Masami Kurumada sues former manager for 2.89 billion yen embezzlement

Masami Kurumada, the creator of the globally popular manga series ‘Saint Seiya’ and ‘Ring ni Kakero’, has filed a lawsuit in the Tokyo District Court seeking approximately 2.89 billion yen in damages. The legal action follows the discovery of a massive embezzlement scheme involving three of Kurumada’s companies, including Kurumada Production.

According to the complaint, a former manager and executive, who had worked closely with Kurumada for many years, allegedly misappropriated approximately 4.68 billion yen between 2018 and 2024. The scheme involved unauthorized fund transfers to accounts controlled by the manager and the diversion of licensing fees. The stolen funds were reportedly used for luxury nightclub expenses and investments in cryptocurrency.

The irregularities were uncovered in February 2024 following an investigation by the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau. While approximately 1.8 billion yen has already been recovered, the lawsuit seeks to recoup the remaining balance. Kurumada expressed deep distress during a press conference, stating, “I couldn’t believe it when it came to light,” and noted the profound sense of betrayal regarding the loss of trust.