Koichiro Ito, producer of Your Name, Suzume, and several anime films at CoMix Wave Films, has been re-arrested on suspicion of molesting a 15-year-old girl in exchange for cash. Fuji News Network and Kyoto Shimbun report that Ito (52) met up with a girl on November 26, 2023, and he paid her 20,000 yen in exchange for sexual acts while he was aware that she was under 16. They met in July 2022.
This follows Itou’s initial arrest late last month for soliciting explicit images from a minor while also knowing she was underage. Ito admitted to the crime. However, unable to admit to soliciting the specific girl, he stated, “I have received images from underage women several times in the past, but I can’t remember who this one belonged to.” Police vowed to uncover more victims, and their efforts are proving successful so far.
Ito had worked with acclaimed director Makoto Shinkai on Suzume, your name. (Your Name), Weathering With You, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Dareka no Manazashi, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, and the short film The Garden of Words. In a statement, Shinkai admitted his frustration and heartache for the victims of Ito’s crimes, adding, “I sincerely apologize to everyone who loves and supports my work for causing anxiety. While I believe that the value of the work will not be diminished by this recent incident, I understand that it’s only natural for people to be skeptical. It’s incredibly frustrating and sad.” Shinkai recently registered a huge win at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards for Suzume.
Source: Fuji News Network, Kyoto Shimbun, via Anime News Network
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