Makoto Shinkai, who worked with producer Koichiro Itou on blockbuster films Your Name and Suzumetook to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment and sadness over the latter’s arrest for violating the Prostitution and Child Pornography Act.
Shinkai began his article by saying that he was quite shocked by Itou’s arrest (though did not name the producer) and expressed sympathy for the victim of the case.
He also apologized to the victim and fans of the work for the worry/concern the incident had caused.
“I was extremely shocked when I saw the news about the arrest of people involved in the production of the work. First of all, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the victim. I’m also really sorry for causing worry to those who love and support the work.”
The director continued his post and added that he believes that the value of the mentioned works that Itou has collaborated on will not decrease because of the incident. However, he accepts that people may become distrustful after this incident. Shinkai said he was very sad and disappointed by this.
“Personally, I don’t think the value of the work will be reduced because of this incident, but I think it’s natural that people will be suspicious. I am very disappointed and saddened by this.”
Netizens reassured the director in the comments section of his post that the film had “burned into their hearts” and that its value would not diminish for them. However, they harshly criticized the manufacturer’s actions.
Shinkai and Itou first met when the producer joined ComixWave Films around 2003. Shinkai is developing The Place Promised in Our Early Days at that time. Their relationship was strengthened after the success of Voices of a Distant Star.
Wakayama Prefectural Police arrested 52-year-old Itou on February 21, 2024 for raping a 15-year-old man-a former high school girl from Nagano, whom he met on the SNS platform to send nude selfies for her, even though he knew that she was a minor.
Itou was a consistent collaborator on Shinkai’s works at Comix Wave, incl Your name, Weathering with You & Suzume. He has worked on the director’s previous films.
Source: Shinkai’s official X account