Chou Kaguya-hime Manga Sparks Controversy Because Illustrator Doesn’t Draw Yuri

Chou Kaguya-hime is a new original anime that achieved moderate success and has only now received a manga adaptation illustrated by Taro Yoneda. However, this release has sparked controversy surrounding the artist.

Many Japanese illustrators have specific types of content they are comfortable drawing and others they prefer to avoid. Back in 2022, Taro Yoneda went viral after some people were upset because, in his commission terms, he stated that he did not accept yuri or BL artwork.

So what does that have to do with the current situation? The issue is that Yoneda accepted the job of illustrating the Chou Kaguya-hime manga, and for many viewers, the anime is considered yuri. As a result, some fans see his involvement as an “affront.”

The criticism intensified after the artist recently mentioned that he had to cut certain scenes to improve the pacing of the adaptation. Although he explained that he also worked hard to properly highlight important moments in the manga version, many fans began to suspect that the removed scenes could include “yuri moments,” which only fueled further distrust.

On social media, reactions ranged from disappointment to outrage. Some questioned why someone who supposedly doesn’t like yuri would agree to work on a title “with that theme.” Others accused the illustrator of being motivated purely by money. There were also people who argued that old statements do not necessarily reflect a professional’s current views. A few are even attempting to boycott the manga.

Is Chou Kaguya-hime Actually Yuri?

I’m planning to watch the anime but haven’t seen it yet. I noticed that on MyAnimeList they did not tag it as Yuri/Girls Love. However, there is a discussion thread where a user shares their opinion on whether Chou Kaguya-hime is yuri or not. According to that perspective, the anime is NOT yuri. Even though it shows that the two main girls love each other, it may not be romantic love, but rather a different kind of bond.

I think it might be similar to Lycoris Recoil. I watched that one and personally didn’t see absolutely ANY yuri in it (and I do enjoy yuri anime — I even have two in my top 10). Still, for many people, Lycoris Recoil is considered yuri. Go figure.

I’ll still watch Chou Kaguya-hime and decide whether I feel a yuri vibe or if it’s another type of love. But if you check the illustrator’s profile, you’ll see plenty of complaints there.