Act-Age has been officially canceled following the arrest of writer Tatsuya Matsuki on suspicion of sexually assaulting two teenage girls.
Related: Act-Age Manga Writer Arrested on Charges of “Indecent Act” Against Teenage Girl
On August 10th, the day the final chapter of the series was set to release in Weekly Shonen Jump, the popular manga magazine released a statement.
They announced that “after confirming the matter and discussing it with Shiro Usazaki Sensei, the artist for the series, we have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to continue with its serialization.”
According to a translation provided by Crunchyroll, “This decision was made because of the nature of the incident, and because Weekly Shonen Jump recognizes the weight of its social responsibility.”
The letter begins, “”Matsuki Tatsuya, the writer of Act-Age was arrested on August 8, 2020.”
It continues, “The editorial department takes this situation very seriously, and after confirming the matter and discussing it with Shiro Usazaki Sensei, the artist for the series, we have come to the conclusion that it is impossible to continue with its serialization. The chapter that is in combined issue 36/37 of Weekly Shonen Jump will be the final chapter.”
“It is extremely unfortunate to have to end a series that has received so much support from so many readers in this way. However, this decision was made because of the nature of the incident, and because Weekly Shonen Jump recognizes the weight of its social responsibility, ” the letter states.
They add, “We offer our deepest regrets and apologies to our readers. This is a difficult time for Usazaki Sensei, but the editorial department offers Usazaki Sensei our support and encouragement for future works.”
Finally it concludes, “Information about graphic novel volumes and related publications and events will be announced as they are decided.”
Currently, there are no plans to publish the last chapter of Act-Age in any official capacity. Weekly Shonen Jump stopped publication with Chapter 122 that was released on August 2, 2020.
The Act-Age stage play has also been cancelled by Horipro International.
With Act-Age now seemingly out of commission, it leaves the rumored anime adaptation in question.
Twitter user Spytrue indicated that an anime adaptation was in the works back in May.
What do you make of Weekly Shonen Jump cancelling Act-Age?