A 28 year old local public servant in Japan received a 6-month long suspension on October 20, 2021, for the light novels he wrote. The officer worked for Hiratsuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
He published books and received the royalties without approval during his sick leave. The city’s press release states the disciplinary action. The man made a voluntary resignation the same day, according to NHK.
Although he had been absent due to illness for 3 years, from July 2019 to October 2021, he published four books from two different publishing companies. In addition, he received royalties, including those from the digital versions. The amount sums up to some 3.20 million yen (roughly equal to 32,000 USD). The 28 year old posted 9,531 times on Twitter and 256 chapters on a web novel service during the period.
That is, however, against laws for local public servants. The 38th article forbids for-profit activities without approval. In accordance with the 29th article Clause 1 that allows authorities to take a disciplinary action on offenders, the suspension was imposed upon him on October 20, 2021.
Source: Press Release, NHK
©Hiratsuka City
©高津カリノ／スクウェアエニックス・サーバント×サービス製作委員会
