FANZA's online store section is now inaccessible; a VPN is required.
Finally, after removing R18 content, FANZA blocked the online store section selling physical discs early this morning...
Although this isn't the first time they've blocked it, and even knowing that not many people usually use the online store to buy physical discs, making them feel that locking the section is insignificant, it still feels quite unpleasant.
Of course, there's always a way to bypass this; a VPN will do the trick. But the question is, why is FANZA doing this?
Some friends might think it's another case of the new AV law causing trouble, which isn't impossible. After all, the entire AV industry has been tightening up since the new law was implemented, so closing down a distribution area would be reasonable; but on the other hand, I'm more inclined to believe... Trust is a business consideration. Few film fans would buy physical copies through online retailers, but many industry professionals likely use them. Even wealthy companies like FANZA have to pay for streaming services. Weighing the pros and cons, they decided to shut down the page.
However, while I can understand the closure of the online retailer from a business perspective and in light of the new AV law, I genuinely think this decision is terrible. For many, the disappearance of online retailers doesn't matter; they can just watch streaming anime. But for fans who used online retailers, it's infuriating. The industry constantly demands our support for legitimate content, and then you shut down the purchasing channel. Add to that the previous sudden closure of R18 content, which turned all the films into dust—it was truly disheartening. This move will likely lose many loyal fans who support legitimate content.
But that's very Japanese, really.
