Film director Akiyoshi Imazeki was sentenced Monday to a 28-month prison term for buying sex from two girls, aged 12 and 14.

Imazeki, 44, known for directing the adolescent movie “Aiko 16 Sai” (“Aiko, Age 16”) in 1983, had sex with one of the girls in January 2003 and the other last March. He paid them 20,000 yen each, according to the Tokyo District Court.

Presiding Judge Shoichi Matsuo called the director’s actions “despicable,” noting he used his position to persuade the girls to have sex with the promise he would introduce them to television celebrities.

There are indications that Imazeki habitually engaged in such conduct, the judge added.

Prosecutors had demanded 3 1/2 years in prison.

By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.