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Koichiro Ito, a longtime collaborator of internationally-loved anime filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, might face a six-year jail sentence.
The Japanese producer behind a number of large hits like Suzume, Your Identify, Weathering With You, The Backyard of Phrases and Youngsters Who Chase Misplaced Voices was arrested in February 2024 for soliciting specific photographs from a minor. Weeks later, he was once more taken into custody on suspicion of sexual acts with a 15-year-old woman in change for money after assembly her on social media. The anime producer was totally conscious of the sufferer being underage. He has since been accused of rape and youngster pornography, and youngster prostitution legislation violations.
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Prosecution’s case towards anime producer Koichiro Ito
Including to expenses towards him, Japanese shops NHK Information and NTV reported earlier this week that he paid “giant quantities of cash to greater than 100 individuals, has sexual relations with them, and filmed and picked up the footage.” Foregrounding his “crafty and malicious” intent, the prosecution argued that Koichiro Ito performed on the victims’ immaturity by misusing his monetary standing to fulfil his sexual needs and sought six years in jail.
Though Ito’s attorneys denied a few of the expenses within the preliminary phases of the authorized proceedings, they finally admitted to them. Opposite to the prosecution’s suggestion, the defence requested a suspended sentence, establishing that he settled with two victims. He’s reportedly additionally receiving counselling at a medical establishment.
The continued trial’s verdict is predicted on February 28.
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How the Suzume director reacted to his longtime collaborator’s arrest on youngster pornography expenses
Final 12 months, Makoto Shinkai broke his silence on Ito’s arrest by apologising to the victims bothered by his actions. He shared an official assertion through his X/Twitter profile: “I’m very shocked to see the information report of the arrest of the individual concerned in my works. Firstly, I want to specific my deepest sympathy to the victims. I’m additionally very sorry for the nervousness this incident has induced to those that love and help us. I consider that the worth of the work is not going to be broken by this incident, however it is just pure that you could be really feel distrustful. I’m very pissed off and saddened by this.” (English translation: Anime Nook)
On December 31, the extremely praised Japanese filmmaker once more took to his social media to disclose that his subsequent massive anime movie announcement could be out in 2025. Though the mission is presently beneath wraps, he barely revealed that the upcoming movie supplied him room to “create a brand new world that nobody has seen earlier than.”
