“Kimi no Na Wa.” (Your Name.) director Shinkai Makoto replied on X in regards to producer’s arrest

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Animation director Shinkai Makoto (51), known for the animated film “Kimi no Na Wa.” (Your Name.), updated his X (formerly known as Twitter) account on the 23rd, and apologized to his fans for the arrest of the animated film’s producer.

On February 22nd, Wakayama Prefectural Police had arrested Ito Koichiro (52), who runs a production company, on suspicion of violating the Child Prostitution and Pornography Prohibition Act (manufacturing). According to investigators, he was also involved in the production of the movie “Your Name.” as a producer.

Shinkai wrote on X, “I was shocked to see the news about the arrest of people involved in the production. First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the victims. Also, I am truly sorry for causing anxiety to everyone who loves and supports my work. I personally believe that the value of the work will not be harmed by the recent incident, but I think it is natural for it to be viewed with disbelief. That is very frustrating and sad”., he wrote, apologizing to his fans and related parties.

作品関係者逮捕の報道を目にし、とても大きなショックを受けています。まずなによりも被害者の方へ、心よりお見舞い申し上げます。また、作品を愛し応援してくださっている皆さんにご不安をおかけしてしまっていることも、本当に申し訳なく思います。…

— 新海誠 (@shinkaimakoto) February 23, 2024

---