Writer/Photographer Satsuki Izumi responds to hate slander she is receiving (after the death of “Sexy Tanaka-san” mangaka, Ashihara Hinako)

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When mangaka Ashihara Hinako wrote on X about how frustrated she was by the live-action drama “Sexy Tanaka-san” not being faithful to the original work that she had created (the work for episodes 1-8 were written by Aizawa Tomoko) and that she tried repeatedly to contact staff and how she ended up writing the last two episodes. Her last Twitter post was that she didn’t mean to attack anyone and said she was sorry.  By the following day, Ashihara was found dead by what news reports are saying is a possible suicide.

The original drama writer Aizawa  made a post back in December in regards to the drama in which a writer/photographer Satsuki Izumi posted a response to defend Aizawa.

Since the death of Ashihara, now Satsuki and those who commented on Aizawa’s post are now receiving hate slander comments by those who are pointing blame towards her and others.

Satsuki has posted the following in response on Instagram (Note: This is an excerpt):

Upon hearing of the passing of Ashihara Hinako, I would like to offer my deepest condolences.

I saw the news yesterday evening and was speechless and overwhelmed with sadness.

Also, as someone who has nothing to do with the original story or the drama, I still don’t have a correct answer to what I should or shouldn’t say.

However, in order to prevent any more painful incidents from happening, I have mustered up the courage to write this here.

First of all, although I am a writer, I am just a fan who learned about the work through the drama “Sexy Tanaka-san” and was encouraged by it.

Moreover, I have no acquaintance with Ashihara or Aizawa, even among those involved in television production.

I would like to explain what led me to comment on Aizawa-sensei’s Instagram.

On a personal note, I have been suffering from depression due to overwork and stress, and have been receiving treatment for depression since July 2023.

I switched to remote work in October and focused on regaining my mental and physical health. During that time, I learned that a drama about my favorite belly dancer had started, so I watched it and was very impressed.

When I started taking lessons, I was able to realize that dancing to my favorite music was fun, and I felt like my mind and body, which had tended to be blocked, were freed, which made me very happy.

In late December, after the final episode, I saw an Instagram post from Aizawa, who served as the screenwriter for this work. She honestly felt that the flow had changed towards the end of the drama, so she honestly wrote her thoughts on the post.

At that time, the word “dignity” was clearly stated in consideration of the circumstances of both artists, given the many production circumstances. Writers and creators are all lonely people, and my comments reflect that, nothing more, nothing less.

Thanks to all of you, I was finally able to balance my mind and body, and just as I was planning to return to work this February, it happened on the morning of January 27, 2024.

I received a comment on my Instagram from someone who seems to be Ashihara Sensei’s fan, and at the same time I learned that Ashihara Sensei had made a statement on X.

Then, I learned that I and other people who commented on Aizawa-sensei’s post were being attacked.

First of all, I was taken aback by the comments from people I didn’t even know. Also, there was a firestorm over X, and a screenshot of Aizawa-sensei’s comment section, which had already been closed, was published, and I was surprised to see that attacks were even directed at me and other people.

As I mentioned earlier, I am currently undergoing treatment. I immediately deleted the X account that I didn’t use on a regular basis, and to protect my heart and life, I haven’t watched it since.

At first, I responded to a few posts on my Instagram, but I started posting comments from strangers that were negative about my profession and personality, as well as words that seemed to make me feel uneasy about my replies, so I decided to close the comments section.

After that, I felt it was out of place for me to comment as a third party, so I concentrated on keeping my mind calm and went about my life as usual. However, even though I respond to the concerns of those around me by saying, “I’m fine,” I have noticed that I am having trouble sleeping and have slight panic symptoms.

All of this happened on a Saturday and Sunday, and my family is also scared, so I was very saddened and surprised to hear of her death just as I was about to consult with his lawyer and doctor at the beginning of the week.

In response to the news of Ashihara Sensei’s death, people who appeared to be her fans threatened to “kill people,” “Don’t appear in the world again,” and “Apologize,” and people asked, “Why did you attack Ashihara Sensei,” which you didn’t remember? I am horrified by the amount of messages I receive, and I am even frightened by the words I received. My family now feels they are in danger.

Furthermore, I feel sorry and saddened by the inconvenience caused to so many people by my few lines of a remark.

Above all, I don’t want more people to be sad and worried. I also don’t want these sad events and news to involve the hearts of those who have been hurt, leading to second or third tragedies. I appreciate your understanding.

Last but not least, I would like to say my farewell words by expressing my respect and gratitude to Mr. Ashihara and her work “Sexy Tanaka-san”, and to offer my heartfelt condolences.

January 30, 2024
Satsuki Izumi

 

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