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Rifujin na Magonote, the author of the Mushoku Tensei series, faced backlash on social media after posting a comment suggesting that readers might enjoy a work more if they know little about its creator.
The post appeared amid ongoing controversy surrounding Manga One and revelations about a manga creator previously convicted in a sexual assault case involving a minor.
The statement quickly drew criticism from readers online. Some argued that separating a work from its creator might be easier when the personal information involved is trivial, such as an author’s hobbies or preferences, but that the same reasoning becomes difficult to accept when the discussion involves criminal acts.
Many framed the comment as appearing insensitive in light of the ongoing debate surrounding the Manga One case, with responses criticizing the idea that a creator could continue publishing under a different name after a conviction, noting that readers might unknowingly purchase works that financially benefit the offender. The possibility of victims indirectly supporting such a creator through sales was also raised as a concern.
The author’s timing of the statement was also called out, saying that it demonstrated poor awareness of the situation unfolding within the manga industry.
Following the backlash, Rifujin na Magonote posted a clarification stating that his earlier comment was not intended as a defense of the perpetrator involved in the case or of the publisher. He wrote that if the post had been interpreted that way, he wished to reject that interpretation.
The author said he believes the incident was extremely tragic and absolutely unforgivable. He also stated that individuals must strongly discipline themselves to avoid committing crimes, even minor ones.
Rifujin added that he has no criminal record but explained that he struggles with low self-esteem and sometimes feels that people may come to dislike him the more they learn about him personally.
According to the author, those feelings led him to make the earlier remark, and he apologized to anyone who felt uncomfortable or misunderstood his intent.
I personally have no criminal record, but I do have low self-esteem, and I sometimes feel that the more people get to know me, the more they might come to dislike me. It was from those feelings that I made such a statement. I believe some people may have felt uncomfortable or misunderstood my intentions. I sincerely apologize.
Rifujin na Magonote
Shogakukan is already facing a lot of backlash for the cover up involving Jojin Kamen creator, with fellow artists and authors calling out the publisher for its actions and pulling their works from Manga One platform.
