Danica Davidson
November 5, 2024 
In August, Otaku USA reported on how some Western credit card companies have threatened penalties or told Japanese companies they need to stop selling some of their explicit manga titles. Manga creator and politician Ken Akamatsu spoke out against this, and now he’s been pulled even more into the controversy. That’s because his digital service Manga Library Z is being shuttered due to issues with credit card companies. In other words, it’s exactly what he warned could happen.
Manga Library Z, a.k.a. “Manga Toshokan Z” in Japanese, offers out-of-print manga that people can read digitally. Akamatsu said he created the company that eventually turned into Manga Library Z as a way to fight piracy. But some of its content was deemed inappropriate by credit card companies, and all payment services have been ended.
With this happening and no way to make purchases, Manga Library Z decided it needed to cease operations on November 26. However, we might not be seeing the end of it. Its workers are talking about possible ways to relaunch. Crowdfunding and becoming a nonprofit are two suggestions being deliberated.
Akamatsu left a lengthy statement on social media, explaining what had happened, reiterating his interest in creative freedom, and repeating that he thinks if this is left unchecked, it could affect the whole industry. He had previously said, “The next request from card brands [after removing explicit material] could be to ban novels or violent scenes altogether. Some say Japan should comply with the global standards. … But if Japanese content becomes too globalized and loses its unique charm, it will also lose its appeal and demand from overseas.”
Since credit card companies are private businesses, they are legally allowed to refuse specific materials. There are manga titles published by Manga Library Z that have been controversial in Japan as well, including a time where the Tokyo Vice Governor complained about a title.
Source: ANN
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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