Your Name Director Makoto Shinkai Speaks On Producer Kouichirou Itou’s Arrest

On February 22, news surfaced regarding the arrest of Kouichirou Itou, producer of Your Name, for soliciting a minor for nude photos.

On February 23, the director of Your Name, Makoto Shinkai, released a statement regarding Itou’s arrest.

While the director, Shinkai, did not mention Itou by name, he is the only one from the team who has recently been arrested.

He began his tweet by giving his condolences to any victims. He then touched on how he wishes that his arrest did not tarnish the actual film’s reputation.

In the same tweet, he also acknowledged that some may not see his movies the same way going forward, and he accepts that.

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

translation (by deepl.com):

I am very shocked to see the news report of the arrest of the person involved in the work. First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the victims.

I am also very sorry for the anxiety this incident has caused those who love and support our work.

I believe that the value of the work will not be damaged by this incident, but it is only natural that you may be distrustful of the work. I am very frustrated and saddened by this.

According to the authorities, he also claimed that he had “done it with other people, so [he couldn’t] tell if it was this girl or not.”

You can read more regarding Itou’s arrest here.

He has produced numerous Makoto Shinkai films, including The Place Promised in Our Early Days, Children Who Chase Lost Voices, The Garden of Words, Your Name, Weathering With You, and Suzume.

Source: Makoto Shinkai’s Twitter