Japanese platform DLsite, known for distributing digital games and doujinshi, announced on Oct. 6 the launch of a new internal payment system following the suspension of Visa and Mastercard card transactions. The new method, dubbed "Minna no Ginko Payment", is presented as an out-of-the-box solution developed in collaboration with Japanese digital bank Minna no Ginko.
The move comes after international card brands suspended their use on DLsite due to the handling of adult content within the platform. In April 2024, the company had announced the temporary deactivation of payments with Visa and Mastercard, leaving JCB as the only credit option available to users in Japan.
Prior to these restrictions, DLsite tried to modify labels related to its adult content, such as "loli", to comply with the guidelines of payment processors, although the measures were not enough.
A new direct payment system
In response, parent companies viviON and Eisys developed the Minna no Ginko Payment system, which allows direct payments to be made by linking a Minna no Ginko bank account with a viviON user account. In this way, the transaction is processed without international intermediaries.
DLsite has also begun offering discounts and rewards to users who adopt this new method, although its availability will be limited to the Japanese territory. According to Minna no Ginko's official site, it is not possible to open accounts from abroad or guarantee the operation of the app outside of Japan.
Context and background
This type of initiative is not new in the sector. In 2022, the artist commissioning platform Skeb launched its own cryptocurrency, Skeb Coin, also as an alternative to the restrictions of traditional payment systems.
