Japan Warns OpenAI Over Alleged Manga and Anime Copyright Infringement in Sora 2

Oct 16, 2025 1:36 AM EDTNovember 2, 2025by Jessica Moore P.E. • 3 min read • Updated: November 2, 2025

Japan Takes Stand Against OpenAI’s Use of Anime and Manga IPs

According to reports, Japan’s government has issued a formal warning to OpenAI, urging the company to stop using copyrighted manga and anime content in its AI models. Sources indicate that the controversy intensified following the release of OpenAI’s Sora 2 video generation tool, which allegedly produced videos featuring characters from popular Japanese franchises without authorization.

Government Officials Voice Concerns Over AI-Generated Content

At a recent press conference, Japanese government officials, including Minoru Kiuchi, the minister of state for IP and AI strategy, confirmed that a formal request was made online for OpenAI to avoid infringing on Japanese intellectual properties. Analysts suggest that the government views anime and manga as cultural assets that require protection from unauthorized AI replication.

Alleged Discrepancies in AI Content Moderation

Deputy Secretary-General Akihisa Shiozaki of Japan’s ruling party highlighted potential imbalances in Sora 2’s content filters. In an X post, Shiozaki noted that while the model generated high-quality videos of Japanese anime characters, it refused to produce content featuring characters owned by U.S. companies like Disney. This has raised questions about the consistency of OpenAI’s copyright enforcement measures.

Threat of Legal Action Under AI Promotion Act

Sources indicate that Japan’s government may invoke Article 16 of the AI Promotion Act if OpenAI fails to address these concerns. The act, fully enacted in September 2025, grants investigative powers to the government, allowing it to request details on AI specifications and moderation practices. Although the law does not include fines, companies that do not comply could be publicly named.

Background on OpenAI’s Previous Copyright Issues

This is not the first time OpenAI has faced criticism over copyright issues. Reports state that earlier this year, the GPT-4o Image Generation model was found capable of replicating styles similar to Studio Ghibli’s iconic animations, sparking debates over intellectual property rights in AI-generated content. According to IGN, Japan’s latest actions underscore a growing global concern about how AI models handle copyrighted material.

Global Context and Comparisons

While Japan aims to become an AI-friendly country, its approach focuses on cooperation rather than punitive measures, differing from stricter regulations in regions like the EU. As analysts suggest, this case could set a precedent for how governments worldwide address AI and copyright infringement, with implications for other industries such as construction or technology, where intellectual property is equally critical.

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