The debate
on the legal consumption of manga has taken on a much more personal and
profound tone. Kei Urana, the talented author behind the
popular manga Gachiakuta (Gachiakuta), has released a
lengthy statement addressing the problem of piracy, the devaluation of creative
work, and the unacceptable attacks she has received from some alleged
international fans.
The
misconception of "free promotion"
In his
original message, Urana revealed that he spent days researching the economic
situation of various countries to understand why so many people turn to pirate
sites. Although he understands that for many it is impossible to pay for
legitimate copies due to high costs abroad or lack of access, the mangaka was
categorical: reading for free destroys the value of Japanese manga, a legacy
built with the sweat and sacrifice of generations of artists.
I’ve spent the past few days researching the circumstances in different countries, including financial situations.
— 裏那圭◾️KEI URANA (@KEI_URANA) April 20, 2026
I understand that for many people, pirate sites are the only way they can read manga.
I also understand that prices can be higher overseas.
I’ve even seen people…
日本の漫画読者にも海外にも
— 裏那圭◾️KEI URANA (@KEI_URANA) April 21, 2026
礼儀正しく、敬意をもって接してくれる方はめちゃくちゃ多くいます。
日本にも海外にもお互いを侮辱する人もいます。
日本に対する侮辱の中に「原爆」のワードを持ち出している人も見かけました。
わしは原爆を落とされた広島県の出身です。…
The creator
directly challenged the excuse that "piracy is free promotion,"
explaining that "free" gets people used to not paying and decreases
the real value of the work. However, he has not stood idly by. Urana confirmed
that, together with his collaborator Ando and the publishers, they are actively
looking for solutions so that people with fewer resources can enjoy manga
legally, asking for patience while they develop these alternatives.
Cruel
insults and a lesson in peace from Hiroshima
Unfortunately,
Urana's attempt to open a constructive dialogue ran into the toxicity of the
internet. The author revealed that after his first message, he received
unjustified accusations of being "racist" and ruthless insults
directed at Japan, some of which explicitly mocked the atomic bomb attacks.
Far from
responding with anger, Urana, who is originally from Hiroshima Prefecture,
offered a lesson in empathy that touched the otaku community. He
explained that the survivors and adults in his city never taught him to hate or
hold grudges, but rather instilled in him the fundamental principle of "not
repeating" those tragedies. With this powerful message, the
creator of Gachiakuta closed her statement by asking foreign
readers that, just as he tries to understand their economic circumstances, they
also make an effort to understand and respect the perspective and culture of
Japanese artists.
