The renowned mangaka Hisashi Eguchi is at the center of controversy after being accused of plagiarism. The artist, known for classic works such as Susume!! Pirates and Stop!! Hibari-kun!was pointed out for using a outside photography as a basis for one of their promotional illustrations.
The accusation and the artist's response
The controversy began when the young woman Tamaki Kanai noticed a strong resemblance between a photo of him and an illustration created by Eguchi to promote the event Chuo Line Culture Festival 2025scheduled for October 19. Kanai contacted the artist to clarify the situation, and Eguchi confirmed that he had used his image as a reference, ensuring that he had his consent. However, his explanation published in x (Twitter) did not convince the public.
Criticism for past contradictions
The situation generated even more criticism because Eguchi himself had previously expressed his rejection of the use of real photographs in illustrations, describing this practice as an example of “lack of imagination“When it was confirmed that he himself had done the same, social networks were filled with comments accusing him of hypocrisy.
New accusations and reactions
Another user also claimed that Eguchi had copied a photograph of him for an advertising campaign for the glasses brand. zoff. Although the artist has not responded to this new accusation, several followers have shared comparisons between the images and the published illustrations. Faced with increasing criticism, Eguchi began to delete posts from your account in X without issuing further statements.
Hisashi Eguchi's career
Hisashi Eguchi is considered one of the most influential manga artists in Japan, recognized for his clean and expressive style. He debuted in the 1970s with Susume!! Pirates in the magazine Weekly Shonen Jump. His most popular work, Stop!! Hibari-kun!combines comedy and social criticism, and continues to be a benchmark within classic manga. Additionally, Eguchi has worked on editorial design projects, advertising illustration, and collaborations in the fashion and animation industries.
Do you think the plagiarism accusations will affect the reputation of Hisashi Eguchi within the manga industry?
