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2 clusters · 4 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Japanese banks restricting digital content revenue

Overview

Japanese financial institutions are increasingly refusing to process Steam sales revenue for digital content creators, citing compliance and anti-money laundering concerns.

In one instance, an independent adult-game creator, Nupuryu, reported that Rakuten Bank refused a transfer of overseas earnings from a Taiwanese publisher. Despite the funds being returned to the originating bank, Japanese tax authorities still treated the unrealized revenue as taxable income.

This issue has extended to general-audience developers. Indie creator Noame Takii announced a delay for the title ‘Watashitachi Fake Marriage?’ after Shinsei Bank refused deposits based on reviews of the developer’s other adult-oriented works. Attempts to route funds through Japan Post Bank were also unsuccessful. Activists have noted that while government anti-money laundering measures may be a factor, the obstruction of legal transactions poses a significant threat to the digital content industry.

Entities

Steam · Noame Takii · Taiwanese publisher · Rakuten Bank · Japanese tax authority

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Japanese banks refuse Steam revenue, delaying indie game release

    Indie developer Noame Takii has delayed the Steam game ‘Watashitachi Fake Marriage?’ after Japanese banks, including Shinsei Bank and Japan Post Bank, refused to process sales revenue.

  2. 11 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Japanese adult game developer blocked from receiving Steam earnings, still taxed

    A Japanese adult‑game developer says a Japanese bank blocked a Steam revenue transfer from Taiwan and, despite not receiving the funds, Japan’s tax office still demands tax on the foreign earnings.

Sources

gamebusiness.jp · gamespark.jp · news.gamme.com.tw · otakupt.com