The Manga “Oishinbo” Controversy: Radiation and Nose Bleeding in the Wake of 3.11 「美味しんぼ」論争　3.11以降の放射線と鼻血　Eiichiro Ochiai　June 23, 2013
Volume 11 | Issue 25 | Number 4
“Oishinbo” is the title of a series of manga (comic), meaning “Gourmet Craze”, created and written by Kariya Tetsu（”美味しんぼ”は、雁屋 哲著のグルメ（食通）マンガシリーズ（続きもの）である）. It has been continuously published since 1983 in a comic magazine “Big Comic Spirits” published by Shogakukan (Tokyo)（１９８３年以来、継続的に小学館発売の”ビッグコミック・スピリッツ”に連載されてきたコミックである）, and enjoyed great popularity in Japan（さらに日本で大人気を満喫（享受）した）. The series, mainly centered on gourmet food（シリーズは、主にグルメ食物が中心）, has been re-published in more than 100 books（出版（発行）は１００巻を超えた）, and（そして） in the past caused controversies regarding its criticisms of food and food regulations（過去において、食物及び取締（規則）管理について議論の原因になった）.　An episode titled “The Truth about Fukushima (series 604)”, with episode 22/23 published on May 12, 2014（２０１４年５月１２日発売（挿話２２・２３）の”福島についての真実”という題名の挿話）. It depicted a conversation about “Nose Bleeding” among the comic's protagonist Yamaoka Shiro（コミックの主人公山岡司郎氏の”鼻血”について）, a scientist（科学者との会話が描かれた） and （さらに）the former mayor of Futaba-machi a town adjacent to the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant（福島第一原発近隣の双葉町元市長）, which had severe accidents on the occasion of the Great East Japan Disaster when a powerful earthquake (magnitude 9) combined with the huge Tsunami on March 11 of 2011 (２０１１年３月１１日に起こった大津波と混合した大震災（震度９）による深刻な被害）the 3.11 incident＝３・１１事変). A portion of a key scene of the comic is shown below（鍵となる場面の一部（割当て）は下記に示された）. The controversy（議論の余地がある（賛否両論））, centered on the issue of the main character suffering nose bleed after a visit to the plant（問題の核心は、主人公が原発を訪問した後、鼻血に苦しんだ）, and（加えて） another character modeled on the former Futaba Mayor, warning people against living in the prefecture（元双葉市長を模型（モデル＝見本）としたもうひとりの登場人物（配役）が、県に住むことに対して人々に警告する）. After the Fukushima prefectural government issued a protest against the manga for inflaming fears about the safety of the prefecture’s fish（福島県の政府当局が、県の魚（類）についての恐怖をかきたてた（煽った）と抗議を発布した後）, the publisher announced that the popular series would take a break following a final issue on “The Truth about Fukushima” on May 19（出版社は続く人気シリーズの”５月１９日における福島についての真実”とした最終結末（刊行）を休止（延期）すると発表した）.　This episode in the comic（コミックにおけるこの回（挿話）は）, centered on nose bleeding in the wake of 3.11（３月１１日の発生による鼻血が中心となっていた）, provoked an unusual controversy immediately upon publication（出版に対して、ただちにきわだった（異常な）議論（賛否両論）を引き起こした）, and（そして） all printed copies of the comic were rumored to have sold out quickly（噂になり、印刷されたコミックはあっというまに売れた）. Essentially there are two views（本質（基本）的には２つの意見（見解）がある）. One is（ひとつは） “denial of the fact”（”事実の否定”） that many people have experienced nose bleeding after the Fukushima incident（たくさんの人々が福島事件の後、鼻血を経験した）, with the assertion that nose bleeding cannot be caused by the radiation emitted from Fukushima Dai-ichi（鼻血は、福島第一から放出される放射能が原因（理由）ではないとする主調（断言））. The other view is that it is reasonable that the nose bleeding observed among the people of Fukushima prefecture and surrounding areas including Tokyo could be caused by radiation, as suggested in the comic（もうひとつは、筋のとおった（道理にかなった）妥当な視点。福島県内及び東京を含む近郊の地域において観測された鼻血は、コミックに示唆されたよう放射能によるもの）.　The fact is that no scientifically definitive proof has been found for the cause-effect relationship in the case of nose bleeding（事実は、鼻血との原因ー影響関係に対する科学的に決定的な証明は、発見されなかった）. No serious studies have been conducted on this issue（この問題についてのまじめな研究は行われなかった）. The question is（疑問は） then whether the scientific arguments “against” causality （因果関係へ科学的に”反対”する主張）are more reasonable than the arguments “for” causality（は”肯定”する議論よりもっと筋が通っている） or（もしくは） the reverse（逆（反対））. If the former (against) is reasonable（もし前者（反対）が妥当ならば）, and（さらに） is very likely（は非常にもっともらしい） based on the best human knowledge available（利用できる最高な人間の知識に基づいた）, it would suggest that it is not necessary to worry about the entire issue of radiation effects（全体の放射能問題の影響を心配する必要はないと示唆する） on living organisms at current levels（現在の水準におけるすべての生き物）. On the hand（一方）, if the latter (for) is more reasonable （もし後者（肯定）が道理にかなうなら）and（加えて） conforms to the best human knowledge（最上の人間の知識に適合（順応）するのであれば）, there would be need to worry about radiation effects（放射能による影響を心配する必要がある）, and（及び） action would be required to reduce such danger to the minimum（そのような危険を最低限にするための行動が要求される）.
The Political Aspect
The denial has two aspects: one is political, the other scientific. The political powers, including the current mayor of Futaba-machi, the minister of the environment and even the prime minister, strongly criticized the episode, saying that the contents do not hold up to scrutiny. They deny categorically the facts depicted in the comic. The intention seems to be to suppress any suggestion of a causal relationship between nose bleeding and the radiation emitted as a result of the disaster and any criticism of the government and the nuclear industry. People, including locals, have been keenly aware of government intentions in strongly reacting to this trivial incident. After all, it was simply a description of certain incidents observed by the author and associates and presented in a comic. Why did the government go to such lengths to suppress mention of nose bleeding? The incident suggests the desperation of the government and the industry to suppress the facts concerning the danger of radiation.　The local governments of Fukushima prefecture and local communities expressed concern, coining the term “damage caused by rumors”. This suggests that to express something that cannot be verified may adversely affect those for which the concern is expressed. In this case, the idea was to suggest that people (Japanese citizens) may receive a false impression that radiation is still significant in Fukushima, and might become afraid of approaching the area, buying products made in the area, etc., despite the fact that the radiation level has already been reduced significantly, as the local governments and the Japanese government insist. However, it is to be recognized that the damages caused by radiation are indeed more serious than rumors such as these. But what is the true situation concerning radiation? Unfortunately, precise, accurate and detailed data are non-existent or have been hidden from public scrutiny. Besides, a more significant issue is the question of how low a level of radiation should cause us to worry. Is there a threshold? This is a scientific issue, so we now turn to the scientific aspects of the controversy, which are the main focus of this article.　
The Facts about Nose Bleeding and Other Symptoms
There have been a number of reports of unusual nose bleeding after the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. These have been made mostly by individuals who have had nose bleeding themselves or have observed their children’s experience of unusual nose bleeding. Some prominent persons, such as a medical doctor who appeared in the comic, have reported observations of nose bleeding. Nose bleeding has also been reported in connection with the Chernobyl incident (1986). Dr. Hida Shuntaro, a medical doctor and a survivor of Hiroshima Atomic Bomb, has witnessed many examples of radiation-related illnesses, including nose bleeding and unusual fatigue syndrome after the Hiroshima bombing. Fatigue is another symptom discussed in the comic. One of the more recent reports can be seen here,1 in which several citizens from Fukushima prefecture describe in detail their experiences of ill-health including nose bleeding.　It is true that there are many causes for nose bleeding. This fact may have influenced some people to belittle the possible causality between nose bleeding and radiation. Whether this is the case or not, no official detailed data on nose bleeding has been collected in any of these situations (Hiroshima/Nagasaki, Chernobyl and others), let alone the Fukushima case. This is a fact, and the deniers use this fact as a ground for their claim that no widespread nose bleeding incidence has been observed, and that such a description even in a comic is demagogic.　A few relatively large data sets have, however, been collected. One on the Chernobyl incident was collected by a group led by Hirokawa Ryuichi.2 Over the years 1993-96 he collected data from 25,564 persons who were evacuated from the immediate vicinity of Chernobyl. The following results were obtained from 2127 persons who evacuated from Chernobyl city 8-9 days after the accident.

(a) Ill-health effects experienced one week after the accident:
headache: 64.5 %; nausea: 41.5 %; sore throat: 42.5 %; pain on the skin: 7.1 %; nose bleeding: 21.6 %; fainting: 9.7 %; unusually strong fatigue: 61.7 %; state like being drunk 22.1 %; other ill effects: 13.4 %

(b) Current health conditions:
healthy: 2.7 %; headache: 74.6 %; sore throat 35.6 %; anemia: 14.2 %; dizziness: 50.2 %; nose bleeding: 19.6 %; fatigue: 74.9 %; susceptible to cold: 59.0 %; pain in limbs and bones: 64.0 %; eye sight problem (cataract): 30.5 %; abnormalities in thyroid glands: 37.8 %; tumors: 3.8 %; leukemia: 0.7 %; congenital abnormalities: 0.1 %; others 20.0 %.

A team from Kumamoto Gakuen University led by Nakachi Shigeharu3 in Nov. 2012 investigated nose bleeding and other illness among the people living in Futaba-machi adjacent to Fukushima dai-ichi and Marumori-machi 60 km north west north of Fukushima dai-ichi, and compared the data to those for people living in Kinomoto-cho in Shiga prefecture 600 km west of Fukushima dai-ichi. The odds ratio of nose bleeding among the people living in Futaba- and Marumori-machi were 3.5 and 3.8, respectively. This indicates that nose bleeding incidence was significantly higher (by 3 to 4 times) in towns close to Fukushima Dai-ichi compared to that in a place far from it. Other symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue were also high among people living in Futaba-machi.　Thyroid gland abnormalities including cancer have been systematically investigated for children (under 18) in Fukushima prefecture, and this is the only data the government seems willing to accept and make public. Over the last three years since the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident, 90 children have been found to have thyroid cancer or to be strongly suspected of having contracted cancer among about 370,000 children tested.4 This amounts to about 24/100,000. This rate is abnormally high for thyroid cancer in children, the normal rate being less than 1/100,000. The government is of the opinion that these cancers have nothing to do with radiation from the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. We will set aside the arguments for this contention here.

Radiation Level, and the Distinction between “External” and “Internal” Exposure
The scientific aspect of the controversy is about whether nose bleeding can be caused by radiation at the current level found in Fukushima prefecture. Confronted with the reality of nose bleeding, some scientists on the denier side argue that nose bleeding is impossible at the current radiation level.　How low is the radiation level in Fukushima? This question cannot be answered immediately. First of all, what is the radiation level and how is it measured? Radiation comes from a variety of sources, and consists of several different kinds. The important ones are a, b and g-radiation, and they behave differently. Radiation level is usually defined in terms of Bq (per kg), but often converted to Sv (or Gy), which represents exposure dose of the radiation. How is Sv defined? Exposure dose of who? How is Sv determined, and how meaningful is the Sv value thus determined? Radiation comes from radioactive material, such as U (uranium)-238, Pu (plutonium)-239, Cs (cesium)-137, Sr (strontium)-90, I (iodine)-131 and K (potassium)-40. [See note 1 at the end of this article for Bq, Gy/Sv]　Radioactive materials come out from sources. One source is natural, i.e., rocks and others that contain naturally occurring radioactive material (U-238, K-40 and a few others). An artificial source is the atomic bomb, which releases an enormous amount of radioactive material upon explosion. Another artificial source is nuclear power facilities. They release radioactive material even under normal operating conditions and they are allowed by law to release a certain amount per year. They would release various amounts of radioactive material in the case of an accident, depending on the severity of the accident. In what forms and how does the radioactive material spread out from a nuclear facility? These have not been studied sufficiently as yet.　How widely and in what locations have radioactive materials spread? There have been some answers to these questions. A number of organizations as well as individuals have measured radiation in various locations. The distribution of the so-called spatial dose rate is often expressed in Sv/hr, and Bq (/kg) values of soil, water, or food samples. The Bq value can be measured quantitatively, but how can exposure dose to radiation be measured in a significant manner? Besides, how is “exposure” defined? One other method of finding distribution is to conduct a simulation based on the amount of radiation released, the atmospheric condition (rain, wind, its direction/speed, etc.), geographical conditions and others. One recent simulation result shows how radioactive Cs and I were distributed and deposited across the entire earth; this result is expressed in terms of Bq/m2.5 It shows that more than 40 kBq/m2 has been deposited over the area about 300 km from Fukushima Dai-ichi; this includes Tokyo. It spread eastward, and is believed to have circled the entire northern hemisphere5.　We need to set aside these fundamental questions, because it is not our purpose here and no definitive answers can be given. It should be pointed out that low level radiation Sv/hr is such a vague concept and cannot represent the real exposure situation at the individual level. The only meaningful thing is, perhaps, to use it to compare radiation levels between two locations. Here as well, nothing can be said about exposure to an individual in a single location (community), as the distribution of radioactive material spread from an accident site is not even, and indeed it is quite spotty.6　The Japanese government authorities claim that the current level of exposure in Fukushima is well below 20 mSv/y, which, they say, is not serious, in the sense discussed below. We will leave the issue of radiation level as given here. Under such a condition, is it possible for people to get nose bleeding? A couple of arguments for the “NO” answer will be discussed below.
However, one more fundamental issue needs to be mentioned before we turn to the main subject, the cause of nose bleeding. That is the issue of “external” vs “internal” exposure. Radiation including

a, b, g
x-ray and ultraviolet light derives from various sources. Sources are substances containing radioactive isotopes mentioned earlier, x-ray instruments and the sun, which emits a number of radioactive particles as well as ultraviolet light (and visible light as well). When the source is external to a body, radiation enters a body through the skin. a and b would not penetrate much into the body, because of their nature, but g and neutron can penetrate deep into the body, and usually come out of the other side of the body. This is termed “external exposure”. a and b are not significant in damaging the body when coming from outside, because they are typically stopped by clothing.　A radioactive source may enter a body by various means. It can be breathed in through nose or mouth, or can enter as radioactively contaminated food or drink. When such a source settles in certain tissues or organs, it irradiates the immediate surrounding tissues. This is “internal exposure”. Common sense indicates that “internal” exposure is more serious than “external exposure”, but the authorities including the initial commission that studied the Hiroshima/Nagasaki atomic bomb victims and ICRP (International commission for radiological protection) have not recognized “internal” exposure. As a result, most of the arguments pertaining to the health effects of radiation do not distinguish “external” and “internal”, or ignore “internal” effects. This is critical in assessing radiation effects on living organisms. The nose bleeding controversy occurred in this atmosphere.　
“NO, it is Not Caused by Radiation” - Mistaken Reasoning
Now we will try to see how reasonable or unreasonable the “NO” answers are. Three representative “NO” answers will be discussed.

(a) The first argument goes like this: “nose bleeding can only be induced by damage to platelets produced in bone marrow. Damage to platelets can be brought about only by severe destruction of the bone marrow. Destruction would occur only at a high exposure dose, something like more than 2 Sv. Therefore, the current level of exposure, i.e., less than 20 mSv, would definitely not cause nose bleeding."7　This argument is based entirely on the idea of external exposure, atomic bomb effect data, and experimental results of x-ray irradiation on animals. The official atomic bomb effect data are about the effect of g-ray and neutrons from the explosion of the atomic bombs; that is, the external exposure only. They dealt with high dose levels such as several hundred Sv down to about 250 mSv, and did not recognize any effect below that level. X-ray effects on animals are also external exposure, and have shown that damage to the bone marrow and associated blood producing system may occur at 1-10 Sv (not below it).8 Besides, platelets are not to cause bleeding, but to repair the damaged blood vessel so as to stop bleeding. Hence this argument is also based on a mistaken notion about platelets.　Besides, this argument entirely ignores a possibility that a minute radioactive particle may get into the nose through breathing and stick to the surface of the capillary vessel in the nose. The radioactive particle emits a, b or g rays (depending on the radioactive isotopes contained therein) in the surroundings and may destroy the membrane of the blood vessel. In this situation, a and b as well as g can cause damage to the tissue. How large this damaging effect is on the capillary membrane is yet to be studied, but it is likely possible.9 However, to prove it scientifically may not be easy.

(b) Another “NO” answer depends on the notion that the damage causing nose bleeding is due to active oxygen produced as a result of radiation from the radioactive particle stuck to the surface of the capillary;9 this is the mechanism for nose bleeding suggested in the comic. The argument10 goes something like this: “There is a very effective means to detoxify active oxygen in the body. The body detoxifies an enormous amount of active oxygen every moment. An estimate of active oxygen production due to the radioactive particle stuck in the capillary site in the nose is way below the level of active oxygen that is effectively reduced by the detoxifying mechanism. Therefore, in order to overcome the detoxifying effect to cause nose bleeding would require a very high radiation level, hence the current low level radiation would not be able to cause nose bleeding.” The argument includes certain quantitative calculations which themselves may be reasonable, though the assumptions are wrong.　However, a fundamental mistake would make this argument meaningless. That is the issue: what is “active oxygen”. In this argument,10 the author does not specify it; likely he is not aware that so-called “active oxygen” is a collective name for several chemical entities. The term means several oxygen-containing entities that are more reactive than oxygen itself. It includes “singlet-state” oxygen [see note 2 below], hydrogen peroxide, superoxide (free radical), hydroxyl free radical and various hydroperoxides. The author has in mind “superoxide” and likely hydrogen peroxide as the major entities that are detoxified regularly in physiology. This is true, because the organisms are prepared to deal with them, as these entities are produced regularly without the effect of radiation. The enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase are present in cells to detoxify them. However, the major entity produced from radiation of water is hydroxyl free radical, and no defensive enzyme is known against it. There are a few chemicals that may reduce the very strong reactive character of hydroxyl free radical, but they are not meant for this purpose only. Anyway, the basis for the argument of denial is flawed, and hence its conclusion that the current low level would not cause nose bleeding is questionable.

(c) “Stress caused by fear of radiation effect rather than radiation itself is the cause.” This idea was first expressed by the Soviet government right after the Chernobyl incident. In order to absolve themselves of responsibility for the consequences of the disaster, particularly the ill health effects on people, they invented this excuse. That is, “don’t worry” and “worry is more harmful”. The same excuse has been mentioned in regard to the Oishinbo controversy.11 This opinion is difficult to debunk but also difficult to prove. To prove it scientifically it would be necessary to start with defining “stress, what kind of stress, its causes, its seriousness etc” and then see how it affects people’s health, and determine causality. It is almost impossible to assess this correlation scientifically but it is also impossible to deny it. Mental and spiritual status of a person would certainly affect his/her physical conditions. This is true. Therefore, we have to say that it is possible, but the question is: Are all nose bleeding incidences caused by “stress” alone?　Most of the flat denial arguments are baseless, in terms of the detailed nature of the radiation effect that may cause nose bleeding. Yet, the so-called authorities are making many baseless arguments, which may convince ordinary citizens simply because they are known to be “authorities”.　“Yes, it could be Caused by Radiation” - some Scientific Reasoning
The argument for the causal relationship between nose bleeding and low-level radiation is based on a reasonable assumption that minute floating radioactive particles might enter a nose and stick on the surface of the capillaries. Minute particles could emit a, b and/or g (depending on the radioisotopes contained in them), irradiate and damage the membrane of the capillary directly; alternatively, hydroxyl free radicals produced by that radiation may cause damage there.9, 12 This could lead to nose bleeding. There is again not enough data to verify this hypothesis. This is how internal exposure would damage the tissues upon settling in certain localities in a body.9 Radiation particles (a, b and/or g) would interact with cells, cell membranes, molecular species such as DNA, proteins, lipids, water, etc., and damage and destroy them. This reaction is inevitable, and no mechanism exists to defend against such an action of radiation. The only thing the biological system can do is try to repair damages from radiation or somehow nullify the damage. Yes, indeed quite a few mechanisms exist to repair damage to DNA, but none exists for damages on other molecules, proteins, lipids, etc.9

Final Comments
Neither “YES” nor “NO” answers as discussed above have been verified rigorously. Those whose tendency is to tolerate radiation tend to accept the “NO” answer, and those whose inclination is to abolish nuclear power tend to accept the “YES” answer. However, many people are confused about this issue, and even those who oppose nuclear power may accept the “NO” answer. The issue should not be a political one, but should be settled scientifically. Unfortunately no science on the effects of radiation on living organisms has yet been developed sufficiently to give an unequivocal answer.　Then, what should we do? Should we wait without doing anything until the issue is resolved scientifically? Or should we act to reduce the danger of radiation, assuming the possibility that the “YES” answer turns out to be correct? The Japanese government takes the first option, and suggests that people should bring any complaint about the health effects to a judicial system in which the plaintiffs have a responsibility to prove their case. This seems to be their intention from the very beginning as suggested, for example in.13 In order to reduce the chance that the plaintiffs could gather enough data to support their case, it seems, government agencies are suppressing data-collection and publication concerning serious health effects.　The majority of Japanese people oppose continued use of nuclear power as their energy source, and call for decommissioning all nuclear facilities, many of which are located on top of dangerous active faults. Those facilities are vulnerable to earthquake and other disasters. Yet, the electric power companies are trying to reopen many of the nuclear power reactors that have been closed since 3.11. In order to do so, they seek to suppress dissenting opinion, even from affected people, and convince the Japanese people that the level of radiation caused by the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident is safe for human health, implying that it will be safe even if another disaster should occur. That is why this controversy has taken place, including intervention by government officials. And certain scientific authorities are assisting the government in this regard.　Now then what is left to those concerned with health effects of radiation and other issues associated with the nuclear power industry in order to counter pressure by the authorities? One way is to try to understand the nature of radiation and its possible effects on living organisms, and to decide one’s own attitude toward radiation. This search for truth and the most appropriate action during the crisis is expressed in the most recent issue of another comic titled “Sobamon” published by the same publisher.14 It is also the intention of this writer’s recent publication.9　In addressing the problem of radiation, it is worth noting that, currently (as of June, 2014), none of 50 nuclear power reactors in operative conditions is operating, and yet Japan is facing no electric power shortage. This fact suggests that the electricity producing capacity in Japan is sufficient without nuclear power. It has been argued, however, that the trade deficit has increased because Japan has to import more petroleum and natural gas, as a result of shutdown of nuclear powers. Yet the main reason for the trade deficit is not increased imports of energy sources, but lowering the exchange rate of Japanese “yen".15 Moreover, nuclear power reactors are inefficient in using nuclear energy. They convert only about one third of the energy produced by the reactor into electricity, and the remaining two thirds of heat is released into the environment. The nuclear power plant is a direct environmental heater, though it does not produce greenhouse gas in the electricity producing process. In other words, nuclear power is not particularly green.
카리야 테츠(일본어: 雁屋哲, 1941년 10월 6일)는 일본의 만화가로, 본명은 도츠카 테츠야(일본어: 戸塚哲也)이다.
그는 도쿄 대학교를 졸업한 후 덴쓰(電通)에서 회사원으로 근무했으며, 퇴직 후 만화 스토리 작가로 전환하여 《남자들》(男組) 《야망의 왕국》등을 집필했다.　1983년부터 《빅 코믹 스피릿츠》에 《맛의 달인》을 연재하기 시작했다. 《맛의 달인》 중 〈궁극의 메뉴〉에서 ‘궁극’이라는 말은 1986년도 유행어 대상 신어 부문에서 금상을 수상했고, 1987년 《맛의 달인》으로 쇼가쿠칸(小學館) 만화상을 수상했다. 천황제를 비판한 《일본인과 천황》을 그린 후 극우세력의 협박으로 오스트레일리아로 이민하여 현재 시드니에 거주하고 있다.　저서로는 《맛의 달인》(美味しんぼ), 《한권으로 읽는 맛의 달인 미식특강》 (美味しんぼ塾 : 〈美味しんぼ〉をもっと美味しくする特別講義) 등이 있다.　Portal icon 만화·애니메이션 포털
フランス語→Oishinbo (美味しんぼ?, littéralement "Le Gourmet") est un manga culinaire écrit par Tetsu Kariya et dessiné par Akira Hanasaki. Il raconte les aventures du journaliste gastronomique Shirō Yamaoka et de son équipe. Le manga parait dans le magazine Big Comic Spirits de 1983 à 2008, puis du 23 février 2009 au 12 mai 2014. Après avoir été critiqués par le porte-parole du gouvernement japonais et des responsables de Fukushima pour leur traitement des effets et conséquences du désastre nucléaire de Fukushima, les auteurs et leur éditeur ont décidé de suspendre temporairement la parution de la série1,2.　
Controverses
En mai 2014, Oishinbo a été critiqué jusque par le premier ministre du Japon, Shinzo Abe, après la publication dans le magazine Big Comic Spirits de trois épisodes se déroulant dans la préfecture de Fukushima5. Un des personnages y accusait la compagnie Tepco et le gouvernement de traiter la situation de façon irresponsable après le désastre nucléaire de Fukushima. Les critiques de la BD ont reproché en particulier l'attribution de saignements de nez aux radiations6. Le scénariste, Tetsu Kariya, a déclaré qu'il a effectué des recherches sur le sujet pendant deux ans et qu'il est de son devoir de dire la vérité7. Les phrases controversées du manga viennent d'interviews menées par Kariya, notamment une interview de l'ancien maire du village de Futaba, Katsutaka Idogawa, qui apparaît sous son vrai nom dans l'épisode8. Quelques changements ont été apportés lors de la publication au format livre en décembre 2014 ; par exemple, le lien entre les saignements de nez et les radiations est explicitement nié9.
ドイツ語→Oishimbo (jap. 美味しんぼ, auch Oishinbo) ist eine Manga-Serie von Autor Tetsu Kariya und Zeichner Akira Hanasaki, die seit 1983 in Japan erscheint. Sie wurde auch als Anime adaptiert und in mehrere Sprachen übersetzt. 1996 kam außerdem ein Realfilm zum Manga heraus.[1] Die Serie ist die langlebigste und eine der erfolgreichsten des Gourmet-Genres.[2]
Im April 2014 erschien ein Kapitel, in dem die Nuklearkatastrophe von Fukushima thematisiert wurden. In dieser besuchen Journalisten Fukushima und haben danach gesundheitliche Beschwerden. Außerdem wird Zensur der Berichterstattung über Fukushima beklagt. Menschen aus der Region beschwerten sich über diese Darstellung, da niemand die gezeigten Symptome kenne.[12] Der Umgang mit dem Thema wurde scharf kritisiert, aber international auch der Mut gelobt dieses anzusprechen, so von der Huffington Post. Die Redaktion des Magazins verteidigte die Geschichte damit, dass sie auf echten Berichten beruhe, sicherte aber zu in der nächsten Ausgabe eine Sammlung von Meinungen zu Fukushima einschließlich Gegendarstellungen zu veröffentlichen. Es sei auch nicht die Absicht gewesen, dass nun niemand mehr Lebensmittel aus der Region Fukushima kaufe, obwohl diese sicher seien. Der Autor Tetsu Kariya übernahm die Verantwortung für mögliche Fehler oder Übertreibungen in der Geschichte. Nach der Kritik wurde die Veröffentlichung der Serie ausgesetzt, was jedoch schon zuvor geplant gewesen sein soll.[13][5][14]
イタリア語→Tetsu Kariya (雁屋 哲 Kariya Tetsu,all'anagrafe:戸塚 哲也Tetsuya Totsuka) (Pechino, 10 giugno 1941) è un fumettista e saggista giapponese.

Créé: 19.05.2014, 08h16→Le manga controversé «Oishinbo» pousse l'Etat à réagir FukushimaShinzo Abe, premier ministre japonais, est intervenu ce week-end dans le débat national provoqué par un manga. Dans celui-ci sont évoquées les conséquences de l'accident de Fukushima sur la santé. Le Premier ministre japonais, Shinzo Abe, en visite ce week-end dans la province de Fukushima, a réagi aux propos tenus dans le manga «Oishinbo» sur les effets de l'accident nucléaire sur la région et ses habitants. Le magazine Big Comic Spirits a publié lundi un nouvel épisode de ce manga gastronomique, de passage pour trois épisodes dans la préfecture de Fukushima, où le scénariste, Tetsu Kariya, fait de nouveau dire aux principaux personnages des paroles qui risquent d'envenimer la polémique née fin avril. Il accuse notamment «la compagnie Tepco et le gouvernement de traiter la situation de façon irresponsable» et dit qu'il faut aider les gens à partir de cette province devenue inhabitable car souillée par l'accident nucléaire de la centrale Fukushima Daiichi en mars 2011.
Saignements inexpliqués
Dans les précédents volets, un des personnages dessinés par Akira Hanasaki affirme que de nombreuses personnes de Fukushima saignent du nez de façon inexpliquée. Cette petite phrase a déchaîné les internautes et fait réagir au sommet, jusqu'au Premier ministre, qui s'est rendu samedi dernier dans la région. «Il est nécessaire que le pays combatte de toutes ses forces ces rumeurs sans fondement», a-t-il déclaré dans la ville de Fukushima, à 70 kilomètres du site atomique. «Il n'a été confirmé aucun cas d'atteinte directe à la santé de qui que ce soit à cause des substances radioactives».«J'imaginais bien qu'évoquer ces saignements de nez allait entraîner des protestations, mais je ne pensais par que cela allait provoquer une tourmente pareille», avait écrit sur son blog Tetsu Kariya après la parution du premier épisode. «Je ne comprends pas pourquoi lorsque l'on écrit la vérité telle qu'elle est, cela est critiqué», affirme M. Kariya qui dit s'appuyer pour son scenario sur deux ans d'études sur le terrain.
Réponse des scientifiques
Dans le numéro de lundi de Spirits, la maison d'édition Shogakukan a cette fois donné dix pages de droit de réponse à des scientifiques et médecins, aux autorités locales qui se sont senties insultées (Kawauchi, Osaka, Futaba) et à des journalistes/essayistes. Plusieurs y contestent les assertions des héros d'Oishinbo, notamment sur les problèmes de saignements de nez, et dénoncent un contenu qui risque de renforcer la discrimination à l'égard de la région et de ses habitants.Oishinbo (gourmet) est un manga sur la gastronomie qui n'hésite pas à aborder des sujets de sociétés. Il est publié dans l'hebdomadaire Big Comic Spirits depuis trois décennies. (afp/nxp)

２０１４年５月１９日→Polémique au Japon autour d’un manga sur Fukushima＝Le premier ministre japonais, Shinzo Abe, en visite le week-end des 17 et 18 mai dans la province de Fukushima, a réagi aux propos tenus dans un manga sur les effets de l’accident nucléaire de mars 2011.　Son éditeur a suspendu la publication des prochains épisodes.　Le magazine Big Comic Spirits, hebdomadaire culte des jeunes adultes amateurs de manga, a publié deux épisodes controversés d’Oishinbo (littéralement « Le Gourmet »), bande dessinée en forme de feuilleton sur la gastronomie qui n’hésite pas à aborder les questions de société. À travers ses personnages, le scénariste, Tetsu Kariya, accuse, dans une série intitulée La vérité sur Fukushima, « la compagnie Tepco  et le gouvernement de traiter la situation de façon irresponsable ».Selon l’auteur de 72 ans, il faut aider les habitants à quitter cette province devenue inhabitable. Dans un précédent volet du manga, l’un des personnages dessinés par Akira Hanasaki affirme que certains habitants locaux saignent du nez de façon inexpliquée. « Il n’a été confirmé aucun cas d’atteinte directe à la santé  à cause des substances radioactives », a martelé samedi 17 mai le premier ministre.　« J’imaginais bien qu’évoquer ces saignements de nez allait entraîner des protestations, mais je ne pensais pas que cela allait provoquer une tourmente pareille », a écrit sur son blog Tetsu Kariya, qui dit s’appuyer pour son scénario sur deux ans d’études sur le terrain.
Tabou
Dix pages de droit de réponse ont été accordées aux détracteurs d’Oishinbo, scientifiques, médecins, et figures politiques locales qui se sont senties insultées. Ils contestent les assertions des héros de la BD, notamment les hémorragies nasales, qui risquent de renforcer la discrimination à l’égard de la région et de ses habitants.
Il reste que Fukushima est quasiment devenu un tabou au Japon. Sous couvert d’anonymat un dessinateur de manga témoigne à l’AFP : « Si l’on raconte que les Japonais n’achètent pas de légumes venant de cette région, on se fait immédiatement lyncher sur Internet, en admettant que l’éditeur n’ait pas refusé de publier la planche… ».　Selon le  Japan Times , la maison Shogakukan, qui édite Oishinbo depuis trente ans, a décidé de suspendre sine die la publication des prochains épisodes…

２０１６年４月３日→Tetsu Kariya Plans Oishinbo Manga's End After Returning From Hiatus　Cooking manga went on hiatus after Fukushima controversy in 2014　Oishinbo manga creator Tetsu Kariya announced on his official blog on March 22 that he wants to end his Oishinbo manga after he returns it from hiatus.　Kariya additionally stated in the blog post that the manga's current hiatus and ending plans are "completely unrelated" to the Fukushima controversy in 2014. He stated that "30 years is too long for many things" and that he felt "it's about time to end it," but added that he wonders what would be a good way to end the series.　Kariya said he plans to end the manga with a boisterous finale featuring all the characters that have appeared so far in the manga.　Kariya added that he has been sick for nearly three months now with a horrible cold and a recent fall that broke bones. Kariya said that he can't say yet when the manga will return, but that the series is not yet finished, and Big Comic Spirits will make an announcement regarding the return of Oishinbo. He asked fans to please wait a little longer for the announcement.　In April 2014, Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits magazine published a chapter of Oishinbo titled "Fukushima Truth." The manga chapter followed a group of newspaper journalists who were exposed to nuclear radiation within a plant in Fukushima. After the character's exposure, they complained of nosebleeds and exhaustion, ailments that were reaffirmed by a character named Katsutaka Idogawa, based on a real-life former mayor of the town of Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture. The reporters also complained of censorship, an issue possibly inspired by Tokyo Electric Power Company's real-life actions.　After Shogakukan published the chapter, readers and those claiming to live in the area criticized the chapter. Kariya later posted on his blog that he accepted responsibility for the controversy surrounding the chapter, saying "Responsibility for the contents [of the chapter] all lies in me."　The manga has been on hiatus since that chapter was published, but Big Comic Spirits' editorial staff confirmed at the time that it was a previously planned hiatus.　North American publisher Viz Media published some of Oishinbo on its VizManga.com digital manga service and Viz Manga App in 2011.

２０１４年５月２２日→Gourmet manga stirs up storm after linking Fukushima to nosebleeds　Outcry over storyline blaming radiation exposure moves PM to respond and publisher to suspend Oishinbo series　One of Japan's most popular manga series is at the centre of a row over the possible health effects of radiation from Fukushima Daiichi.　In a recent edition of Oishinbo (The Gourmet), the main character, a journalist, blames radiation exposure for nosebleeds he experiences after a reporting trip to the plant.　Reports of nosebleeds among Fukushima evacuees are not uncommon, but when they were linked to radiation exposure in the long-running manga series, which usually focuses on cuisine, even the prime minister, Shinzo Abe, was moved to respond.　"There is no confirmation that anyone's health has been directly affected by radioactive substances. The government will do its utmost to take action against baseless rumours," Abe said after the outcry over the edition, entitled The Truth of Fukushima, forced its publisher, Shogakukan, to suspend the series.　This week, the magazine in which the Oishinbo series appears, Big Comic Spirits, ran a 10-page special on the furore featuring comments from experts and local government officials for and against its controversial storyline.　Health officials say there is no connection between the incidence of nosebleeds and exposure to radiation, with some insisting the condition is more likely to be caused by the stress of evacuation.　While more than 18,000 people died in the earthquake and tsunami that triggered the nuclear crisis, so far there have been no confirmed illnesses related to radiation among nuclear plant workers or residents of Fukushima.　Local medical authorities say there is no established link between the accident and 89 confirmed and suspected cases of thyroid cancer found among Fukushima children and teenagers.　Oishinbo's publisher acknowledged it had caused alarm, as pro-nuclear politicians accused it of adding to unfounded fears about agricultural produce from Fukushima and of fuelling prejudice towards residents.　"We have received a lot of criticism and complaints," said Hiroshi Murayama, the magazine's editor in chief. "I am aware of my responsibility for the unpleasant feelings this has generated. We will review the language used and will take on board the criticism that has been made."