Books Illustrated by Gaou Recalled After He Admits to Sex Crime on Livestream

Books Illustrated by Gaou Recalled After He Admits to Sex Crime on Livestream

Gaou, an artist known especially for his light novel illustrations, is in hot water after saying in a livestream that he did some sort of sexual acts with a 14-year-old girl. According to Japanese law, the age of consent is 16. The girl, who was also on the livestream, said she wanted to talk to her parents about making a decision over telling authorities what happened.

Since the livestream, publisher Kadokawa reached out to Gaou to make sure this wasn’t a mistake or someone else pretending to be him. Kadokawa says that Gaou admitted that it was him, and admitted to the illegal act.

As a result, Kadokawa has decided to recall print copies of I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time, which Gaou illustrated. Rather than starting over with a new artist for the next volume, the publisher wants everything re-illustrated by a new person. That means the eight volumes of the light novels are currently considered out of print in Japan. People are unable to purchase those volumes digitally, either.

Kadokawa did not indicate a timeline for when the light novels might be re-released with new artwork.

Since the livestream, Gaou has not made a statement to the public. During the livestream he said he was sorry and that he had no choice but to retire. He’s lost other jobs as well.

Yen Press publishes the original I May Be a Guild Receptionist light novels, as well as their manga adaptation. It gave this description for the first light novel:

I May Be a Guild Receptionist Plot

Alina Clover signed up to be a receptionist for the Adventurers Guildthinking it would be her ticket to the good life—stable pay, regular hours, and safe workplace conditions. Unfortunately, her dream gig turns into a nightmare of endless paper work and overtime whenever the adventurers she helps coordinate get stuck clearing a dungeon. But people aren’t made to grind forever, so Alina sneaks off at night to give the monsters holding things up a beatdown, courtesy of her massive war hammer. Keeping this all under wraps to avoid violating her office’s ban on second jobs is difficult, especially when the tales of her exploits start to spread, but Alina somehow manages to keep her identity safe…until the leader of the strongest party in the guild catches her defeating a boss one fateful night! Does Alina have what it takes to stop her life from going topsy-turvy?!

Source: ANN

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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.