DLsite, Japan’s major digital platform for doujinshi, games, and comics, launched its own semi-in-house payment alternative called ‘Minna no Ginko Payment’ on October 6, 2025, following Visa and Mastercard’s April 2024 suspension of credit card processing over adult content concerns. The new smartphone-based direct payment service, developed jointly between DLsite parent companies viviON Inc. and Eisys, bypasses traditional payment processor intermediaries by linking users’ Minna no Ginko digital bank accounts directly with viviON account IDs for instant account-to-account transfers. To encourage adoption, DLsite offers 90 percent off coupons up to ¥1,000 for first-time users and 5 percent viviON points cashback on all purchases through March 31, 2026, though the service remains Japan-exclusive as Minna no Ginko prohibits overseas account creation.
The Credit Card Censorship Background
DLsite temporarily disabled Visa and Mastercard payments in April 2024 after payment processors demanded censorship of adult content tags like ‘loli’ or face complete service termination. Prior to suspending international credit cards, DLsite attempted appeasing payment companies by renaming controversial genres to euphemisms—changing ‘loli’ to ‘hiyoko’ (meaning ‘chick’ in Japanese) and ‘rape’ to ‘no consent.’ However, Automaton Media reported these self-censorship efforts were deemed insufficient by Visa and Mastercard, who demanded complete removal of certain content categories rather than semantic wordplay.
Following payment processor rejection of compromise attempts, DLsite terminated Visa and Mastercard transactions April 3, 2024 at 6pm JST, asking users to switch alternatives like American Express. However, American Express also suspended service the following day, leaving Japan-based JCB as the only remaining credit card option. That dramatic reduction in payment accessibility threatened DLsite’s business model, as over half their transactions historically processed through international credit cards now blocked from the platform.
How Minna no Ginko Payment Works
The new payment system permits direct payments to DLsite by linking users’ Minna no Ginko bank accounts with viviON account IDs, completely bypassing payment processor intermediaries like Visa and Mastercard. According to DLsite’s official press release machine-translated by DeepL, the smartphone-based ‘direct-account instant payment service’ allows users to ‘manage everything from payments and transfers to deposits, withdrawals, and savings entirely within the app.’ The bank-to-bank direct transfer structure eliminates third-party gatekeepers who’ve weaponized their duopoly market position censoring legal content.
The technical implementation represents collaboration between GEO Holdings Co., Ltd. (parent of viviON) and Minna no Ginko digital bank, creating synergies across the GEO Group ecosystem. Bounding Into Comics reported the system aims at ‘creating a society where all customers can cherish what they love and enjoy content with peace of mind,’ framing payment access as fundamental to creative freedom. Whether this model proves sustainable long-term depends on Minna no Ginko maintaining operations despite pressure from international financial institutions who might threaten correspondent banking relationships or SWIFT access if they dislike content being monetized.
The Japan-Only Limitation
Unfortunately for international DLsite users, Minna no Ginko Payment remains exclusively available to Japanese customers. According to Minna no Ginko’s official homepage, opening digital bank accounts from overseas is not possible, and they do not guarantee the app’s operation when accessed outside Japan. That geographic restriction means international customers still rely on JCB credit cards, electronic money like BitCash and PayPay, convenience store prepayments, or points purchased through limited remaining options—all less convenient than credit cards that no longer function.
The Japan-only status creates two-tier DLsite ecosystem where domestic users enjoy streamlined payment access while international fans face mounting friction accessing legal content they want to purchase. That disparity could accelerate piracy as frustrated international customers unable to complete legitimate purchases turn to unauthorized distribution channels providing easier access than official platforms hamstrung by payment processor censorship. The irony of anti-piracy rhetoric from payment companies whose policies drive customers toward piracy isn’t lost on observers.
Launch Incentives and Promotions
DLsite sweetened Minna no Ginko Payment adoption with aggressive promotional offers targeting Japanese customers. Users linking their viviON accounts to Minna no Ginko for the first time receive 90 percent off coupons worth up to ¥1,000 applicable to DLsite purchases. Additionally, customers making actual payments through the Minna no Ginko app earn 5 percent viviON points cashback on all purchases through March 31, 2026. Those combined incentives effectively subsidize early adoption while building critical mass of users invested in the new payment ecosystem.
The promotional strategy mirrors tactics used during e-commerce platform wars where companies subsidize customer acquisition through loss-leader pricing, betting that user loyalty and network effects eventually generate sustainable revenue once payment switching costs lock customers into ecosystems. Whether DLsite can maintain promotional generosity long-term or eventually reduces cashback percentages after establishing user base remains uncertain, though the March 2026 end date for maximum rewards suggests promotional period represents temporary customer acquisition investment rather than permanent pricing structure.
Precedent: Skeb’s Cryptocurrency Response
DLsite isn’t the first Japanese platform circumventing payment processor censorship through alternative financial systems. In June 2022, art commission service Skeb responded to similar credit card company restrictions by introducing their own cryptocurrency called Skeb Coin, providing payment rails independent from traditional financial infrastructure. That blockchain-based approach allowed Skeb users completing transactions without reliance on Visa, Mastercard, or banking systems sympathetic to payment processor demands for content censorship.
The cryptocurrency solution offered global accessibility that Minna no Ginko Payment lacks due to Japan-only restrictions, though crypto introduces different friction including volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and technical complexity deterring mainstream adoption. DLsite’s partnership with established digital bank provides more user-friendly experience for less technically-savvy customers while sacrificing international reach that cryptocurrencies theoretically enable. Whether DLsite eventually explores crypto integration or remains committed to bank-based solutions depends on regulatory developments and whether Minna no Ginko Payment achieves sufficient domestic adoption justifying operational costs.
The Broader Censorship Context
DLsite’s payment processor troubles reflect broader conflict between Western payment companies and Japanese content platforms hosting sexual content. Automaton Media reported similar instances affecting DMM, Fanza, Niconico, and Skeb, creating pattern of extraterritorial censorship where American financial institutions impose their cultural standards on Japanese creators producing legal content under Japanese law. Visa Japan CEO even publicly defended disabling card payments for legal adult content as ‘necessary to protect the brand,’ framing censorship as corporate image management rather than legal compliance.
Japanese politician spoke out warning that ‘credit card companies’ censorship of video games is thriving on people’s lack of awareness,’ attempting to raise public consciousness about how payment processor duopolies effectively legislate through financial infrastructure control. The political attention suggests Japanese government might eventually intervene protecting domestic cultural industries from foreign payment company censorship, potentially through legislation requiring payment processors to process legal transactions or face market access restrictions. Whether such political will materializes into actual policy depends on balancing trade relationships against cultural sovereignty concerns.
Why This Matters Beyond Japan
While Minna no Ginko Payment remains Japan-exclusive currently, the precedent of major digital platforms successfully launching independent payment systems threatens Visa and Mastercard’s payment processing duopoly globally. If DLsite demonstrates viable alternative exists bypassing traditional payment rails, other platforms facing similar censorship might replicate the model using local digital banks, cryptocurrency networks, or proprietary payment systems reducing dependence on hostile financial intermediaries.
The Gamer noted that fans hope Steam and itch.io will similarly implement alternative payment systems after facing payment processor pressure regarding sexual content on their platforms. Steam removed visual novels and adult games following payment company complaints, while itch.io faced PayPal suspensions over adult content. Both platforms could theoretically partner with fintech companies, digital banks, or cryptocurrency services providing payment rails independent from Visa/Mastercard control, though whether they possess political will challenging payment processor hegemony remains uncertain given corporate risk aversion.
Community Reactions
The Reddit r/Games thread received 1,700+ upvotes with 397 comments celebrating DLsite’s resistance against payment processor censorship while lamenting Japan-only accessibility. Comments expressed hope that other platforms adopt similar strategies, with user reactions ranging from ‘massive win for freedom of expression’ to concerns about long-term viability if Visa and Mastercard retaliate through financial system pressure. Some commenters noted the irony that payment processors claiming to combat exploitation actually harm legal sex workers and adult content creators who lose legitimate income sources due to arbitrary corporate moralism.
The Gamer highlighted that ‘DLsite did not bow to pressure from Visa and Mastercard,’ framing the payment system launch as principled stand against corporate censorship rather than mere business necessity. That narrative resonated with audiences frustrated by payment processors’ expanding control over legal commerce through financial infrastructure gatekeeping. However, skeptics questioned whether small digital banks can withstand pressure from international banking cartels who might threaten correspondent relationships or regulatory action if they facilitate transactions that Visa and Mastercard ideologically oppose.
What Happens Next
DLsite’s Minna no Ginko Payment launch represents opening salvo in potentially broader conflict between content platforms and payment processor censorship. If the system achieves critical mass adoption among Japanese users, DLsite might expand internationally through partnerships with digital banks in other countries offering similar direct account-to-account transfer capabilities. However, expanding globally requires navigating complex regulatory frameworks, anti-money laundering compliance, and potential retaliation from Visa and Mastercard who might pressure correspondent banks or SWIFT access providers restricting international transfers.
The promotional period through March 2026 functions as crucial testing window determining whether Minna no Ginko Payment achieves sustainable adoption or remains niche alternative used primarily by ideologically-motivated customers willing to sacrifice convenience supporting anti-censorship principles. If adoption exceeds expectations, other content platforms might replicate the model using local fintech partners. If adoption disappoints, DLsite might eventually capitulate to payment processor demands or accept permanent relegation to Japan-only JCB and alternative payment markets representing fraction of previous international customer base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Minna no Ginko Payment?
Minna no Ginko Payment is DLsite’s new direct bank-to-bank payment system launched October 6, 2025, allowing users to link Minna no Ginko digital bank accounts with viviON IDs for instant transfers bypassing credit card processors.
Why did Visa and Mastercard stop working on DLsite?
Visa and Mastercard suspended service in April 2024 after demanding DLsite censor adult content tags and remove certain categories. DLsite attempted rewording controversial tags but payment processors deemed efforts insufficient, forcing service termination.
Can international users access Minna no Ginko Payment?
No, Minna no Ginko Payment is exclusively available to Japanese users. Minna no Ginko prohibits overseas account creation and doesn’t guarantee app functionality outside Japan, leaving international customers relying on JCB or alternative payment methods.
What promotions does DLsite offer for new payment method?
First-time users linking accounts receive 90% off coupons up to ¥1,000. All purchases through Minna no Ginko app earn 5% viviON points cashback through March 31, 2026.
What payment methods still work on DLsite?
For Japanese users: JCB credit cards, Minna no Ginko Payment, electronic money (PayPay, BitCash), convenience store prepayment, and delayed payment options. International users primarily rely on JCB or points purchased through limited remaining methods.
Did other platforms face similar payment processor censorship?
Yes, Japanese platforms DMM, Fanza, Niconico, and Skeb faced similar restrictions. Skeb launched cryptocurrency Skeb Coin in 2022 as alternative payment method. Steam and itch.io also faced pressure removing adult content.
Is adult content on DLsite illegal?
No, adult content hosted on DLsite is legal under Japanese law. Visa and Mastercard’s censorship represents extraterritorial enforcement of American corporate standards rather than legal compliance requirements.
Conclusion
DLsite’s October 6, 2025 launch of Minna no Ginko Payment represents historic moment in ongoing conflict between content platforms and payment processor censorship, with Japanese digital storefront successfully circumventing Visa and Mastercard’s stranglehold through direct bank-to-bank transfers that eliminate intermediary gatekeepers demanding content removal as condition for financial access. The aggressive promotional incentives offering 90% discount coupons and 5% cashback through March 2026 demonstrate DLsite’s commitment achieving critical mass adoption despite Japan-only accessibility that excludes international customers still dependent on JCB or limited alternative payment methods. Whether this precedent inspires other platforms launching similar independent payment systems challenging Visa and Mastercard’s duopoly depends on Minna no Ginko Payment’s adoption success and whether digital banks can withstand potential retaliation from international banking cartels protecting payment processor hegemony. The broader implications extend beyond DLsite’s adult content specifically toward fundamental questions about whether unelected corporate financial intermediaries should possess power censoring legal commerce through infrastructure control, imposing extraterritorial American cultural standards on Japanese creators producing content legal under their own country’s laws. While optimistic observers celebrate DLsite’s principled resistance as ‘massive win for freedom of expression,’ skeptics question whether small fintech partnerships can sustain operations facing coordinated pressure from global financial system defending Visa and Mastercard’s censorship authority over what customers can purchase with their own money.