FC2 Founder Takahashi Receives Suspended Sentence

Aug 21, 2025 | News On Japan

Aug 21, 2025 (News On Japan) - The founder of video-sharing site FC2 has been handed a suspended sentence for allowing the distribution of obscene videos accessible to an unspecified number of people.

According to the ruling, FC2 founder Takahashi Yoshihiro, 51, in 2013 made obscene videos publicly available on the site, enabling general viewing. Throughout the trial, Takahashi admitted to the charges.

In its ruling on August 21st, the Kyoto District Court stated that the act "spread obscene videos across society and significantly harmed the country’s healthy sexual order." However, the court also noted that Takahashi pledged never again to be involved in operating the site. He was sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for five years, and ordered to pay a fine of 2.5 million yen.

Takahashi’s legal team has indicated plans to appeal the sentence, citing dissatisfaction with the severity of the ruling.

Source: TBS

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