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With high-profile projects like Epic Zero Fate s demon slayerUfotable is without a doubt one of the finest animation studios in the animation industry. Unfortunately, this week he was involved in a new controversy.
What happens is that the Tokyo Public Prosecution Office has issued a formal indictment against Hikaru Kondo, the company’s founder and current president, for tax evasion and failure to pay 137 million yen (about $1.24 million).
Specifically, local media reported that the animation house and its president have approximately $990,000 in corporate taxes, while they also owe about $254,400 in consumption taxes. All this between 2014 and 2018.
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In addition, the newspaper Mainichi Shimbun It was reported last year that Hikaru Kondo stashed about 30% of all profits made through Ufotable restaurants in Tokyo in a home safe.
Finally, the middle Digital Punchon It was announced in 2019 that the animation studio had also embezzled about $3.57 million in funds raised in a charity auction, a crime punishable by 10 years in prison. However, despite an investigation, the authorities did not press any charges.
Ufotable addressed the controversy on social media
In the face of recent tax evasion allegations, the animation house has taken to its Twitter account and official website to issue a press release. There, he pleaded guilty to the accusations and took the opportunity to issue an apology directed to the fans and other parties involved.
On the other hand, Ufotable confirmed in the statement that it has already filed a corrected tax return as dictated by the tax authorities.
This time, our company and our representative have been charged on suspicion of violating the corporate tax law. We sincerely apologize to all fans and related parties.
We filed an amended tax return with the guidance of the national tax authorities and paid the full amount. We will strive to comply with laws and regulations and improve management in order to create a better production environment. https://t.co/4J3W3RPqeM– ufotable (ufotable) July 9, 2021
Hikaru Kondo founded Ufotable in 2000. Since then, the animation studio has already worked on more than 50 projects, among which demon slayer And the epic Zero Fate. In addition, he also helped create the opening of many video games of the saga Tales, Being tales of resurrection The latest collaboration with Bandai Namco.
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But tell us, what do you think of this situation? Let’s read to you in the comments.
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