The artist for the act-age manga, Shiro Usazaki, posted their comment on Twiter regarding the recent arrest of the manga's writer Tatsuya Matsuki, and the manga's cancellation.
Usazaki begins by extending their sympathies to the victims and their families, who "bravely spoke up about the incident despite their shock and fear." Usazaki countuined saying that no one "naturally recovers" from sexual assault, and does not wish for their work to tigger reactions from victims of Matsuki. Because of that, Usazaki agrees with the cancellation of the manga even though they also wish the manga to not end mid-way.
Usazaki urges fans not to blame the victims for the cancellation of the magna, as the cancelation wasn't the victim's fault and it was not a mistake for them to speak up against sexual violence. Usazaki says sometimes "the right thing is the result of doing it right."
Usazaki acknowledges the fans' disappointment in the cancelation as they also recognize the positive influence magna can have on readers saying that they were also "saved" by manga. But cautions fans not to turn that love for the series into hate or violence, and think carefully by taking "various perspectives."
Usazaki ends their statement by wishing the best for Tatsuya Matsuki victims and hopes for them to be able to have "a peace of mind in the future."
On August 8th, Tatsuya Matsuki was arrested on suspicion of committing an indecent act with a female middle school student. According to police, the girl was walking in the Nakano ward of Tokyo on June 18 around 8:00 p.m. when the suspect approached the girl from behind while on a bicycle and started to touch her inappropriately. The suspect then fled the scene on the bike. The girl went to police, who analyzed security camera footage to investigate and discovered that a similar incident took place on a nearby road with a different female middle school student which occurred only an hour earlier, involving a suspect who resembled Matsuki. Matsuki then reportedly told police "there's generally nothing incorrect" with their accusations.
Many publications soon announced the cancelation of act-age's release. With Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine canceling the serialization of the manga itself on it's 36th and 37th issues. Shueisha also ceased sales and distribution of the manga's physical and digital volumes.
Shueisha's MANGA Plus service and Viz Media also announced that it would not even publish the final chapter on their platforms. Additionally, Viz Media removed its listing of further compiled book volumes of the manga.
Hori Pro canceled the upcoming stage play adaptation of the manga
Matsuki and Usazaki launched the act-age manga in Weekly Shonen Jump in January 2018. The manga was nominated for Kodansha's 43rd annual Manga Awards last year.
Ever since she was a child, Kei Yonagi has been attracted to the idea of acting, as she has always attentively watched how actions and emotions differ depending on the type of character portrayed. Now a teenager, she is broke, and is the only one able to financially support her young siblings. She starts auditioning for any role possible, without much success.
Her luck begins to change when Sumiji Kuroyama, a renowned director, sees Yonagi's performance and is amazed by her ability to immerse herself in the role—the so-called method acting. Although she is a diamond in the rough, if she keeps using the same technique over and over, it could lead to her being severely damaged. So, he makes the decision to help polish her, giving Yonagi the opportunity she needs. However, the road ahead of her is far from easy, and she will need to adapt to overcome the various challenges that come her way. - MAL Rewrite