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Inukami! Novel Illustrator Kanna Wakatsuki Plans to Sue Publisher WiZH for Alleged Copyright Infringement
posted on by Alex Mateo
Light novel illustrator Kanna Wakatsuki wrote on August 24 in a note dated July 9 that that they are planning to sue publisher WiZH for alleged copyright infringement related to Wakatsuki and Mamisu Arizawa's Inukami! novel series. Wakatsuki claims that WiZH released a complete edition digital volume of Inukami! with a cover image that looks similar to the illustrator's original artwork but without their authorization. Wakatsuki states that in addition to receiving no prior consultation on this, their credit as the work's original character designer was also removed for the volume. The first and second volume covers are pictured below:
Sample covers of Wakatsuki's original illustrations for the previous publication of the Inukami! novels are pictured below:
Wakatsuki stated that they have held the copyright to the character's illustrations for over 20 years, and alleged that this unauthorized drawing is copyright infringment. The artist pointed to matching features in the complete edition art, such as the long green hair and pendant, as elements that were similar to their original illustrations. Wakatsuki added that they have attempted to resolve the issue through lawyers, but WiZH has refused to acknowledge any infringement.
WiZH had announced on June 15 that its May 15 release of the first complete edition digital volume of Inukami!, compiling the original story's first eighth volumes, had been halted due to claims of copyright infringement. The company also revealed that the second volume, which was scheduled for release on June 15, had been postponed for the same reason. WiZH added that due to the situation, it would be difficult to continue with releases for Inukami!. The company clarified that despite the halted and postponed releases, it did admit any infringement, but instead took those actions as provisional measures until the matter could be resolved. WiZH stated that its lawyers are in discussion to work towards a resolution.
On August 1, the novels' author Arizawa announced in an update on WiZH that they were releasing new free updates to their novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō and Novelia as an act of goodwill to the story's readers. Arizawa added that if the arc they are releasing for free, the "Master of Highest" arc, gets a book release, it will include additional content.
Writer Watatsuki Miyazawa established the publishing company WiZH with plans to publish new works in the Inukami! series, among others.
The Inukami! novels had 14 volumes, and ran from 2003 to 2007. The novels inspired both a manga by Mari Matsuzawa that ran in Kadokawa's Monthly Comic Dengeki GAO! magazine from 2005 to 2008 with six compiled book volumes, and a 26-episode television anime adaptation in 2006 with an anime film sequel in 2007. Seven Seas Entertainment released all of the manga in English. The now-defunct streaming service Daisuki was the first company to release the anime in North America. Discotek Media licensed the anime and film in 2018, and released it on Blu-ray Disc in 2019.
Source: Yomiuri via Yahoo! Japan, WiZH (link 2), Kanna Wakatsuki's X/Twitter account (link 2, link 3) via Yaraon!
Disclosure: Kadokawa World Entertainment (KWE), a wholly owned subsidiary of Kadokawa Corporation, is the majority owner of Anime News Network, LLC. One or more of the companies mentioned in this article are part of the Kadokawa Group of Companies.
