Suzume Your Name producer Koichiro Ito has been sentenced to six years in prison following his arrest for possession of child pornography. Koichiro Ito has worked with Makoto Shinkai, a famous and beloved anime director, for a long time and could face six years in prison.
As of February 2024, the Japanese producer of big hits like Suzume, Your Name, Weathering With You, The Garden of Words, and Children Who Chase Lost Voices was in jail for asking a minor for sexual pictures. After a few weeks, he was arrested again on suspicion of having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl for money after meeting her on social media. The anime producer knew that the victim was too young to be a victim. Since then, he has been charged with rape, child pornography, and breaking the law about child prostitution.
Suzume Your Name Producer Koichiro Ito Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison
Japanese news outlets NHK News and NTV said earlier this week that he paid “large amounts of money to more than 100 people, has sexual relations with them, and filmed and collected the footage.” This was on top of the other charges against him. The prosecution emphasised Koichiro Ito’s “cunning and malicious” intent and said he took advantage of the victims’ youth by abusing his money to satisfy his sexual needs. He was seeking six years in prison.
Some of the charges against Ito were denied by his lawyers at the beginning of the case, but they eventually admitted to them. The prosecution wanted him to get a prison sentence, but the defence asked for a suspended sentence because he had made peace with two victims. He is also said to be getting counselling at a medical facility.
How the Suzume director reacted to his longtime collaborator’s arrest on child pornography charges
Makoto Shinkai finally spoke out about Ito’s arrest last year by saying sorry to the people who were hurt by his actions. In a public message on his X/Twitter page, he said, “I am shocked to see that the person involved in my works has been arrested.” In the first place, I want to send my deepest condolences to the victims. I’m also sorry that this has caused stress for the people who love and support us. I don’t think this will hurt the value of the work, but it’s understandable that you might not trust that person. I’m really upset and angry about this. (also written in English as “Anime Corner”)
On December 31, the well-known and praised Japanese director went on social media to say that his next big anime movie announcement would come out in 2025. He barely said that the upcoming movie would allow him to “create a new world that no one has seen before,” but the project is still a secret.
Famous people like Watsuki only got small fines or had to deal with public backlash. But the fact that Ito might go to jail makes it much harder for him to get a job in the entertainment industry again. Followers of Makoto Shinkai movies like “Your Name” can be sure that Koichiro Ito’s name will not appear in the credits for any future movies, no matter what happens with his trial.
Where can I watch the anime Suzume, Your Name?
Suzume, Your Name streaming: where to watch online? Currently you are able to watch “Suzume” streaming on Netflix, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, Netflix
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