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Joi Ito
Person
Also known as:
Joichi Ito4Joichi ItoIto
13,650
Total Mentions
7,797
Documents
29,387
Connected Entities
Japanese-American activist, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist
Joi Ito, former director of the MIT Media Lab, appears extensively in the Epstein files through direct personal correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, including emails about fundraising, gift solicitations, and scheduling — a relationship that ultimately led to Ito's resignation from MIT in 2019 after it was revealed he had accepted at least $525,000 from Epstein for the Media Lab and $1.2 million for his private ventures.
Ito appears in direct email exchanges with Epstein discussing financial gifts (a $25K donation from ASU and gifts of $100K-$200K to MIT), personal check-ins, and coordination through Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff regarding travel plans. One document references Ghislaine Maxwell introducing Ito to Prince Andrew at her London home in 2001. He also appears in Epstein's contact lists alongside figures like Steve Bannon and Jes Staley, and in academic records showing he co-taught a Harvard Law course with Jonathan Zittrain during Winter 2017. The correspondence shows a familiar, ongoing personal relationship — Ito and Epstein exchanged casual messages ('I'm good. Good luck!') and discussed press coverage ('brutal press').
Key Highlights
- •Direct email correspondence between Ito and Epstein about financial gifts to MIT, including a $25K gift from ASU and discussions about gifts in the $100K-$200K range — consistent with the later-revealed $525K Epstein gave to the Media Lab
- •A document states Ghislaine Maxwell introduced Ito to Prince Andrew at her London home in 2001, placing Ito in Maxwell's social circle years before he became MIT Media Lab director
- •Emails show Ito and Epstein exchanging casual personal messages in early 2019, months before the scandal broke, with Epstein responding to press concerns with 'brutal press' — indicating the relationship continued even after Epstein's 2008 conviction
- •Lesley Groff, Epstein's longtime executive assistant, coordinated directly with Ito about Epstein's travel schedules, including a canceled trip to Vancouver in February 2016
- •Ito appears on a list sent to Steve Bannon's attention alongside other Epstein associates including Jes Staley and Joscha Bach
Frequently Asked Questions
Document Mentions (20 of 7,797)
EFTA00001884
5 mentionsSource: DOJ EFTA Records
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Page: EFTA00001884 →EFTA00007893 - EFTA00007955
5 mentionsSource: DOJ EFTA Records
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Page: EFTA00007899 →EFTA00682558.pdf
5 mentionsEFTA00682558
6 February 2016, Joi Ito wrote: Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Date: February 16, 2016 at 11:07:17 PST To: Joichi Ito Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Jeffrey Epstein Joi, I am so very sorry but Jeffrey is canceling his trip to Vancouver! It is very sudden and he is sorry, but
From: Joi Ito <1 To: "Jeffrey E." < Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epst
om: Date: February 16, 2016 at 11:07:17 PST To: Joichi Ito Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Jeffrey Epstein
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EFTA00003931 - EFTA00003932
5 mentionsSource: DOJ EFTA Records
ITEM WAS NOT SCANNED DESCRIPTION Ito EFTA00003931 --- PAGE BREAK --- EFTA00003932
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5 mentionsEFTA02474017
On Tuesday, 16 February 2016 wrote: Sent from my iPhone Begin =orwarded message: From:=Lesley Groff Date: February =6, 2016 at 11:07:17 NT To: Joichi Ito Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Jeffrey Epstein Joi, I am so very sorry but Jef=rey is canceling his trip to Vancouver! It is very sudden and he is =
roff Date: February =6, 2016 at 11:07:17 NT To: Joichi Ito Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Jeffrey Epstein
nt: Tuesday, February 16, 2016 7:34 PM To: Joi Ito Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Yes On Tuesday,
EFTA00677101.pdf
5 mentionsEFTA00677101
om: Lesley Groff < Date: Februa • • 7 PST To: Joichi Ito Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Jeffrey Ep Joi
From: Joi Ito To: Jeffrey Epstein <[email protected]> Sub
Tue, 16 Feb 2016 19:10:36 +0000 Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Lesley Groff < Date: Februa • • 7 PST To: Joichi Ito Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Jeffrey Ep Joi, I am so very sorry but Jeffrey is canceling his trip to Vancouver! It is very sudden and he is sorry, but he is
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EFTA00005284 - EFTA00005380
5 mentionsSource: DOJ EFTA Records
96.TIF EC3T1488.TIF EC3T1491.TIF EC3T3697.TIF Ito I 1489.1IF EC3T1492.TIF EC3T3698.TiF EFTA00005
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5 mentionsSource: DOJ EFTA Records
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5 mentionsSource: DOJ EFTA Records
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EFTA00328420.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA00328420
From: Jeremy Rubin To: Joichi Ito Cc: Lesley Groff <[email protected]>, Rubin Jeremy Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: Fri, 04 Mar 2016 17:35:12 +0000 sure On Fri, Mar 4, 2016 at
roff <[email protected]>, Rubin Jeremy Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: Fri, 04 Mar 2016 17:35:12 +0000 sure On Fri, Mar 4, 2016 at 12:21 PM, Joichi It wrote: Super. See you then. Jeremy, do you want to head over together from the Lab? - Joi > On Mar 4, 2016, at 12:20 PM vrote: > Hello Joi
From: Jeremy Rubin To: Joichi Ito Cc: Lesley Groff <[email protected]>, Rubin Je
EFTA00333374.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA00333374
pm. Thus if you can let Joi stay at Jeffrey's until around 12noon, we'd appreciate. Thank you! Best regards, Mika Mika Tanaka (Ms) Assistant to Joi Ito, Director MIT Media Lab http://www.media.mit.edu/ MIT Office: ■ Mobile Japan: 2015/12/1422:25, Joichi Ito < > 0).X — : See you soon! On Dec
From: Lesley Groff To: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Re: Jeffrey Ep
From: Lesley Groff To: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Cc: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: Mon, 14 Dec 2015 17:52:47 +0000 >, "Joichi (Joi) Ito" < absolutely not a pr
EFTA00337406.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA00337406
umber for her? Begin forwarded message: From: Neri Oxman Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Fri. Oct. 16th Date: October 9, 2015 at 1:52:19 PM EDT To: Joichi Ito Kelly Donovan Cc: >, Mika Tanaka >, Rubin Jeremy I am around, yes, and happy to meet. I'll wait to hear from Lesley when and where is best. On Fr
great if we could set up your people. Jeffrey could meet with them at Martin's institute (1 Brattle Square, Suite 6) > On Oct 9, 2015, at 11:33 AM, Joi Ito < > wrote: >> I'll be in Tokyo but can set up people. This is instead of Tuesday right? >> Sent from my iPhone >>> On Oct 9, 2015, at 11:30, > w
From: To: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Fwd: Jeffrey Epstein Fri. Oct. 16th Date: Thu, 15 Oct 2015 15:53:21 +0000 HI Joi...I have emailed Neri a few times asking if sh
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EFTA02331746.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA02331746
chi Ito Cc: Karyna Shuliak; Joichi (loi) Ito Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Terrific. Thank you Sent from my iPhone On Jun 7, 2014, at 11:25 AM, Joichi Ito wrote: > Yes. Confirmed. I may have to leave at 12:30. Still fiddling with > flights.=> Sent from my iPhone » On Jun 7, 2014, at 10:49, Lesley Gr
ent: Saturday, June 7, 2014 3:40 PM To: Joichi Ito Cc: Karyna Shuliak; Joichi (loi) Ito Subject:
From: Lesley Groff Sent: Saturday, June 7, 2014 3:40 PM To: Joichi Ito Cc: Karyna Shuliak; Joichi (loi) Ito Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Terrific. Thank you Sent from my iPhone On Jun 7, 2014, at 11:25 AM, Joichi Ito wrote: > Yes. Confirmed
EFTA00337514.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA00337514
. I believe Kelly already reached out to you on this. I look forward to meeting you next time. Best wishes, Neri On Thu, Oct 15, 2015 at 3:38 PM, Joi Ito < wrote: Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Date: October 16, 2015 at 00:53:21 GMT+9 To: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Fwd: Jeffr
umber for her? Begin forwarded message: From: Neri Oxman Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Fri. Oct. 16th Date: October 9, 2015 at 1:52:19 PM EDT To: Joichi Ito < Donovan Cc: >, Mika Tanaka deManbay >, Rubin Jeremy I am around, yes, and happy to meet. r11 wait to hear from Lesley when and where is best.
Thu, Oct 15, 2015 at 3:38 PM, Joi Ito < wrote: Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Date: October 16, 2015 at 00:53:21 GMT+9 To: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Fwd: Jeffrey Epstein Fri. Oct 16th HI Joi...I have emailed Neri a few times asking if she could come see Jeffrey at 12:30 at Mar
EFTA02265483.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA02265483
To: Joichi (Joi) Ito From: Sent: Tue 11/27/2018 7:25:21 PM Subject
To: Joichi (Joi) Ito From: Sent: Tue 11/27/2018 7:25:21 PM Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Great! so all 3 will travel with Jeffrey on Sunday? I can make re
lt, please no worries. We'll arrange it at our side > Thanks again, > Mika >> 2018/11/28 3:56, >> super! thanks >» On Nov 27, 2018, at 1:41 PM, Joi Ito wrote: >>> >» Adding Mika. Thanks! >» >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> »» On Nov 27, 2018, at 13:28, wrote: >>>> >>>> Hello Joi-just wanted to r
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EFTA02237668.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA02237668
T Media Lab On Fri, Feb 9, 2018 at 11:49 AM, Joi Ito -ca Sent from my iPhonc Begin forwarded message
Media Lab On Fri, Feb 9, 2018 at 11:49 AM, Joi Ito -ca Sent from my iPhonc Begin forwarded message: From: Date: February..... II/M at : : + To: Joichi It Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Jeffrey says he would like to meet at Martin's...he says he will be there all day from 1 lam on...! On Feb 9, 201
can't get together until 6PM. EFTA_R1_01003298 EFTA02237668 Fabulous! Let me get back to you! Thanks Joi! Assistant to Jeffrey Epstein :33 AM, Joichi Ito wrote: Yes. My plan was... 3PM - Joi 4PM - Digital Currency Initiative team 5PM - Hugh Herr and Ed Boyden to discuss "One Science" We could go
EFTA00485727.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA00485727
From: Lesley Groff <MIMIlle To: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: The, 27 Nov
From: Lesley Groff <MIMIlle To: "Joichi (Joi) Ito" Subject: Re: Jeffrey Epstein Date: The, 27 Nov 2018 19:25:21 +0000 Great! so all 3 will travel with Jeffrey on Sunday? I can make rese
•,; > wrote: > • Hi Lesley, > • Thank you so much for the arrangement. > • Please find the names and BOD of Joi's and his family's as below. > Joichi Ito > Mizuka Ito > Kio Ito - > Joi will be accompanied by his wife, Mizuka and daughter, Kio. > • They won't need a car from Bedford to their home.
EFTA00338203.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA00338203
great if we could set up your people. Jeffrey could meet with them at Martin's institute (1 Brattle Square, Suite 6) > On Oct 9, 2015, at 11:33 AM, Joi Ito wrote: >> I'll be in Tokyo but can set up people. This is instead of Tuesday right? >> Sent from my iPhone >>> On Oct 9, 2015, at 11:30, Lesley G
From: Lesley Groff To: Joichi Ito Cc: Rubin Jeremy nika Tanaka deManbay < , Neri
00 Heather Roughly 11-6 I would think. Will try to get a better answer but we can work with this! Sent from my iPhone On Oct 9, 2015, at 1:18 PM, Joichi Ito wrote: Lesley, do you have a time range on Friday? On Oct 9, 2015, at 1:11 PM, Jeremy Rubin < Sir Yes Sir ;). What time Friday? @JeremyRubin O
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EFTA02613060.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA02613060
From: Joichi Ito Sent: Friday, Novem er , 18 1:32 PM To: Jef
[email protected]> wrote: >>>» >»» not sure. but im in new york saturday. and was trying to find = plan. >>>» >»» On Mon, Nov 26, 2018 at 12:19 PM Joi Ito • >»» I was going to take the train from NYC to Boston wit izu a and =io. Are you thinking of flying in from NYC? >>>» >>»» On Nov 26, 2018, at 11:
in OK? > On Nov 30, 2018, at 8:22 AM, J <[email protected]> wrote: > can you call me i have a quick question > On Tue, Nov 27, 2018 at 1:40 PM Joi Ito > Thanks. Should my assistant coordinate with Lesley? What time are you =eaving? > Sent from my iPhone > On Nov 27, 2018, at 13:38, J <jeevacation
EFTA00362223.pdf
4 mentionsEFTA00362223
ami, the earliest arrival time will be 1:12pm (JLI 0 or NH12 via Chicago). > Thank you. > Best regards, > Mika > Mika Tanaka (Ms) > Assistant to Joi Ito, Director > MIT Media Lab > http://www.media.mit.edu/ > MIT Office: > Mobile US: > Mobile Japan: EFTA00362225 > 2014/09/14 22:58, Joichi Ito
va To: jeffrey E. <[email protected]>, Joichi Ito <I Cc: Mika Tar e, Lesley Groff Subject: RE: T
From: Saida Sapieva To: jeffrey E. <[email protected]>, Joichi Ito <I Cc: Mika Tar e, Lesley Groff Subject: RE: Trip to the Island - Nov 29-307 Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:08:21 +0000 >, Reid Hoffman I could get
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Connected Entities(20 of 29,387)
Jeffrey Epstein
PersonAmerican sex offender and financier (1953–2019)
6,393 docs6,393 co-mentions
Lesley Groff
PersonExecutive assistant to Jeffrey Epstein (2001-2019)
1,108 docs1,108 co-mentions
Harry Reid
PersonAmerican politician (1939–2021)
745 docs745 co-mentions
Martin Nowak
PersonAustrian scientist
637 docs637 co-mentions
George W. Bush
PersonPresident of the United States from 2001 to 2009
610 docs610 co-mentions
Ghislaine Maxwell
PersonBritish socialite and sex trafficker, daughter of Robert Maxwell, accomplice of Jeffrey Epstein
515 docs515 co-mentions
Joscha Bach
PersonCognitive scientist
451 docs451 co-mentions
LB
Leon Black
PersonAmerican billionaire businessman (born 1951)
434 docs434 co-mentions
Marc Rich
PersonAmerican commodities trader (1934–2013)
363 docs363 co-mentions
Alan Dershowitz
PersonAmerican lawyer, author, and art collector (born 1938)
353 docs353 co-mentions
Reid Hoffman
PersonAmerican co-founder of LinkedIn, venture capitalist, and author
345 docs345 co-mentions
Woody Allen
PersonAmerican filmmaker, actor and comedian (born 1935)
332 docs332 co-mentions
Karyna Shuliak
PersonBelarusian dentist, Jeffrey Epstein's girlfriend and named heir to his estate
324 docs324 co-mentions
DI
Darren Indyke
PersonAmerican lawyer, longtime personal attorney and co-executor of Jeffrey Epstein's estate
301 docs301 co-mentions
Tokyo
LocationCapital and largest city of Japan
295 docs295 co-mentions
Mao Zedong
Person1st chairman of the Chinese Communist Party and founder of the People's Republic of China (1893–1976)
279 docs279 co-mentions
Larry Summers
PersonAmerican economist and government official (born 1954)
270 docs270 co-mentions
Ed Boyden
PersonAmerican neuroscientist
260 docs260 co-mentions
United States
LocationCountry located primarily in North America
255 docs255 co-mentions
Richard Kahn
PersonJeffrey Epstein's accountant and estate co-executor (2005-present)
238 docs238 co-mentions