Fake Dragon Ball Manga First Editions Lead to Arrest in Japan
Japanese pop culture news edited by Patrick Macias
A man was arrested in Shizuoka, Japan for selling counterfeit Dragon Ball first editions online
The fake books were listed for 13,000 yen (about $84), though authentic versions sell for much more
Police suspect the presence of accomplices in a coordinated forgery and distribution operation
A 33-year-old Chinese national working as a physical therapist in Mito City has been arrested by Shizuoka police on suspicion of violating trademark law. Authorities say the man sold two counterfeit first edition volumes of the Dragon Ball manga through a flea market app between March and April of this year.
Each volume was sold for a total of 13,000 yen (about $84), far below the going rate for authentic first editions, which can trade for tens of thousands of yen depending on condition and rarity. According to police, the suspect has not yet confirmed or denied the charges.
Fakes Were Designed to Look Aged but Failed Under Scrutiny
The counterfeit copies were made to appear aged, with red-brown discoloration added to mimic paper aging. However, buyers noticed inconsistencies, including freshly cut page edges and noticeable print misalignment. A man from Shizuoka who purchased one of the volumes reported the suspicious quality to local police in early April.
Additional details indicate that the forgeries had poorly aligned speech bubbles and lacked the crisp detail found in authentic prints. In particular, close inspection of the dialogue layout and print registration revealed irregularities that helped confirm they were fake.
Police Suspect a Larger Forgery Operation
Investigators believe the arrested man was responsible only for shipping the fake books and that other individuals were involved in printing and preparing the counterfeits. The police are currently investigating the case as part of a possible organized operation involving multiple roles and participants.
According to reports from Shizuoka Asahi TV, the forgery techniques used suggest access to advanced scanning and printing equipment. Police suspect that production may have taken place outside the prefecture, possibly involving a distribution network that has targeted collectors online.
Online Marketplaces Becoming a Hub for Collectible Fraud
The incident underscores a growing concern among manga collectors about fraudulent listings on popular Japanese flea market platforms such as Mercari and Rakuma. Experts warn that demand for rare items, including early manga volumes and out-of-print merchandise, is attracting counterfeiters.
Retail analysts in Tokyo note that first edition volumes of long-running series like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Slam Dunk are among the most targeted. They advise buyers to verify seller reviews, check listings for photos of unique printing marks, and compare with verified images before purchasing.
Officials Urge Caution as Investigations Continue
Police are urging consumers who suspect they may have purchased counterfeit goods to come forward. As the investigation unfolds, authorities expect to uncover additional instances of fraudulent activity linked to the same operation.
The case highlights how even iconic franchises like Dragon Ball are not immune to the expanding market for fakes. Law enforcement and collectors alike are calling for improved authentication tools and better platform policies to protect fans and their investments.