Tomomi Kasai's Photobook Cover Changed

After the issues it faced in the past week, the cover of idol group AKB48member Tomomi Kasai's upcoming photobook, “Tomo no Koto, Suki?” was revised. The new cover can be seen above.

Additionally, Kodansha, the publisher of Young Magazine and Kasai photobook, had posted a new announcement to explain the delays of the magazine. The editors stated, “Due to an inappropriate depiction in Young Magazine issue 7, we are delaying its January 12 release. After part of the content has been revised, all serialized works that were scheduled to be published in issue 7 will instead be published in issue 8 on January 21.”

Furthermore, the publisher stated last Saturday that the photobook's release will be put on hold until further notice. Kasai's “Tomo no Koto, Suki?” was first scheduled for February 4th release. [PRE-ORDER HERE]

The photobook's past cover is said to feature Kasai nude from the waist up with a child standing behind and reaching around her chest. The legal issue is over a male minor touching a female's nipples. According to a lawyer, the photograph would have been "safe" if the minor was touching her breasts, but not her nipples. If that were the case, he said that it would not be legally considered child pornography in Japan — even if the nipples were exposed.

Last December, Tomomi Kasai released her debut single “Masaka”. But during “The 2nd AKB48 Kohaku Taikou Uta Gassen” event last December 17th, she announced her graduation from the group. Details are yet to be announced.

via Anime News Network