Systemic power imbalances in Japan's manga industry exposed by Shogakukan scandal
Original framing: “Japan’s manga industry faces a ‘#MeToo moment’ after Shogakukan scandal” — South China Morning Post
Research on workplace harassment and power dynamics in creative industries shows that hierarchical structures and lack of transparency increase the risk of abuse. Studies also indicate that victims are less likely to report when institutional support is weak, as is the case in Japan's manga industry.
The Shogakukan scandal is not an isolated incident but a symptom of deeper systemic issues in Japan's manga industry, including hierarchical power structures, cultural reverence for authority, and weak institutional safeguards.
Drawing from cross-cultural examples in South Korea and India, it is clear that structural reform requires both legal and cultural shifts. Indigenous and artistic traditions offer alternative models of accountability and community-based justice that could be adapted to the creative sector. To prevent future abuse, Japan must implement independent oversight, strengthen legal protections, and promote inclusive hiring and education. The industry's future depends on a systemic transformation that prioritizes ethical governance and the voices of marginalized creators.