Toshio Sakothe renowned author of the manga “Usogui“, has caused a stir on social networks after a publication in which He openly criticized those who consume pirated mangaHer message, written in Japanese, quickly became a trending topic, especially among her followers in Latin America, who were quick to feel affected.
In his post, Sako wrote:
- I don't think that those who don't buy the work legally are true fans. For example, if I were to read pirated American comics and then ask the author: 'I read the pirated version and I have questions! Please answer them!' And then I think, 'I read the pirated version, but I made everyone aware of the work, you should thank me.' I would never say something like that to the author.
- Why? Because many Japanese people are ashamed and consider the other person's feelings. Fanatic? A thief is not a fanatic. If there is someone who is proud to be a thief, let him publish his address so that someone can rob him.
Sako's harsh criticism generated a wave of reactions on social media, mostly from readers in Latin American countries.where legal access to manga is often limited. Below are some of the most notable responses:
- «Then license your manga in my country, asshole.».
- «Take it to my country so I can buy it and I'll stop crying».
- «There are many countries that still don't receive your manga, but they want to read it at all costs. I respect your work and the passion with which you created your manga.».
- «While you have a right to be upset about unofficial translations, most people who pirate end up buying the product to support the creator. Piracy is just a way to make sure something is worthwhile before spending money, especially for people with low incomes or from countries with fewer resources, like Argentina, where we can't just buy something to see if we like it or not.».
- «Mr. Sako, many friends have recommended your manga to me, but I haven't read it yet and the only way I would be able to enjoy it is through piracy. I am a student and I have the ambition to one day create a work that is as popular as yours. But if you really don't want me to see the work because the only way I would be able to enjoy it is through piracy, I will respect your decision.».
- «I buy physical copies, my favorite collection is Saint Seiya Final Edition, although I haven't finished it yet. But sometimes I read pirated copies to get to know the works. For example, I read Trigun pirated and I thought it was a great manga, so when it is licensed in Mexico I will buy it.».
- «With all due respect, the issue is quite complex and it is not just due to cowardice. There will always be ignorant people everywhere, but putting everyone in the same bag is not the solution either.».
- «But if nothing arrives here, do you expect me to pay $200 a week to have a manga from Japan sent to me in Japanese? I don't understand.».
- «Your manga isn't licensed in Spanish here, so how am I supposed to read it? It's not even licensed in English. It's a shame because Usogui is an amazing manga and deserves to be read all over the world.».
- «I'm from a publishing house in Latin America. Where can I buy manga rights to translate and publish here? There's almost no information and it seems that they've already sold it to large publishers that don't distribute, and that makes piracy a must if you want to read it.».
The responses to Sako's post reflect the frustration of many fans who do not have legal access to their favorite works.and highlight the complexity of the problem of piracy in the manga industry. The controversy continues to generate debates on the networks, with divided opinions on the author's words and the reality faced by many readers around the world.
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