For many "gentlemen" out there, the name FC2 probably rings a bell. Known for hosting a plethora of videos, some infringing on copyrights and many unsuitable for minors, it's often dubbed a "lawless zone" by some. Its founder, Takahiro Takahashi, was arrested by police at Kansai International Airport back in November 2024.
Today (August 21), Japanese media reported that FC2 founder Takahiro Takahashi was indicted on charges including "distributing obscene electronic records." The Kyoto District Court has since handed down its verdict, sentencing Takahashi to three years in prison, a 2.5 million yen fine, and a five-year suspended sentence. The news immediately became a hot topic online.
Following the verdict, Takahashi's lawyer stated that an appeal would be filed, in accordance with the defendant's wishes. Prosecutors argued that Takahashi knowingly profited handsomely from illegal pornographic videos. The defense, however, contended that Takahashi, having resided in the U.S. for many years, had a weaker "awareness of criminal activity" under Japanese law, and thus requested a suspended sentence.
Presiding Judge Kawakami stated in the judgment that Takahashi "undermined Japan's sound sexual order" by allowing obscene videos to circulate without restriction for profit, emphasizing that "his claim of weak legal awareness cannot be a reason for a lenient sentence." However, the judge also considered Takahashi's expressed remorse and lack of prior criminal record, ultimately granting a suspended sentence.
According to the judgment, between 2013 and 2014, Takahashi conspired with other company executives responsible for managing and operating the website to allow unrestricted viewing of obscene videos. Takahashi himself had not been in Japan for many years until his return last November, when he was arrested by Kyoto Prefectural Police.
Despite the conviction, many Japanese netizens have given the founder of the adult website... surprisingly positive feedback. For "gentlemen," such platforms are often seen as symbols of peace. Some netizens even commented, "You might be guilty, but you'll go to heaven," with others speculating that even members of the judiciary might have used FC2, given its two-decade history as a widely used site in Japan and abroad.
Naturally, users might be wondering if FC2 will cease operations. However, Takahiro Takahashi had been living overseas precisely to avoid arrest, and his return to Japan this time was reportedly due to his mother's poor health. The website's management rights had already been transferred, so its operations are not expected to stop due to Takahashi's arrest.