Former Kadokawa Chairman Tsuguhiko Kadokawa Appeals Bribery Conviction and Sues Company President

Tsuguhiko Kadokawa, former chairman of Kadokawa Corporation, one of the giants of the anime and manga world, has opened a new front in his legal battle. According to a report dated June 17, 2026, Kadokawa filed an appeal against his bribery conviction while also initiating a lawsuit targeting the company's current president, Takeshi Natsuno.

It is reported that Tsuguhiko Kadokawa is seeking 20 million yen (approximately 4 million TL) in damages in his defamation lawsuit against Natsuno. The lawsuit is based on claims that defamatory statements were made that damaged Kadokawa's reputation. The former chairman is also appealing his conviction in the bribery scandal related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, trying to prove his innocence.

Kadokawa Corporation is one of the strongest companies in the industry, known for publishing manga, anime, and light novels, as well as game studios like FromSoftware. The bribery scandal that broke out in 2022 came to light with allegations that Tsuguhiko Kadokawa transferred money to members of the Olympic organizing committee in exchange for sponsorship deals. The case caused a major stir as it targeted one of the top executives of the Japanese anime industry.

Now, the former chairman's simultaneous fight on both criminal and civil fronts is a significant development for Kadokawa's future and industry dynamics. No official statement has yet come from Takeshi Natsuno or the Kadokawa management. This case will be closely followed by the anime community, as its outcome could directly affect the management structure and reputation of a major publisher.