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Illustrator Hisashi Eguchi Apologizes Over Unpermitted Photo Use, Says Dispute Settled

Corporate clients have paused his work as online accusations about tracing spread.

Overview

  • Eguchi posted on X on December 30, offering a deep apology to the woman whose social-media photo he used and to commissioning advertisers.
  • He said he and the woman reached a settlement by mutual agreement through lawyers.
  • The initial case involved a LUMINE Ogikubo event poster that was withdrawn on October 3 after the venue confirmed the illustration was based on the woman’s photo without permission.
  • Addressing wider tracing claims, he argued tracing is a legitimate step in drawing and outlined views that referencing poses or styling may not infringe copyright or portrait rights.
  • He acknowledged insufficient consideration for subjects’ feelings, noted Zoff and Credit Saison have halted use of his work pending inquiries, and said he will continue drawing while taking feedback seriously.