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Kadokawa Apologizes to Boogiepop and Others Artist for Anime Miscommunication

Boogiepop and Others (Boogiepop wa Warawanai) light novel illustrator Kouji Ogata tweeted his dissatisfaction with the character designs for the upcoming anime adaptation in March. Kadokawa posted an official response on the anime's official website on Monday.

The company confirmed that Madhouse is producing the anime according to Kadokawa's plans and instructions. Apparently in response to Ogata's comments, Kadokawa conducted a detailed investigation at the end of March. Due to a communication failure within Kadokawa, only part of the new anime's design materials were given to Ogata for approval. Madhouse did not respond to Ogata due to rules about communication hierarchy.

Kadokawa and Ogata then had discussions in mid-April about misunderstandings related to the character designs, and the company explained to and conferred with Ogata about the situation. The misunderstanding was resolved, and Ogata gave consent for production to progress. Kadokawa is reviewing policies related to how information is shared.

Kadokawa reiterated that neither the anime's director Shingo Natsume, character designer Hidehiko Sawada, nor Madhouse made unilateral decisions about the progress of the anime. The company added that there is no truth to rumors about the director resigning from the project. Kadokawa ended its statement by offering "deep apologies" to Madhouse, the anime's production staff, and Ogata for its flaws in distributing and sharing information.

Ogata himself also provided comments with Kadokawa's statement. He apologized for his Twitter posts that included comments that could "invite misunderstandings toward staff." Ogata said he met with the editorial and animation departments in April, and they recognized that his illustrations were used without his review and approval. He said the matter has now been resolved. Ogata "will support this project from the standpoint of the original illustrator," and he thanked everyone for their support.

Natsume (One-Punch Man, Space Dandy both seasons, ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.) is directing the new anime at Madhouse. Tomohiro Suzuki (One-Punch Man, Tiger & Bunny, ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.) is writing and supervising the series scripts. The series will feature a different voice cast from the previous 2000 television anime.

Seven Seas Entertainment published the light novel in English, and it describes the story:

There is an urban legend that children tell one another about a shinigami that can release people from the pain they may be suffering. This "Angel of Death" has a name: Boogiepop. And the legends are true. Boogiepop is real.

When a rash of disappearances involving female students breaks out at Shinyo Academy, the police and faculty assume they just have a bunch of runaways on their hands. But Nagi Kirima knows better. Something mysterious and foul is afoot. Is it Boogiepop, or something more sinister...?

Madhouse previously animated the Boogiepop light novel series into a 2000 television anime. Right Stuf released the series on VHS and DVD in North America.

Source: Boogiepop wa Warawanai Anime's Website via Otakomu