Koichiro Ito, the Japanese creator who contributed to many of the highest-grossing anime hits revered by fans worldwide, was arrested this week by Wakayama Prefectural Police in Tokyo. He has been accused of allegedly asking for a nude selfie from a 15-year-old girl.
Japan’s local newspaper, Mainichi Shimbun, dismissed the news on Thursday, claiming that the Your Name producer had met the minor on social media. The 52-year-old Suzum producer was found guilty in September 2021 of allegedly forcing a 15-year-old girl to send him obscene pictures.
Tokyo broadcaster TBS also reported that Ito transferred 12,500 yen (about $85) to the young girl in exchange for the photos. She was taken into custody on Wednesday because it violates Japan’s Child Prostitution and Pornography Prohibition Act. He lives near Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward.
The shocking news has created a rift in the anime industry and its fan community. Ito’s industry credits have a history spanning nearly 20 years, so he’s been responsible for some of the most fan-favorite anime titles over the years. Your Name (2016), Weathering with You (2019) and Suzume (2022) – all directed by Makoto Shinkai – are three such anime releases that are recognized beyond the anime fan community.
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Japan’s public broadcaster NHK confirmed that Ito had pleaded guilty to the charges against him. Moreover, in his conversation with the investigators, he said that this was not the only time when he got engaged to an underage girl. He had reportedly induced young girls to send him nude photographs on several occasions. Police are searching for possible victims.
Ito’s pedophile relationship came to light during an investigation into a separate, unrelated child prostitution case.
Reactions to Your Name Producer news:
Anime fans were undoubtedly deeply saddened as the troubling developments largely severed their original heartfelt relationship with anime films, which have often been the gateway to new fans. One Instagram user commented, “Nothing is sacred anymore, a film so good let’s hope it doesn’t unnecessarily stain its legacy.”
Another wrote: “You know what I think I idolize celebrities or any influencer at the moment because this has happened to me so many times and it hurts more and more every time, ever Also shouldn’t like anyone because at this point anyone can be a pedo”. A third netizen chimed in: “Ah, this is a bad look, the anime world takes the L here”.
Twitterati were equally disappointed. “What a huge disappointment!!! Those are my favorite movies!!! But I hope this doesn’t impact the rest of the team who worked on creating them negatively”, came a response on X (formerly Twitter).
