Yes, Japan Really Just Welcomed a Popular Manga Artist to Parliament

In a groundbreaking moment for the world of manga, Ken Akamatsuthe acclaimed author of the fan-favorite series I love Hinawas appointed to a leadership position in Japan’s Parliament, the government body responsible for overseeing the nation. Drawing on his extensive experience in the arts, entertainment and creative industries, Akamatsu will serve as Vice Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. This position aligns with your experience and passion for promoting cultural and artistic freedom while addressing key issues in Japan’s educational and cultural sectors.

As a vice minister and a talented mangaka, Akamatsu will be ideally positioned to advise the government on matters relating to manga and anime. For more than a decade, Japan has actively promoted these industries as a cornerstone of cultural diplomacy. However, initiatives like “Cool Japan” have failed to capitalize on the global manga and anime phenomenon. Akamatsu brings a new perspective, energy, and experience to revitalize these efforts, potentially transforming manga and anime into unparalleled “soft power” tools.

Before he was a lawmaker, Akamatsu was a harem expert

Akamatu’s works helped define the Harem romantic comedy space

Introduced to manga and anime as a young man, Ken Akamatsu first tried his hand at the craft during his college years, creating A Summer’s Children’s Gamea one-shot manga published by Kodansha in 1993. The work received several accolades, including that of Kodansha Shōnen Magazine Newcomer of the Year Award. His real breakthrough, however, came with the launch of I love Hina in 1998. The series not only helped popularize the now-iconic harem genre in manga and anime, but also achieved significant recognition in its own right. I love Hina it received the prestigious Kodansha Manga Award in 2001 and became one of the most popular manga in the industry during its serialization, cementing Akamatsu’s legacy as a key figure in modern manga.

This romantic comedy follows the life of Keitaro Urashima as he runs his family’s all-female boarding house while struggling to pass the Tokyo University entrance exam. The story explores Keitaro’s ups and downs, including his interactions with his study partner Naru Narusegawa – who may also be his childhood crush as they struggle to make the transition from teenager to adult. That’s it mix of humor and sincere moments has and continues to resonate with readers.

Akamatsu is prepared to be the best defender of manga and anime in the government

A defender of freedom of expression

But I love Hina was not Akamatsu’s only success. Shortly after the end of Love Hina, Akamatsu fell Negima! Master Negi Magos (Negima). In fact, building on the mix of harem, romance, and slice-of-life elements from his previous work, Akamatsu expands the scope of the story by adding a distinct fantasy battle series vibe. Even so, the series still received critical praise.

I am determined to stand in the Upper House elections next summer in order to protect my freedom of expression. -Ken Akamatsu

This is not the first time that Akamatsu has been in the news in Japanese politics. As the son of a high-ranking government official, Akamatsu made history in 2021 by becoming the first professional mangaka to be elected to the City Councilthe Upper House – or Senate – of the Japanese Parliament. In his campaign for office, and in subsequent work as a Member of Parliament, Akamatsu championed causes dear to manga and anime creators, including freedom of expression, protecting copyright, and reducing excessive regulation of the creative industries.

Since your I love Hina days, Ken Akamatsu He was never shy about his interest in manga. Since becoming a lawmaker, he has been equally focused on using his position in government to protect the rights of manga artists and all workers in the creative industries.