TOKYO - Hinako Ashihara, the manga artist behind the popular series 'Sexy Tanaka-san', passed away on Monday at the age of 50. Ashihara had openly shared her thoughts and the troubles surrounding the drama adaptation of her work on social media.
A statement mourning Ashihara's death was posted on the Nippon Television Network's website on January 29.
'Sexy Tanaka-san', an ongoing popular manga with over a million copies in circulation, portrays a plain-looking office worker in her forties, Tanaka, who transforms into a seductive belly dancer at night. This quirky love comedy involves the people drawn to her unique charm.
Ashihara debuted in 1994 and has written numerous works, including her well-known series 'Sand Chronicle' and 'Piece', both of which have been adapted into dramas and movies.
'Sexy Tanaka-san' was adapted into a drama by Nippon Television and aired from October to December last year. Ashihara had expressed her excitement about the adaptation on the network's website.
Ashihara said, "I am thrilled about the collaboration with music, dance, and the wonderful cast. There are many things I can't express with my drawings, like the atmosphere of a live show."
Trouble Surrounding the Drama Adaptation of 'Sexy Tanaka-san'
However, a month after the broadcast ended, Ashihara posted on social media about the troubles related to the drama adaptation. The post, which has since been deleted, read:
"I have been struggling with this, but I felt it necessary to share the circumstances leading me to write the scripts for episodes 9 and 10. 'Sexy Tanaka-san' might seem like a frivolous love comedy, but it's a manga I've carefully created with my editor, hoping to warmly and strongly connect with people struggling with low self-esteem. I wanted the drama adaptation to be 'faithful to the manga.' If it deviated, I insisted on making necessary amendments. The original ending for the drama, which is still an incomplete manga, had to be prepared by the original author, from the synopsis to the dialogue."
Significant Alterations Despite Prior Agreements
Ashihara had insisted that the drama's content should not affect the ongoing manga series and requested no changes to her original material. These conditions were repeatedly confirmed with Nippon Television through Shogakukan, the publisher acting as the original work's agent.
Ashihara mentioned, "I understood it was a disrespectful condition to the drama's production staff, so I had Shogakukan confirm with Nippon Television if they were really okay with it."
Despite these agreements...
"Every time, plots and scripts that significantly altered the manga were submitted. I pleaded repeatedly to stop if it meant erasing the uniqueness of my work 'Sexy Tanaka-san.' After much insistence and revisions, I managed to ensure the scripts for episodes 1 to 7 remained mostly true to the original."
Due to these repeated interactions, Ashihara decided to write the scripts for episodes 9 and 10 herself.
"I understand some may be dissatisfied with the scripts for episodes 9 and 10. I still don't know what the best decision was, but I apologize from the bottom of my heart."
Ashihara's confessions led to a debate on social media among fans and manga artists who have experienced drama adaptations.
Ashihara deleted her series of posts on January 28th, saying, "I didn't mean to attack anyone. I'm sorry."
According to Tokyo polioce, a missing person report was filed by her company associates on the night of the 28th, and her death was confirmed in Tochigi Prefecture on the 29th. The circumstances at the scene suggest suicide.
Source: ANN
