SIGNAL.MD Responds to Yaginuma Antisemitism Controversy

A little over a week ago, we reported on tweets of an antisemitic nature being posted and shared by anime director Kazuyoshi Yaginuma, whose most notable credit was his directorial debut with last year’s Recovery of an MMO Junkie. In AnimeNewsNetwork‘s own report, they noted how they had approached SIGNAL.MD, the studio behind the recent series, for comment. Now, they have responded.

Posting in both Japanese and English on their blog, SIGNAL.MD have released the following statement:

Statement by SIGNAL MD concerning Tweets under the name of whom the director of “Recovery of an MMO Junkie”

It has come to our attention that a series of Tweets under the handle, @yaginuma_san, apparently made by Mr. Kazuyoshi Yaginuma have included anti-Semitic comments. SIGNAL MD wishes to make it clear that it is strongly opposed to and deprecates anti-Semitism and all forms of racism or discrimination.

Mr. Yaginuma was director of the anime “Recovery of an MMO Junkie” produced by SIGNAL MD, has never been our company member and is no longer employed by us.

Assuming the comments which appear under the Twitter handle @yaginuma_san, were indeed made by Mr. Yaginuma, they are not linked to his role as director of “Recovery of an MMO Junkie” and are not supported by SIGNAL MD.

We will continue to create works that are moving and enjoyable, with the philosophy of giving excitement to many viewers and working to create works that satisfy our clients.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

SIGNAL.MD, Inc.

Credit to Twitter user @ambler3 for the tip.