Yamada noted that the visual entertainment industry group discussed current issues with international brands, payment agencies, and banks to identify the reasons for accusations of financial censorship. He did not disclose the participants of the meeting, the companies or banks they represented, or the details of the discussion, but emphasized that the participants' positions became clearer, important progress was made, and work on the issue continues.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of reports of pressure from payment systems aimed at blocking transactions related to certain content — including graphic violence and sexual content.
In July, after the removal of several materials on Steam and Itch, Mastercard was criticized and stated that it "permits all purchases within the law" and requires the same from platform owners.
Despite this, some Japanese stores closed after an international credit card and payment processing company demanded the removal of certain content from their stores, threatening to block payments.