Mangaka Leiji Matsumoto has accused singer/songwriter Noriyuki Makihara of plagiarizing a line from his classic work "Galaxy Express 999," asking him to apologize. Makihara has denied wrongdoing, saying he won't mind if the courts have to decide.

The alleged plagiarism occurs in rap duo CHEMISTRY's latest single, "Yakusoku no Basho," which was written by Makihara. The chorus of the song starts with: "yume wa jikan wo uragiranai / jikan mo yume wo kesshite uragiranai." In volume 21 of "Galaxy Express 999," the following line appears: "jikan wa yume wo uragiranai, yume mo jikan wo uragitte wa naranai." According to Matsumoto, this line is a critical phrase spoken by the main character, and it reflects the overall theme of the entire work. It has also become a personal slogan for Matsumoto, who has used the line before in public addresses.

Makihara says there was no intention of plagiarism. He suggests that perhaps he recalled it after having heard it somewhere. Management from his record company repeated that explanation while apologizing to Matsumoto. Matsumoto still seeks a proper apology from Makihara himself, but the musician won't budge, going as far as challenging the mangaka to sue.