Taiwanese Trio Nabbed for Alleged Pirated “Weekly Shonen Jump” Copies

作者智能小编

6 月 21, 2025 #NHK日本-国际

Tokyo, Japan – In a move highlighting the ongoing battle against copyright infringement, three Taiwanese nationals have been arrested in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, on suspicion of violating the Copyright Act by possessing pirated copies of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine with the intent to sell. The arrests, made on May 18th, involve individuals aged between 20 and 69.

According to investigators, the suspects are believed to be part of a larger group involved in the illegal distribution of pirated manga magazines. A raid conducted by the Aichi Prefectural Police on a building in Nasushiobara, Tochigi Prefecture, suspected of being used as a distribution hub, led to the discovery of pirated copies of the 1997 edition of Weekly Shonen Jump containing the first chapter of the immensely popular manga series One Piece.

These particular magazines, featuring the inaugural chapters of iconic manga series, are considered rare and highly sought after by fans, often fetching high prices in collector’s markets. The group is also suspected of selling other pirated magazines containing first chapters of popular manga through online flea market websites.

Law enforcement officials believe the pirated magazines are meticulously reproduced copies. An investigation is currently underway to determine the source of these counterfeit publications and the full extent of the group’s operation. This case underscores the continued efforts to combat the distribution of pirated manga and protect the intellectual property rights of creators and publishers.

Conclusion:

The arrest of these three Taiwanese nationals serves as a stark reminder of the persistent problem of manga piracy and the international scope of these illegal operations. The high demand for rare and collectible manga, like first editions of popular series, fuels the market for counterfeit copies. This case highlights the importance of continued vigilance and international cooperation in combating copyright infringement to protect the creative industries and ensure that artists and publishers are fairly compensated for their work. Further investigation into the source and distribution network of these pirated magazines is crucial to dismantling this illegal operation and deterring future copyright violations.

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