Shogakukan Outlines Reforms Following Third-Party Misconduct Investigation

Following an extensive third-party investigation into its Manga ONE editorial department, Shogakukan has publicly acknowledged systemic failures regarding the treatment of creators and staff. The investigation, prompted by the high-profile case involving manga artist Shōichi Yamamoto, uncovered 44 reports of misconduct ranging from sexual violence to severe power harassment. Investigators noted that the publisher frequently prioritized editorial output over human rights, with internal departments failing to coordinate effectively when abuse was reported.

In response to the findings, the company’s executive leadership—including the CEO and board members—will undergo salary reductions of 20% to 50% for the next three months. Beyond these punitive measures, the publisher has committed to a comprehensive overhaul of its corporate culture. This includes the establishment of a dedicated Human Rights Committee, led by senior managing director Kumiko Hanazuka, which will incorporate external experts to ensure accountability and provide an objective check on editorial management.

To prevent future occurrences, Shogakukan is implementing a new grievance system aligned with UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This system is designed to allow victims, including those without direct contractual ties to the company, to report misconduct anonymously. Furthermore, the publisher plans to revise all future contracts with external creators to include explicit human rights clauses, ensuring that the legal and administrative departments have the authority to immediately sever ties with any partner found to be in violation of these standards.

These policy changes also mandate regular human rights training for all staff members, with specialized programs for managers focusing on proper supervision and ethical conduct. Shogakukan has also pledged to offer human rights seminars directly to its roster of authors and freelancers, signaling an intent to address the power imbalances inherent in the creator-publisher relationship.