Hey everyone,
There was a very big outrage from a lot of people about use using the statue a bit ago. I did say that we emailed him about it, and that if he told us it was not okay, that we can edit the statue out. This morning I just received a response from him. This should put any legal anger, debates, and rages to rest about the subject once and for all.
Izumi Kato did indeed give me permission to use that statue as we see fit for the live-action! :)
I have come to the understanding that The Foundation has been unable to contact him for several years, if he has not emailed you about the use of the statue, and you still want to hear from him, I suggest emailing him again potentially. It took two months or so for him to get back to me, so maybe he is more active?
He is aware of the statue being used, either by the link I sent him, or before I contacted him. However, it never hurts to get a written response about it
Hope this solves a lot of your questions.
Thanks for your patience on the live-action!
-Gage