Makihara sues Matsumoto over plagiarism allegations

Singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara has filed a lawsuit against mangaka Leiji Matsumoto, seeking restitution for the damage caused by Matsumoto’s claims of plagiarism.

Last October, Matsumoto accused Makihara of plagiarizing a line from “Galaxy Express 999” for a song he wrote for rap duo CHEMISTRY (“Yakusoku no Basho”). Makihara denied the allegation, but Matsumoto kept insisting for an apology. However, Matsumoto did not take the matter to court.

Now, Makihara has filed a suit demanding Matsumoto to provide evidence of plagiarism. In the case that Matsumoto is unable to, Makihara is seeking 22 million yen in damages caused by the accusation.

The initial oral proceedings are scheduled to begin next week.

Source:
Nikkan Sports