A big blow for the fansub community

Today has seen some important news emerge from perhaps the largest anime fansub portal, AnimeSuki. Japan-based producer Media Factory Inc. have requested that AnimeSuki remove links to several of their anime series (which include the popular Gankutsuou and Kimi ga Nozomu Eien).

Typically, Japanese anime producers have turned a blind eye to fansubs (because strictly speaking, they are illegal)- preferring to let them aid in building up a sizable reputation for their work outside of Japan. Fansub distribution is only usually halted once an English speaking nation picks up the respective official distribution rights.

This move by Media Factory Inc. has left anime fans questioning whether or not this could be the beginning of the end for the fansub community- will other Japan-based anime producers follow suit and also request a halt to their distribution?

Ironically, our most recent visitor poll asked you if fansubs were good or bad for the UK anime industry- 60% of you answered with ‘Good’, 18% replying with ‘Bad’.

Paul

Washed up on the good shores of Anime UK News after many a year at sea, Paul has been writing about anime for a long time here at AUKN and at his anime blog.

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