News On Japan

Manga Artist Hinako Ashihara Passes Away; Shogakukan Pays Tribute

TOKYO, Feb 09 (News On Japan) - Following the death of Hinako Ashihara, the artist behind the popular manga "Sexy Tanaka-san," which was adapted into a TV drama, Shogakukan, the publisher serializing her work, has announced that they are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the script.

Ashihara revealed in January, through social media posts, that there had been a difference in opinion with the production side regarding the script. She was later found dead in Tochigi Prefecture. In response to this tragic event, Shogakukan issued a statement on February 8th, expressing their deepest regrets and stating, "For the adaptation, our responsible group faithfully and sincerely conveyed Ms. Ashihara's wishes to the drama production team." The publisher also committed to investigating the situation to prevent such incidents from happening again.

On the same day, Tomoko Aizawa, who was responsible for the drama's script, posted a comment on her social media. She expressed her shock upon reading about the circumstances disclosed by Ashihara, saying, "I was at a loss for words when I read it, and my mind went blank when I heard of her passing." She also reflected on her previous social media post about the drama's script, admitting, "I should have been more cautious." Aizawa continued, "This is all I can say without knowing the facts, but I sincerely hope that this does not happen again. I apologize for the late expression of my condolences. I pray for the repose of Ms. Hinako Ashihara's soul."

Additionally, Shogakukan posted a statement from the editor in charge of the "Sexy Tanaka-san" manga series on their website. The collective statement from the editors read, "Ms. Ashihara was as sincere and kind as everyone imagines from reading her work, and she was always fair." They expressed regret for making her feel the need to speak up to protect her rights, a situation that should require no courage. "What else could have caused this? Could we have done more? Instead of placing responsibility on an individual, we will continue to review this incident as an organization. We will also look into concrete improvements in the negotiation process between the drama production team and the editorial department, always prioritizing the protection of the original creators in future adaptations," the editors pledged.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provides consultation services for individuals experiencing anxiety or distress. Online searches for "Mamorou Yokokoro" can lead to these resources. Main telephone consultation services include the "Yorisoi Hotline" at 0120-279-338 and the "Mental Health Consultation Unified Dial" at 0570-064-556.

Source: NHK

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Society NEWS

A fire broke out on the morning of April 2nd at a farm in Kamishihoro, a town in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, killing approximately 20 cattle housed in a barn.

A special unit dedicated to investigating "lone offenders"—individuals who commit acts of terrorism without belonging to any specific organization—has been established for the first time in Japan within the Public Security Bureau of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Downtown, the popular comedy duo, has stepped down as official ambassadors for the Osaka-Kansai Expo, according to an announcement by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition.

A tour bus carrying over 20 foreign tourists collided with a van inside the Tokiwa Tunnel on the Dōō Expressway on March 31st, sending several people to the hospital.

In August 1990, two men hiking in the Scottish Highlands captured a striking photo of a silent, diamond-shaped object hovering in the sky—later dubbed "the greatest UFO photo ever taken." A Harrier jet was seen circling the object before it suddenly shot straight up and vanished. (Abroad in Japan)

The Fukuoka Prefectural Police will introduce a new recruitment track for working adults starting next fiscal year, easing both age and physical fitness requirements as part of broader efforts to combat a worsening manpower shortage.

Children on spring break took part in a zazen meditation session at Toshoji Temple in Kiho, Mie Prefecture, on March 28th to help reset their daily routines.

A growing number of women in Japan are choosing men’s-style suits for both comfort and practicality, reflecting a broader shift toward genderless fashion. From school uniforms to police attire, traditional dress codes are evolving as functionality and diversity take center stage in work and daily life.