Kodansha, the publisher of the weekly Shukan Young Magazine, has issued a public apology for last week’s controversy over the intended printing of a topless picture of Tomomi Kasai, a former member of the idol supergroup AKB48. While the issue with the photo never hit the stands, the announcement of its delay because of an “inappropriate” picture led to a firestorm of debate over decency and child pornography.
The magazine tried to explain the delay as being due to the photo “containing an inappropriate expression,” but in actuality it showed a very young caucasian-looking boy cupping Kasai‘s breasts from behind. Apparently once again trying to side-step the attention around the photo, Kodansha’s apology was actually for the missing issue of the manga magazine and denying its readers the chance to enjoy it. Their explanation for the cancelled issue was due to a “system of insufficient checks prior to publication.”
Tomomi Kasai’s debut photo book, titled Tomo no koto, suki? (“Do you like Tomo?”), is scheduled for release on February 4th, and the alarming picture was to be used as its cover. Kodansha is also the publisher of the photo book, and the plan was for it to be advertised in last week’s issue of Shukan Young Magazine. The issue of the magazine has now been cancelled altogether, and Kodansha adds the photograph with the young boy has been pulled from the forthcoming book. Interestingly, Yahoo Japan’s auctions site has even banned the listing of the now-renown issue of the magazine, making it even harder for those young men who are desperate to track down a copy.
[via Tokyo Reporter]