Japanese Politician Warns of Credit Card Companies’ Censorship of Video Games

The issue of credit card companies’ censorship of video games has gained worldwide attention after the mass removal of adult games on platforms such as Steam and Itch.io. Japanese politician and former assemblyman Zenko Kurishita spoke to Denfaminicogamer about the risks of financial control over freedom of expression in gaming.

Invisible Censorship Mechanism

According to Kurishita, this practice is not new in Japan. Since 2022, adult-content platforms like DLsite have faced restrictions imposed by companies such as Visa and Mastercard. He highlights that the most alarming aspect of credit card companies’ censorship of games is the “invisible” mechanism behind it, where no one truly knows who sets the rules.

Kurishita explains that these companies rarely reveal their criteria, offering only vague statements about “protecting brand reputation.” In many cases, even the affected platforms are not given detailed explanations. They simply receive last-minute notices forcing them to remove content quickly to avoid losing their most common payment options.

“From people I’ve spoken with at several platforms, they’re suddenly told, ‘Starting next week, you can’t use our payment services,’” Kurishita said. He notes that the orders often come indirectly through payment processors, making it difficult to identify the real decision-makers.

Complex Structure Encourages Censorship

The politician also criticizes the multi-layered structure surrounding Visa and Mastercard. While these companies create the rules, they deny direct involvement, leaving enforcement to third parties. This makes it nearly impossible to know who is regulating or for what purpose, reinforcing credit card companies’ censorship of games.

Solution: Diversify Payment Options

Kurishita believes the best solution is to raise awareness and diversify payment methods, especially in Japan, which heavily relies on a few providers. With more competition, giants like Visa and Mastercard would have less power to act aggressively.

Kurishita’s statements serve as a global warning: credit card companies’ censorship of games threatens creative freedom and shows how financial control can limit artistic expression.