“Tracing/Plagiarism” allegations have surfaced against Itsuki Sakyo, a member of the popular VTuber group “Nijisanji.”
Initially, some defended him, suggesting his work was “within the realm of reproduction,” but criticism has now flooded forums and social media, creating a major controversy.
Why didn’t this end as a mere “allegation,” and how did it escalate into such a large-scale incident?
The Rekindled Allegations and Disappointment in His “Excuses”
The incident began with an illustration Sakyo had previously posted to explain things like how to hold drumsticks. It was pointed out that this illustration may have been traced without permission from a photograph that included a copyright mark.
At first, some fans and online users defended him, saying, “The lines are shaky and uneven, so it can’t be a mechanical trace,” and “If he was just looking at it to draw (reproduction), it’s natural for it to look similar.”
However, as online investigators dug deeper, the mood shifted. It became clear that “while the lines may be shaky, the ‘structure,’ such as the position of the wrist and the overlapping of the fingers, is a perfect match with the photograph.”
The final blow that solidified the controversy was his own defiant attitude in response to the allegations.
As evidence mounted suggesting the high probability of tracing, he did not apologize. Instead, he insisted that the drawing was a product of his own artistic skill.
Despite being suspected of tracing over a copyrighted image, his behavior—acting as if he were showing off his talent by claiming he “drew it with a mouse”—was not seen as a simple lack of explanation. It was perceived as a deliberate “lie” to protect himself, which resulted in the disappointment and anger of many fans.
Fan Defenses Only Add “Fuel to the Fire”
Another factor prolonging the controversy is the defensive activity of some of his most devoted fans.
On forums, fans have made arguments such as, “It’s okay to trace if it’s for an explanation,” “The lines are messy, so it’s not tracing,” and “It’s not copyright infringement if it’s a photograph.” However, these claims are difficult to defend when compared with copyright law and general ethics.
This kind of blind defense is viewed with cynicism by outsiders, who comment, “The followers have low standards,” and “The more they try to force a defense, the more Itsuki Sakyo’s own reputation suffers.” As a result, their actions have only served to add fuel to the fire.
An Explosion of “Frustrations” That Had Been Piling Up
A significant reason why this tracing allegation has become such a major issue is that it’s not just about image rights; it’s also tied to the accumulated frustration with Itsuki Sakyo’s everyday behavior.
His low compliance awareness had been pointed out on multiple occasions, including an instance where he allegedly made remarks during a stream that suggested he had evaded train fares.
Furthermore, his persistent and sometimes sexually nuanced interactions with female VTubers, especially new members and juniors, have drawn strong negative reactions from viewers, with many calling it “unpleasant” and “viscerally repulsive.”
When he debuted, he garnered high expectations with his character persona of an “elite office worker.” However, as the gap between that persona and his actual careless actions became apparent, the “elite” image itself crumbled, leading to widespread disappointment among fans, which appears to have culminated in this explosive controversy.
The Management’s Response and Future Concerns
Currently, the scandal is no longer just about the individual; it has expanded into a sense of distrust toward the entire Nijisanji group and its management.
Despite being at the center of a controversy, he is still scheduled to appear in major official programs like a “Splatoon Tournament” and “Niji-Quiz.” This has raised concerns that he might negatively affect his co-stars and that the comment sections of these programs will be flooded with negative remarks.
Furthermore, despite the fact that management (ANYCOLOR Inc.) has likely received numerous inquiries from fans, they appear to be passively observing and ignoring the situation. As a result, criticism is now being directed at the management as well.
This distrust in the management, with questions like, “Are you condoning compliance violations?” and “Why aren’t you providing proper guidance?” is making the situation even more serious.
Conclusion
The reason Itsuki Sakyo is under fire is not simply because he “traced a picture.”
The issue has evolved into a serious problem that could damage the image of the entire group, stemming from a complex combination of three factors:
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The “tracing” that lacked respect for creators, and the “excuse” that was perceived as a lie.
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The “fans’ unreasonable defense” that only added fuel to the fire.
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The pre-existing resentment toward his unpleasant behavior, combined with the “silence of the management.”