Manga artist Yoichiro Tanabe apologises for AI editing STU48 member Riko Kudo image

Yoichiro Tanabe apologises after posting AI modified image of STU48 idol amid backlash calling it "sexual harassment"

Manga artist Yoichiro Tanabe issued an apology on January 5 2026 after posting an AI edited image of a member of the Japanese idol group STU48, which sparked criticism on social media described by many as “AI sexual harassment.”

Tanabe, who has previously worked on idol-themed manga for youth-oriented magazines, shared the image on his X account on January 3.

The post featured a modified photo of STU48 member Riko Kudo, with sexualised alterations applied using xAI’s AI system Grok. Tanabe initially stated that the image was intended as drawing reference material.

On X, Japanese mangaka Tanabe Yōichirō used Grok's controversial image editing feature to dress idol group STU48 member Kudō Riko in a bikini. Both Kudō and STU48 member Nakamura Mai blasted him for it, leading Tanabe to delete the post and apologize. pic.twitter.com/MAC4QtHsdE

— Unseen Japan (@UnseenJapanSite) January 5, 2026

Kudo expressed her discomfort with the post via emojis, but the image was not immediately removed. Fellow STU48 member Mai Nakamura publicly requested Tanabe delete the post, stating the content “was not amusing and should not be shared on a platform accessible to anyone.”

In response to the backlash, Tanabe released a statement titled “Regarding My Recent Inappropriate Post.” He wrote that he deeply regretted causing discomfort and acknowledged failings including lack of awareness of portrait rights, insufficient understanding of generative AI usage, and misjudging appropriate boundaries with idols he had worked with professionally. He confirmed the related posts had been deleted and suspended all business dealings with the idol group.

STU48 also issued an official statement addressing AI-generated images and videos involving its members. The group described such acts as a serious violation of portrait and publicity rights, emphasising that management would take a firm stance against unauthorised uploads in the future and cooperate with other agencies when addressing similar issues involving idols from different organisations.

The incident has reignited discussions in Japan about the ethical use of generative AI and the responsibilities of creators when handling images of public figures, especially minors and young entertainers.