Source (from left to right): Kouichiro Ito, Toho Co. LTD.
The producer was arrested in February 2024.
Japanese producer Kouichiro Ito may face six years in jail folllowing accusations of non-consensual sexual intercourse, sexual abuse, and soliciting minors that came to light last year.
As reported by NHK, the prosecution demanded a six-year prison sentence for Ito’s crimes at the trial held on 7 January, 2025 at the Wakayama District Court. In a statement, the prosecution deemed that “the crime was committed at the whim of sexual desire, and there is no room for leniency in the circumstances or motive.”
The 53-year old producer, who was also a longtime collaborator of renowned film maker Makoto Shinkai, was arrested in February 2024 for allegedly soliciting a 15-year old high school girl for nude photos in September 2021.
The crime was uncovered as part of a different prostitution investigation, and according to police, Itou paid the minor 12,500 yen (around $80) in electronic money for the lascivious photos. Other videos and images were also found on Itou’s computer. It is reported that, including the minor, Itou had victimised 3 individuals.
Makoto Shinkai released a statement regarding Ito’s crimes a day after his arrest on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. In a machine translation, he expressed his shock and sympathies for the victim, further stating: “I believe that the value of the work will not be diminished as a result of this incident, but I am sure that it will inevitably be viewed with distrust by the public. This makes me feel very frustrated and sad.”
Itou’s lawyer has revealed that a settlement has been reached with 2 of the 3 victims, while Itou is currently receiving counseling at a medical institution to “prevent recurrence” of his behavior. The lawyer also asked for a suspended sentence.
The verdict is scheduled to be handed out on February 28, 2025.