A China-based manga piracy website has been compelled to close following a criminal complaint filed with Chinese authorities. Japan’s anti-piracy coalition, Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), collaborated with cybersecurity experts to uncover the operator of Bato.To. The site, known for hosting illegally uploaded Japanese manga, is believed to be one of the largest manga piracy platforms globally.
CODA revealed that the website, with 60 domains, garnered up to 350 million monthly visits. The operator of Bato.To, who allegedly earned over $57,000 per month from illicit advertising revenue, has been released on bail and is anticipated to face formal charges. The coalition highlighted that the site obtained manga illegally for scanning and translation, offering content in approximately 50 languages.
Goto Takero, CODA Representative Director, emphasized the necessity to address the escalating issue of copyright piracy, especially with the ease of translation facilitated by artificial intelligence. An individual was arrested on suspicion of copyright infringement, admitting to operating Bato.To and around 60 associated sites. Bato.To, known for its role in “scanalation,” where comics are scanned, edited, translated, and shared online, was a prominent platform in this realm.
The shuttering of 60 sites, including Bato.To, in May 2025 alone, which collectively attracted 350 million visits, signifies a significant crackdown on manga piracy. Bato.To, during peak months, generated advertising revenue exceeding 400,000 yuan (approximately $57,000). CODA remains committed to combating the proliferation of manga piracy, given the global popularity of Japanese comics.
