Expert raises questions over live action adaptation of manga after Japanese artist's death

TOKYO -- Manga artist Hinako Ashihara's death following her apparent fallout with the Nippon TV production team over the live action adaptation of her work "Sexy Tanaka-san" has sent shockwaves through Japan's entertainment industry.

Journalist Tomoko Hasegawa, who has covered the television industry for years, pointed out, "It takes time to complete creative shows. The production units need to face this time requirement."

The live action adaptation of "Sexy Tanaka-san," whose original manga is published by Shogakukan Inc., was aired in 2023 on the Nippon TV network. Ashihara, who was 50, had posted on X (former Twitter) and her blog that the condition she had presented to the production side, to which they agreed, that the live action version would be "true to the original manga with no fail" wasn't respected, and that "I reached the decision that I had no choice but to write the script for episodes nine and 10 myself."

Her post received comments on X critical of the production side, with one user writing, "How dare they create a (TV) drama while ignoring the original author's intentions," while another comment read, "Is this the TV network culture?" Ashihara wrote online on Jan. 28, "I didn't mean to attack anyone. I'm sorry," and deleted all related posts. She subsequently went missing and was found dead the following day.

Hasegawa, who has years of experience in reporting on the production of TV drama series, variety and documentary programs, said of creating the live action adaptation of manga titles, "It's important to properly discuss how the original work will be changed while considering the artist's intentions."

TV drama shows are expected to bring in advertising revenue, and television broadcasters have adopted a business model where they air new drama series every quarter. Under such circumstances, broadcasters need to complete a drama program on a set schedule.

"The production of a drama show in Japan moves forward based on a proposal. When there is original work, such as a manga or novel (for the proposed show), it's easier to get an approval within the network since those involved can have a clear view of the show's tone and story," Hasegawa explained. In addition, since a manga already has fans, the TV network may anticipate a good viewership rating.

Hasegawa pointed out, "In some cases live action adaption versions turn out to be good even when they include a different story or expression from the original," at the same time she suggested that the production side may benefit from "trying out new ways of expression while involving the original author without insisting on the TV network's theory of success." She added, "The TV production is extremely taxing. I think it's important to spend more money on mental care for all the people involved in the drama production."

(Japanese original by Mari Sakane, Digital News Group)

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