TLDR: The Japanese government has formally requested OpenAI to prevent its AI video generation tool, Sora 2, from infringing on Japanese anime and manga intellectual property. This move highlights a growing global debate on balancing technological innovation with the protection of creative works, with Japan’s recently enforced AI Promotion Act potentially playing a role.
TOKYO – The Japanese government has formally called upon OpenAI to implement measures preventing its advanced AI video generation tool, Sora 2, from infringing upon the intellectual property of Japanese anime and manga. This request, made on October 16, 2025, underscores a significant clash between rapid AI innovation and the critical need for intellectual property protection in the creative industries.
Sora 2, which was launched on October 1, 2025, allows users to create 20-second, high-definition videos complete with sound from text prompts. Shortly after its release, social media platforms were reportedly flooded with AI-generated clips depicting copyrighted characters from beloved Japanese franchises such as ‘One Piece,’ ‘Demon Slayer,’ ‘Pokémon,’ and ‘Mario,’ sparking widespread concern among Japanese creators and fans.
Minoru Kiuchi, the Minister of State for Intellectual Property and AI Strategy, conveyed the government’s request during a Cabinet Office press conference. He emphasized the cultural significance of these creative works, describing manga and anime as “irreplaceable treasures” that Japan proudly showcases to the world. Digital Minister Masaaki Taira also weighed in, expressing hopes that OpenAI would voluntarily comply with the request. Taira further suggested that the government has asked OpenAI to shift to an ‘opt-in’ model, requiring prior approval from intellectual property owners for character usage, rather than an ‘opt-out’ system. He also noted that OpenAI has complied with a request to implement measures allowing copyright holders to request the deletion of infringing content.
This proactive stance by Japan is supported by its recently enforced AI Promotion Act, which became operational on September 1, 2025. While the act aims to make Japan an ‘AI-friendly country’ by promoting AI development, it also empowers authorities to safeguard intellectual property rights in the context of AI-generated content. Although the act encourages responsible AI use and does not specify direct penalties for misuse, officials have hinted that measures under this legislation could be invoked if voluntary compliance from OpenAI falls short. LDP member Akihisa Shiozaki commented that Japan should lead efforts to establish international rules on AI and copyright protection.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously addressed similar concerns, referring to Sora 2’s user-generated content as “interactive fan fiction.” He confirmed that OpenAI intends to introduce tools that would give rightsholders more granular control over how their characters are used, aligning with an ‘opt-in’ model for likenesses. Altman also acknowledged Japan’s significant creative influence globally. However, as of October 16, OpenAI had not issued a formal response to the Japanese government’s specific request.
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The issue has intensified global discussions about the boundaries of AI-generated content, the complexities of copyright enforcement in the digital age, and the delicate balance between fostering technological innovation and protecting creative industries. Even video game giant Nintendo has alluded to its awareness of the trend, stating that it would “continue to take necessary actions against infringement of our intellectual property rights,” regardless of generative AI involvement.
