Regarding credit card usage policies, since July 2022, after DMM.com ceased using Mastercard for adult content transactions, there has been a surge in cases where specific credit card brands have suspended services for e-commerce platforms involving adult content. Affected platforms include DLsite, the out-of-print manga service "Manga Library Z," and the doujinshi mail-order platform "Melonbooks." Even politicians Taro Yamada and Ken Akamatsu, along with related NGOs, are seeking solutions to these issues.
Media outlet AUTOMATON recently reported that Seetan Kitney, President of Visa's Japan branch, has responded to the issue of Visa credit cards being unusable on legal adult content platforms.
In recent years, international credit card companies and payment platforms, including Visa and Mastercard, have frequently targeted Japanese content platforms, demanding the removal or censorship of adult content, and in some cases, unilaterally terminating credit card payment functions. Recent high-profile examples include the major doujinshi retailer Melonbooks and DLsite, widely used by many Japanese. "Manga Library Z," an online database offering out-of-print manga, lost nearly all its payment methods, and although it later relaunched, this illustrates the widespread nature of the issue.
▼ Last year, DLsite also announced the discontinuation of Visa and Mastercard payments. 
This series of events has drawn considerable criticism both within Japan and internationally, particularly impacting doujin creation platforms like Melonbooks and raising concerns about restrictions on creative freedom. Even Yoko Taro, creator of "NieR:Automata," spoke out, stating that the pressure exerted by international payment providers on Japanese platforms is "very dangerous" and severely impacts freedom of expression, especially since it stems from foreign pressure rather than Japan's own self-imposed limitations. 
So, what is the credit card company's perspective? Recently, Visa's Japanese subsidiary, Visa Worldwide Japan Co., held a media briefing primarily focused on its expansion plans for the Japanese market. During the Q&A session, a question was raised: "Why are Visa cards currently unusable on platforms selling legal adult content in Japan?"
In response, President Kitney stated: "Visa always aims to facilitate legitimate and proper transactions as much as possible, but sometimes, 'to protect the brand,' we must prohibit certain usage scenarios." He added that such decisions "involve complex global and local policy considerations," emphasizing that "integrity and principles are important, and we will continue to uphold them." However, he did not specify which international or local Japanese policies these Visa decisions are based on.
Currently, it appears Visa has no immediate plans to alter its restrictions on legal adult content platforms. This stance has raised concerns among many creators and supporters, who worry that creative freedom and financial channels are being quietly curtailed.
Japanese politicians concerned with ACG-related issues, such as Ken Akamatsu and Taro Yamada, along with NGOs, are hoping to leverage their influence to uncover the underlying reasons behind these past "payment blockages." Given the increasing frequency of such situations, there may indeed be a need to push for legislation to provide guidance. Whether the sentiment is directed at the otaku community or creators of adult content, more transparent regulations are likely needed to identify the root of the problem.
via： AUTOMATON