The popular Japanese erotic artist, known as “姉太郎” either “@ANETAROU” on Twitter, has sparked a debate on social networks by stating that Independent artists, especially those who create erotic doujinshi, can make higher profits than professional manga authors who publish their works through publishing houses and magazines.
In a series of posts on his Twitter account, the artist expressed his personal experience and vision of the manga industry in Japan. In his statements, he highlighted that he has dedicated much of his life to writing and drawing, and He attributed his ability to stay financially afloat in recent years to his work in the hentai doujinshi realm..
«I have dedicated myself to writing and drawing almost my entire life.», wrote the artist. «The reason I can still afford to live this way in recent years is, frankly, because I ‘kept drawing hentai doujinshi’ and ‘didn’t become a professional mangaka’».
The central point of his argument lies in the economic disparities between the income generated by the sale of doujinshi and that obtained by professional manga authors. According to his statements, Doujinshi artists can earn profits ranging from 50 to 80 percent of the sales amount, while professional authors only get 5 to 10 percent as royalties.
«In the doujinshi market you can make profits of between 50 and 80 percent of the sales amount, while as a professional author you only make between 5 and 10 percent.», declared the artist.
This financial discrepancy raises questions about economic sustainability for professional authors who depend on publishers and magazines to publish their works. The testimony of “姉太郎” suggests that many artists can find greater financial stability and creative freedom by remaining in the realm of doujinshi, where they have greater control over the distribution and income of their works.
The artist also shared his own personal experience, mentioning that his decision to continue working on the doujinshi was partly due to the financial difficulties his family was facing. «My parents were in deep debt, but I didn’t want to give up my passion.“, revealed.
Despite the noted economic inequalities, “姉太郎” expressed its desire for the manga industry to evolve towards greater openness and opportunities for artists. «As a creator, I would like to see the manga market develop more. I wish for an era where you can draw whatever you want to draw, and deliver it directly to those who want to read it.“, he claimed.
“姉太郎”’s claims have sparked intense online debate about the structures and practices of the manga industry in Japan, and raise important questions about the balance between economic stability and creative freedom for artists:
- «Well, it is evident that the demand for erotic content is much greater».
- «It’s like any other type of industry, when you can do business on your own, there is no need to use an intermediary».
- «Oh really? The perpetrators are being exploited and they don’t even realize it».
- «If you become a professional, you should have the opportunity to make more money. However, in the end it’s all about whether your work becomes popular or not, and it’s an extremely competitive market.».
- «However, if you want to get the life of the authors of One Piece or Kimetsu no Yaiba, you have no choice but to become a professional mangaka.».
- «I have seen on the Internet that quite a few of the authors of novels that have become popular also have a normal job at the same time. If the market is niche, even if you work hard, you will not be rewarded».
- «If you draw hentai doujinshi, it will surely be the end of your normal life».
- «I feel sorry for the voice actresses and manga authors who have to dedicate themselves to erotic content to survive. That’s the bad thing about Japan being a country full of perverted virgins.».
Fountain: Otakomu
