As anticipation builds for the second season of Rurouni Kenshin, unsettling revelations about the series’ creator have surfaced, catching the attention of anime enthusiasts. These claims are not simply fabrication, despite their shocking nature.
Nobuhiro Watsuki, the mind behind Rurouni Kenshin, was referred to prosecutors on November 21, 2017. He faced allegations involving violations of the Child Prostitution and Child Pornography Prohibition Law.
During an interrogation by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Watsuki admitted to having an attraction to girls from upper elementary school to the second year of junior high. The investigation yielded DVDs containing images of girls who appeared to be of elementary and junior high school age. Watsuki acknowledged his guilt but avoided prison time, settling for a fine of ¥200,000.
Child pornography possession became illegal in Japan only in 2014, however, penalties remain relatively lenient. Those convicted of possessing such material could receive up to a year in prison and fines reaching one million yen.
Let’s not forget that Nobuhiro Watsuki is a confirmed p3dophile who was caught with an extensive amount of cp, leading authorities to suspect he was distributing it. His punishment? A fine, no jail time, and a temporary suspension from Jump. Avoid giving him your support. https://t.co/snoETLtC40
— est.1997 (but spooky) (@MOLENAIDE) December 19, 2022
The community around Rurouni Kenshin finds itself split over Watsuki’s actions. Discussions about his past frequently emerge on social media. With the release of the second season, many anime viewers are urging others to refrain from supporting Watsuki’s work. Conversely, some fans choose to overlook his actions, asserting that the distinction between art and artist should be made. This mindset explains why certain admirers continue to look forward to the unfolding narrative, leading to Rurouni Kenshin’s serialization still taking place in Jump Square. Consequently, Watsuki’s standing largely remains unaffected.
Remember that Nobuhiro Watsuki possessed so much cp that law enforcement suspected he was a distributor, faced no jail time, and was only suspended from his position for six months. https://t.co/03lQwSCv0I
—? noodles!!!? (@nooddels11) July 24, 2024
As of now, the Rurouni Kenshin manga is on pause due to Watsuki’s declining health.