Mangaka Hisashi Eguchi, known for his work on titles like "Perfect Blue," "Roujin Z," and "Sonny Boy," issued a public apology in late 2025. The artist acknowledged using tracing—the technique of copying photos—in a commercial illustration created for a cultural festival in Japan. The controversy began in October, when model and writer Kyū Kanai was surprised to see her own image plastered on posters around the Ogikubo area of Tokyo without her prior knowledge.
Since then, Eguchi explained his creative process and reached an agreement with the model through lawyers. However, due to the negative backlash, major companies like the Lumine department store chain and Denny's Japan removed his illustrations and promised to review future collaborations. As a result, the case has reignited a crucial debate in the art world in 2026: where is the line between reference, inspiration, and copyright infringement in the digital age?
From Apology to Practical Consequences
In his statement on social media, Eguchi got straight to the point. He admitted that for over 40 years, he maintained an analog workflow where tracing photos was part of his initial sketching process. However, the mangaka also acknowledged that he failed to keep up with the social and ethical norms that have evolved over the past few decades. "I clung, unconsciously, to the immature understanding I had in my carefree twenties," he wrote, reflecting on his career. After initial contact, model Kyū Kanai gave her consent for the use of the image, but by then the situation had already blown up into a full-blown scandal.
As a direct result, Lumine Ogikubo pulled all event advertising featuring the artwork. Similarly, Denny's Japan announced a pause in using Eguchi's illustrations in their promotional materials. Thus, the episode serves as a warning for creators worldwide, especially in Brazil, where the fan culture for anime and manga is massive. The debate over originality and the limits of reference is set to remain heated through early 2026, both in Japan and internationally.