Zero Sen Manga Fined for Including a Real Person

The Tokyo District Court has ordered publisher Kodansha to pay a 550,000 yen ($6,300 USD) fine to an individual who successfully sued the publisher for unauthorized use of his likeness. Specifically, an October 2009 chapter of manga artist Atsushi Kase’s ongoing comedy manga series Zero Sen included an “oraora-kei car gang” leader distinguished by sunglasses and a 1950’s “ducktail” hairstyle who was actually based on a photograph of a real life oraora-kei apparel company manager. The individual claimed to have been defamed by the unauthorized manga likeness and sued Kodansha for 4.4 million yen ($50,000 USD). The infringing character will be re-drawn in future re-publications of the relevant manga chapter.

The truth hurts?

Source: Anime News Network