Koichiro Ito, a longtime associate of internationally loved anime filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, could be sentenced to six years in prison.
Japanese producer behind many big hits like Suzume, Your nameWeathering With You, The Garden of Words And children chasing lost voices In February 2024, he was arrested for soliciting explicit photos from a minor. A few weeks later, he was taken into custody again on suspicion of performing a sexual act on a 15-year-old girl after meeting her on social media. The anime creator was fully aware of the victim’s young age. He has since been charged with rape and child pornography, and violation of child prostitution laws.
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The prosecution’s case against anime creator Koichiro Ito
Adding to the allegations against him, Japanese outlets NHK News and NTV reported earlier this week that he “paid large sums of money to more than 100 people, had sex with them, and filmed and collected footage.” Highlighting his “cunning and malicious” intent, the prosecution argued that Koichiro Ito played on the immaturity of his victims by abusing their financial position to satisfy his sexual desires and asked for six years in prison.
Although Ito’s lawyers denied some of the allegations in the early stages of the legal proceedings, he eventually admitted them. Contrary to the prosecution’s recommendation, the defense requested a suspended sentence, establishing that he had compromised with the two victims. He is also reportedly receiving counseling at a medical institute.
The verdict in the ongoing trial is expected on February 28.
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How the Suzum director reacted to the arrest of his longtime colleague on child pornography charges
Last year, Makoto Shinkai broke his silence on Ito’s arrest by apologizing to the victims of his actions. He shared an official statement via his I am also very sorry for the anxiety this incident has caused to those who love and support us. I believe this incident will not harm the value of the work, but it is natural that. You may feel disbelief and saddened by this Am.” (English translation: Anime Corner)
On December 31, the highly acclaimed Japanese filmmaker again revealed on his social media that his next big anime film will be announced in 2025. Although the project is still under wraps, he barely revealed that the upcoming film has landed him a place. Create a new world that no one has seen before.”
