With the recent spate of Japanese websites that happen to sell hentai and eroge bowing down to credit card companies and either censoring what users can and can't buy, sell or display on their sites, or removing their ability to purchase anything with a credit card outright, I've been wondering whether it would have a knock-on effect for other lewd sites. First it was DLsite and now Getchu, but the latest one to be hit with restrictions isn't even a lewd site.

Niconico, formally known as Nico Nico Douga, has basically been the otaku equivalent of YouTube since 2006, and is host to its own memes, communities and subcultures that we don't get to see much of in the west. And much like YouTube, Niconico offer a premium membership option that grants users ad-free viewing, advanced playback options and chat bonuses. Niconico premium subscriptions can be purchased with credit card or mobile payment apps like PayPal and Line Pay. However, as of just a few days ago, things have changed slightly. An update on Niconico said:

"Thank you for using Nico Nico.

Due to various circumstances, from Friday, May 10, 2024, we will temporarily suspend the payment of premium membership fees on Visa.

We apologize for the sudden notice."

The strange thing is that unlike DLsite and Getchu, Niconico is generally SFW, and has guidelines against erotic content. Why Visa wanted to pull out of essentially an anime shitposting video website is anyone's guess, but it seems the whole credit card company ordeal isn't just limited to porn sites anymore.

What do you guys think of this? Have you used Niconico before? Let us know below!