There are moments when the internet community proves it can lose its mind over the most absurd reasons. Araido Kagiri, known for creating beautiful and comforting love stories, ended up in an unusual nightmare after a simple drawing posted on his social media was misinterpreted by hundreds of readers as a nod to the netorare genre. The situation escalated to alarming levels, accumulating death threats directed at the creator and his own family.

It all started at the end of August 2026, when the author shared the promotional illustration for a new short story focused on two childhood friends. The post quickly surpassed two million views, but amidst the flood of comments, theories emerged from users claiming the plot would take a dark turn centered on infidelity. The paranoia grew uncontrollably within his Fanbox support platform, where subscribers pay for early access to his sketches and projects. Without any verification, several users began tagging the work with the genre’s keyword on Pixiv, unleashing a massive wave of hatred against the mangaka.

Facing the seriousness of the matter, Kagiri issued an official statement to stop the attacks and clear things up once and for all. The artist explained he had nothing to do with the tags placed on the website and confirmed that the episodes corresponding to the next seven weeks are already fully drawn, making it impossible for the development to change due to public pressure. Additionally, he firmly assured that the story between the childhood friends is completely pure and that there would never be an ending that tarnishes that innocent love, apologizing for the tension caused during the past weeks.

Jiisan Baasan Wakagaeru (Grandpa and Grandma Turn Young Again) is one of Araido Kagiri’s most iconic works. The story originally started as a web manga on the Pixiv platform before transitioning to print with Kadokawa publishing and receiving its own anime adaptation aired in 2024. The plot follows a lovable elderly couple who one day wake up with rejuvenated bodies, allowing them to relive their youth without losing the immense love and companionship they built over a lifetime.

What do you think about this type of exaggerated reaction from some readers over potential plot twists in a story?