Manga Creator Masami Kurumada Sues Former Manager Over ¥2.9 Billion Alleged Embezzlement Involving Crypto Investments

Tokyo District Court received a lawsuit on September 2 from manga artist Masami Kurumada, the creator of “Saint Seiya,” alleging large‑scale embezzlement by his former manager, who also served as a director of three of Kurumada’s companies.

Alleged diversion of funds

Kurumada’s companies claim that approximately ¥4.68 billion was transferred without authorization between 2018 and 2024. The former manager is accused of moving money from corporate bank accounts to accounts of entities he controlled and of redirecting licensing fees that should have gone to the companies.

Crypto‑related component

Legal representatives state that a portion of the diverted money was used for cryptocurrency investments. Court filings do not specify which digital assets were purchased, the platforms used, or the outcome of those investments.

Partial repayment and damages sought

About ¥1.8 billion of the alleged losses has already been repaid. The lawsuit seeks recovery of the remaining ¥2.89 billion from the former manager, his relatives, acquaintances and other parties.

Background and impact

Kurumada, 72, said he had entrusted the manager with accounting and administrative duties and was unaware of the scale of the transfers until a tax audit in 2024 uncovered irregularities. The financial dispute forced the cancellation of a planned exhibition of his original artwork in 2024.

Regulatory context

The case arrives amid heightened scrutiny of cryptocurrency transactions in Japan, where authorities have recently tightened controls on crypto exchanges and classified digital assets as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act.