Your Name Producer Pleas for Light Sentencing Amid Child Prostitution Trial

This story contains discussion about sexual assault.

Your Nameproducer Koichiro Ito is asking for a light sentence after admitting guilt in a child prosecution trial. As reported by Japanese publication NHK News, representatives for Ito claim that the disgraced producer has reached a settlement with two out of the three victims and that he will participate in counseling to reduce the risk of him repeating his crimes. The defense is asking for a suspended sentence.

The verdict for the trial is set to be decided on February 28th, and if Ito's pleas are denied, he could face up to six years in prison. It is unclear at this time how likely or unlikely Ito's request for leniency will be, though the prosecution seems set on fighting it. During the trial, the prosecution said "It is cunning and vicious to take advantage of a victim's immaturity and seduce them with money to commit a crime."

Koichiro Ito's Prostitution Trial is Just The Latest in a Long Line of Scandals

Though Ito has a long history in the anime industry, he is most famous for his work producing some of the most acclaimed films from director Makoto Shinkai. Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume were all produced by Ito. However, when Ito was accused of soliciting inappropriate pictures from a minor in February of 2024, the acclaimed director was quick to express empathy for Ito's victims while distancing himself from the producer.

In a statement released on his personal X account, Shinkai said:

I was shocked to see the news of the arrest of those involved in the production. First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the victim. I am also truly sorry for causing anxiety to everyone who loves and supports the production. 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.

Though the producer was arrested for requesting pictures in late February of 2024, the allegations quickly escalated. In March of that year, Wakayama Prefectural Police further accused Ito of paying money to solicit sexual acts from a 15-year-old girl. According to a report by Anime News Network, Ito met the girl in 2022 and proceeded to pay her small sums of money in exchange for sexual favors.

What Consequences Will Your Name's Producer Face?

The Road Ahead is Unclear for Ito, Even if He Does Dodge Jail Time

Given that Ito has now admitted guilt, it's only natural to wonder what happens next. Unfortunately, it's difficult to say just how likely or unlikely it is that Ito will get the suspended sentence his team is asking for. Regardless of the judge's verdict though, what seems more likely is that Ito's career in producing anime is likely done for.

Tuxedo Mask and Sabo voice actor Tōru Furuya was embroiled in a scandal involving a protracted affair. Though he was never charged or even accused of a crime, he ultimately stepped down from numerous roles in huge anime series. While some creators, such as Ruroni Kenshin creator Nobuhiro Watsuki who was charged with possession of child pornography, can come out of a scandal relatively unscathed, it's difficult to imagine the same happening for Ito.

While prominent figures like Watsuki were only given minor fines or just faced saves of public backlash, the prospect of Ito facing jail time significantly hurts his chances of finding a job in the entertainment industry again. Regardless of what happens with Ito's trial, fans of Makoto Shinkai movies like Your Name should feel confident that they won't be seeing Koichiro Ito's name popping up in the credits for future movies.

Sources: NHK News, Anime News Network