Kadokawa Withdraws a Light Novel that Plagiarized Baka to Test

16 years ago

Kadokawa announced to the bookstores that they have found plagiarisms in Dengeki Bunko's new light novel "Ore to Kanojo ga Maoh to Yusha de Seitokaicho" and decided to withdraw the books. Some lines of the novel closely resemble those of Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu etc. "Ore to Kanojyo ..." is Aikawa Jo's first novel released this May. Aikawa is a 22 year old newface writer and was one of the final candidates in the 16th Dengeki Novel Award.

Comparison between BakaTest and Ore Kanojo Japanese
Comparison (longer version) Japanese
Larger version (may give 404 error)

example

Baka Test said:

「？　じゃあなんだ？　ヘッドバッドか？」
"? Then what are you going to do? Headbutt?"
「……キス」
"...... kiss"
「よし。余計な動きを見せるな。
"Good. Don't make unnecessary moves."
手を頭の後ろに組んでから
"Put your hands behind the head and"
ゆっくりとわかりやすく説明するんだ」
"explain your thought plainly at your leisure."

Ore to Kanojo said:

「ヘッドバッドではない。おはようのチューだ」
"It's not headbutt but a good morning kiss."
「よし。余計な動きを見せるな。
"Good. Don't make unnecessary moves."
手を頭の後ろに回して、
"Put your hands behind the head and"
何を企んでいるかゆっくり説明しろ」
"explain what you're up to at your leisure."

There are divided opinions among other light novel authors. Migiwa Korumono (his tweet) criticized Aikawa and said "I despise him as an author." while Takami Kazuyuki supported him that "As long as the novel is fun, this degree of plagiarism is acceptable."

"Ore to Kanojo" ranked 5th in the weekly light novel ranking for May 3 -9.
ref. Japan's Weekly Manga Ranking for May 3 - 9

Source: Scan of the notice