Wakayama Prefectural Police arrested anime producer Kouichirou Itou for allegedly luring a minor to take nude photos on February 21. While the story was developing, the current and frequent collaborator Itou, Makoto Shinkai (your name., Suzume), has made a statement regarding his affairs. arrest on Twitter.
Contact Us見舞い申し上げます。また、 Can you do that?に申し訳なく思います。…
— 新海誠 (@shinkaimakoto) February 23, 2024
I was shocked to hear about the arrest of a person involved in the production of my film. First of all, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the victims. Additionally, I am truly sorry for causing concern to those who love and support my work.
Personally, I believe that the value of the work will not be damaged by the recent incident, but I think it is natural for it to be viewed. suspicion; doubt; skeptic. That’s so frustrating and sad.
Image via Makoto Shinkai’s Twitter account
©新海誠
Shinkai’s statement came two days after Itou’s arrest. Although Shinkai did not mention Itou by name in his tweet, he may have been talking about Itou, the only employee of his films who was recently arrested.
In the same tweet, Shinkai also gave his information. offered condolences to any victims Itou was charged with soliciting child pornography, a gesture of acknowledgment to victims of child pornography. Shinkai also mentioned that he hopes this arrest will not tarnish the reputation of the films Itou co-produced with the director. While this is a question of viewer preference, he acknowledges and accepts that some people may not view his films in the same way in the future.
According to authorities, Itou asked the girl to take the photos in September 2021, with the full understanding that the girl was a minor at the time. Police said Itou’s crimes were discovered during another prostitution investigation. Police are investigating whether there are any other victims related to Itou.
TBS News reported on February 22 that according to police, Itou allegedly paid the minor 12,500 yen (about US$83) in cryptocurrency for the photo or photos. TBS also said police found other videos and images on Itou’s computer and are investigating them.
Itou was a producer for many of director Makoto Shinkai’s works, including his second feature The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, The Garden of Words, his breakthrough was make a name for yourself., and his next two films were Weathering With You and Suzume.
Source: Makoto Shinkai’s Twitter account