Manga artist Kurumada says ex-manager, others embezzled ¥4.6 billion
Masami Kurumada is best known as the creator of the popular manga series "Ring ni Kakero" and "Saint Seiya."
Manga artist Masami Kurumada alleged on Wednesday that former executive and several others allegedly embezzled approximately ¥4.6 billion from three companies he heads. Kurumada, creator of popular manga series "Ring ni Kakero" and "Saint Seiya," stated he was shocked upon learning of the alleged embezzlement. The companies filed a lawsuit seeking ¥2.88 billion in damages, with ¥1.8 billion recovered already.
Kurumada described the betrayal of trust by those entrusted with managing his companies with helplessness and frustration. The former executive oversaw accounting and external negotiations, allegedly transferring funds to personal accounts and arranging for business partners to transfer licensing fees into those accounts between 2018 and 2024.
Six additional individuals are also accused in the scheme, some of which allegedly involved investments in cryptocurrency. The embezzlement was uncovered in February 2024 after the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau flagged it. The former executive admitted to Kurumada that funds had been misappropriated, but claimed his actions were intended to benefit the business.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
