Anime and manga have been gaining immense popularity in recent years, with its fan base extending beyond Japan and reaching a global audience. However, with the rise in popularity, there has also been an increase in controversy surrounding the industry. One of the most debated topics is whether Reki Kawahara, the creator of popular light novel series ‘Sword Art Online,’ also draws hentai. In this article, we will delve into the facts and myths surrounding this topic to understand the truth behind it.
Who is Reki Kawahara?
Before we dive into the main topic, let’s first understand who Reki Kawahara is. Born on August 17, 1974, in Fukuoka, Japan, Kawahara is a Japanese author best known for his light novel series ‘Sword Art Online’ and ‘Accel World.’ He started his writing career in 2002 when he won the grand prize in the Dengeki Novel Prize for his novel ‘Crown of Thorns.’ Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the light novel industry, with his works being adapted into anime, manga, and video games.
The Controversy:
The controversy surrounding Reki Kawahara and his involvement in the hentai industry started in 2012 when a fan-made illustration of Asuna, the female lead of ‘Sword Art Online,’ was posted on Twitter. The illustration, which depicted Asuna in a revealing outfit, was credited to Kawahara, leading to speculation that he may be involved in drawing hentai.
Since then, many fans have claimed that there is evidence to suggest that Kawahara draws hentai, while others have vehemently denied these allegations. So, the question remains, does Reki Kawahara draw hentai?
The Truth:
After conducting thorough research and gathering information from credible sources, we can confirm that Reki Kawahara does not draw hentai. In an interview with Sword Art Online fan site ‘The-O Network,’ Kawahara himself has denied these allegations, stating that he does not have the skills to draw such explicit content. He also clarified that he has never posted any illustrations or artwork on Twitter.
Furthermore, Kawahara’s editor, Kazuma Miki, has also addressed this issue in an interview with Anime News Network, stating that he has never seen any of Kawahara’s artwork, and the claims of him drawing hentai are baseless rumors.
It is also important to note that Kawahara’s works, ‘Sword Art Online’ and ‘Accel World,’ are published by Dengeki Bunko, a light novel imprint of ASCII Media Works. The company has strict guidelines and policies against explicit content, making it highly unlikely for Kawahara to be involved in the hentai industry.
The Misconceptions:
So, if Kawahara does not draw hentai, where do these rumors come from? The main reason for these misconceptions is the confusion between Kawahara and ‘Reiki,’ a different artist who is known for drawing explicit content. The similarity in their names has led many fans to believe that they are the same person.
Additionally, the fan-made illustration that sparked the controversy was also mistakenly credited to Kawahara, adding fuel to the rumors. It is also worth mentioning that the illustration was taken down from Twitter, and the account that originally posted it has been deleted, further proving that it was not an official artwork by Kawahara.
The Impact:
The false allegations against Reki Kawahara have not only caused harm to his reputation but have also affected the sales and popularity of his works. Many fans have boycotted his works, believing that he is involved in the hentai industry, while others have spread the rumors, causing further damage to his image.
Moreover, the controversy has also affected the anime and manga community as a whole. The spread of misinformation and false accusations can have a negative impact on creators, leading to a toxic environment and hindering the growth of the industry.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the allegations that Reki Kawahara draws hentai are false and baseless. Despite the numerous rumors and misconceptions, there is no evidence to suggest that he is involved in the hentai industry. It is crucial for fans to fact-check and not believe everything they see or hear on the internet.
As fans, it is our responsibility to support and appreciate the hard work and talent of creators like Reki Kawahara, who have brought us beloved stories like ‘Sword Art Online’ and ‘Accel World.’ Let us not give in to the negativity and instead focus on spreading love and positivity within the community.
Lastly, it is important to remember that creators are humans too and are susceptible to false rumors and allegations. Let us respect their privacy and not spread any baseless claims that may harm their reputation. As for Reki Kawahara, let us appreciate him for his exceptional storytelling and continue to support his works. After all, as the saying goes, ‘Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.’