down in December 2017 following the arrest. The publisher has yet to confirm Watsuki’s return after he is set free, but earlier they did say the company “takes the issue seriously”.
Even if Watsuki can walk free, he is possibly not the mangaka we once loved. In a country where social status means a lot, in a country where formal apologies and even more are expected for any mistakes exposed publicly, it is impossible for him to be “entirely forgiven” – sales concerning the Kenshin franchise are likely to drop, companies are reluctant to hire him for whatever kinds of jobs.
Mainstream opinions have considered Watsuki “socially dead”. To those who have been waiting for Kenshin’s comeback, it may be better to prepare yourself for disappointment.
▍Japanese netizens comments
“社会的に死んだようなもんだし。まあ金もってるから平気だろうけど。”
(“He seems to be socially dead, but he has money so it will be fine.”)
“社会的地位は死んだけどカネはあるからなw”
(“Socially dead but still has money lol.”)
“こいつを擁護してる奴頭大丈夫か?
三次だから現実に被害者がいるんだぞ?
二次ならロリだのなんでも好きでも良いが三次に手を出したら駄目だろ”
(“Is it really okay to defend this guy?
There are victims in reality right?
You can do whatever you like to Loli in 2D, but it’s not okay to get your hands on real children.”)
“この国はもうダメだ。”
(“This country is so done.”)
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