Skeleton Crew Studio, led by producer Jiro Ishii, is preparing legal action against Japanese crowdfunding platform Ubgoe. The platform withheld most funds from a successful campaign for the sequel to 2009 cult hit 428: Shibuya Scramble. Ubgoe claims it sent half the money to the wrong account.
Jiro Ishii's Skeleton Crew Studio launched a crowdfunding campaign last year on Ubgoe for Shibuya Scramble Stories, the successor to 428: Shibuya Scramble. The project, set in Tokyo's Shibuya ward like its predecessor, exceeded goals by raising 54 million yen. Funds were due by September 2025, but Ubgoe delivered only half, according to the studio. Ubgoe CEO Kazuo Okada informed them the remainder was erroneously transferred to an incorrect account, as first reported by Automaton Media. The platform has refused to cover the loss or provide documentation on the funds' whereabouts, prompting skepticism from Ishii's team, who suspect possible misuse. Despite the issue, development on Shibuya Scramble Stories continues, though the studio worries about fulfilling backer rewards such as stickers and tote bags. Ubgoe's terms guarantee these items, but the studio questions enforcement amid the larger dispute.
