Gemini translation:

Apology Regarding “Edomae no Shun” Volume 130

Regarding the back cover illustration of Nichibun Comics’ Edomae no Shun Volume 130, we have received a notification from Kagurazaka “Kifu” stating their view that the illustration infringes upon their photography copyrights.

Following an investigation, we have confirmed that a photograph of “Kifu’s Two-Tiered Jubako,” published on their official website, was indeed traced and illustrated for use without prior permission, as shown in the image below. We offer our sincerest apologies to Kagurazaka “Kifu” and all related parties for the significant trouble this has caused.

Using copyrighted material owned by Kagurazaka “Kifu” without permission—thereby allowing Edomae no Shun to become a work containing copyright infringement—is a result of negligence on the part of the editorial department, which is responsible for delivering the best possible completed manga to our readers. It is also a result of negligence regarding the creative process on the part of the author, Terushi Sato, who must face his work with sincerity. Furthermore, the failure to take appropriate action toward Kagurazaka “Kifu” when the situation was first discovered was solely due to a lack of awareness by the editor-in-charge and the editorial department. As Edomae no Shun is a sushi-themed manga that has continued for 27 years, it must be a work trusted by the sushi industry. We view the fact that things have reached this state as an extremely serious matter.

As parties responsible for causing copyright infringement—a major social issue in the modern era—we take this heavily to heart and are deeply reflecting on our actions. The editorial department will utilize company time to focus on re-educating ourselves, while also maintaining constant communication with Mr. Sato to prevent a recurrence and ensure strict compliance. While it has been confirmed that Mr. Sato did not draw the illustration in question himself and that it was a result of his lack of oversight, Mr. Sato and the editorial department will verify whether similar lapses occurred in the past and whether his own illustrations were handled appropriately. We will then establish a proper production system.

To facilitate this, the serialization will be suspended starting from the March 20, Reiwa 8 issue of Weekly Manga Goraku (on sale March 6, Reiwa 8). Together with Terushi Sato, we will conduct a comprehensive check of all volumes of Edomae no Shun and its related works, from the very first to the latest, and we will address this as a permanent, ongoing challenge.

We will correct our conduct and strive to deliver better, more honorable works to everyone. We are truly sorry for this incident.

March 5, Reiwa 8 (2026) Nihon Bungeisha Co., Ltd. Koichi Nakasaka, Head of Manga Editorial Department