Happenings Japanese banks preventing adult game developers from making money via Steam

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Thread Description
Banks are citing legislation as an excuse

Ebicentre

varishangout.com
Regular
From Automaton Media (archive):

It has been revealed this week that Japanese developers who are distributing adult-oriented games via Steam are facing issues when trying to receive their profits. It seems that Japanese banks are suddenly blocking such money transfers. Politician Taro Yamada, a member of the Diet’s upper house, brought attention to the issue on his official X account and in a YouTube broadcast (in Japanese).

As reported by Yamada, there have been numerous cases in which Japanese developers of adult-oriented games have been unable to transfer their profits from overseas (i.e. from Steam’s bank in the US) to a Japanese bank account. Both Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA), which is responsible for banks, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which oversees games, have confirmed that this issue exists.


But what is the reasoning behind this move by Japanese banks? In a hearing with the FSA (reported on by Game*Spark), the banks gave a vague answer, saying that it is not only because the games are intended for adults. Rather, it is apparently a “comprehensive decision” based on laws such as the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds and the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.

However, Yamada argues that if these are legal, disclosed transactions, then they should be granted. He is currently working with the FSA and METI to try to find a solution to this issue.


Japan really needs to do something about this, and fast. Their culture is being whittled away by financial terrorists.
 

Narmy

varishangout.com
Regular
if these are legal transactions
Here's the sticking point. Adult content is technically not legal in Japan, it's in the same position as prostitution and gambling where it's only "legal" through arbitrary loopholes that could be revoked at any time.
 

Alucardthegreat

varishangout.com
This is unfair competition. Outright illegal. It could even be interpreted as economic warfare against japan since it is persistent. If there is proof of illegal activity from the banks, then a class action lawsuit should be filed. Remember, this is not the first time financial censorship happens.
 
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