Over the last month, Japanese manga creator Akane Shimizu, known for the popular series Cells at Work!, has been publicly sharing her experiences of abuse that followed her manga breakthrough via a series of posts on X. In her most recent update on June 27, she expressed regret for causing concern among fans and clarified that her decision to reveal the specifics of her ordeal was driven by ongoing legal intimidation from those responsible.
For context, on June 15, Shimizu disclosed that she had been diagnosed with depression, trichotillomania, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the run of Cells at Work! Throughout this period (2015–2021), she revealed she endured financial exploitation by a family member(s), sexual abuse, and further trauma from her family. She ultimately severed ties with her sister—the very person who inspired her to pursue manga—and noted the lasting emotional damage from these events.
The author’s candid account of her past came as a surprise to many fans. Disturbingly, Shimizu now reports that she continues to grapple with issues stemming from her abusers. In her latest post, she states that for roughly six months, she has faced legal threats from the perpetrator’s side, hinting that her career as a manga artist may be at risk. “Even concerning the sexual abuse, the perpetrator’s side initiated mediation against my wishes,” she writes. “Additionally, they made a claim saying, ‘We want a no-contact order imposed on the victim so they cannot reach the perpetrator,’ aiming to put me at a disadvantage. Even in such a situation, I was advised that considering the impact on my work, I shouldn’t let the case proceed to litigation, leaving me with no option but to endure in silence.”
Shimizu’s phrasing in the post suggests she is likely entangled with multiple individuals. She clarifies that she has been sharing these details to chronicle the events and prevent any confusion or unexpected developments should the situation worsen in the future.