Saint Seiya creator sues over $20M

• Saint Seiya creator Masami Kurumada is seeking ¥2.89 billion in damages.
• His former manager allegedly diverted ¥4.68 billion from three companies.
• Kurumada’s lawyers say some funds were used for crypto investments.

Saint Seiya creator Masami Kurumada is suing his former manager over alleged losses worth about ¥4.68 billion.

Kurumada and two companies are seeking ¥2.89 billion after about ¥1.8 billion was repaid.

“I couldn’t believe it when it came to light,” Kurumada said.

The lawsuit claims unauthorised transfers and redirected licensing payments caused the losses between 2018 and 2024.

Kurumada’s lawyers said some of the diverted money was believed to have been invested in cryptocurrency.

The available court reports do not identify which cryptocurrencies were bought or how much money entered digital assets.

The case highlights how crypto can become part of wider financial disputes when company funds are allegedly diverted into digital assets.