Japan’s government has issued a formal request to OpenAI, demanding the company cease any copyright infringement involving the nation’s anime and manga content, which officials described as “irreplaceable treasures” worthy of global pride[1]. The request comes amid growing concerns over OpenAI’s Sora 2 video generator producing content that replicates copyrighted material from iconic Japanese franchises.
Government Takes Action on AI-Generated Content
Cabinet minister Minoru Kiuchi, who oversees AI and intellectual property matters, made the request during a press conference, emphasizing the cultural significance of Japan’s creative industries. “We have requested OpenAI not to engage in any actions that could constitute copyright infringement,” Kiuchi stated, highlighting that “anime and manga are irreplaceable treasures that we can be proud of around the world”[1].
The concern centers on OpenAI’s Sora 2, launched on October 1, which can generate 1080p videos up to 20 seconds long with sound[1]. The accompanying Sora app enables users to create TikTok-style videos of nearly anything, with anime emerging as a prominent theme. Numerous short videos have replicated copyrighted materials from beloved franchises including DragonBall and Pokémon[1].
Japan’s Balancing Act Between Innovation and Protection
Despite this forceful stance on copyright protection, Japan maintains a relatively progressive position on artificial intelligence development. The nation’s AI Promotion Act seeks to leverage AI as an economic growth driver while simultaneously establishing guidelines around copyright infringement[1]. However, enforcement mechanisms remain unclear, prompting the government to develop more concrete regulatory frameworks.
Parliament member Akihisa Shiozaki articulated Japan’s dual responsibility, stating on his blog that “Japan bears a responsibility to take the lead on making rules [around AI and copyright], precisely because we are a country… [that creates] anime, games, and music”[1]. This reflects Japan’s unique position as both a technology innovator and a cultural content powerhouse.
OpenAI’s Response and Opt-Out Mechanism
Last month, OpenAI reportedly contacted studios offering them the option to opt out of Sora 2 training on their materials[1]. The new process requires movie studios and content owners to explicitly request that OpenAI exclude their copyrighted material from videos generated by Sora. However, it remains unknown which Japanese studios, if any, the company has reached out to[1].
This opt-out approach places the burden on content creators to protect their intellectual property, a system that critics argue favors AI companies over rights holders. The effectiveness of this mechanism in protecting Japan’s vast anime and manga library remains to be tested.
Broader Implications for AI and Creative Industries
This dispute highlights the growing tension between AI innovation and intellectual property rights in the creative sector. As generative AI tools become more sophisticated, they increasingly challenge existing copyright frameworks that were designed for an analog era. Japan’s proactive stance may set precedents for how other nations approach similar issues with AI-generated content that mimics copyrighted works.
The cultural and economic stakes are significant. Japan’s anime and manga industries generate billions of dollars annually and represent crucial soft power assets for the nation. Protecting these industries while fostering AI development presents a complex regulatory challenge that will likely require international cooperation and new legal frameworks.
Sources
[2] https://www.neowin.net/news/stop-ripping-off-manga-and-anime-japans-government-warns-openai/
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