TLDR: Nintendo has officially denied rumors that it is actively lobbying the Japanese government to impose restrictions on generative AI. The company clarified its stance, stating it will continue to take appropriate action against any intellectual property infringement, regardless of whether generative AI is involved. The rumors originated from a now-deleted social media post by Japanese House of Representatives member Satoshi Asano, who later apologized for spreading unverified information.
Kyoto-based video game giant Nintendo has issued a definitive denial regarding recent online speculation that it is working with the Japanese government to restrict the use of generative artificial intelligence. The company’s official statement, released on its corporate social media accounts in both Japanese and English on October 5, 2025, directly addresses and refutes these claims.
Nintendo’s statement reads: ‘Contrary to recent discussions on the internet, Nintendo has not had any contact with the Japanese government about generative AI. Whether generative AI is involved or not, we will continue to take necessary actions against infringement of our intellectual property rights.’ This clarification underscores Nintendo’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property (IP) through existing legal frameworks, rather than seeking new governmental restrictions specifically targeting AI.
The rumors gained traction following a social media post by Satoshi Asano, a member of Japan’s House of Representatives. Asano’s now-deleted post had suggested that Nintendo was engaging in lobbying activities with the government to limit generative AI usage to safeguard its IP. Following Nintendo’s public denial, Mr. Asano promptly issued a formal apology, acknowledging his failure to properly verify the facts before sharing the information.
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This controversy emerges amidst growing concerns within the creative industries, particularly in Japan, regarding the implications of generative AI. The launch of tools like OpenAI’s Sora 2, a video-generating AI model, has highlighted the potential for copyrighted material, including Nintendo’s own intellectual properties like Pokémon, to be used in AI-generated content. One notable example involved an AI-generated video featuring OpenAI CEO Sam Altman alongside realistic Pokémon, which fueled discussions about copyright protection and the need for revised policies on AI-generated content. Japan, in particular, has expressed concerns about Sora 2’s perceived lack of protection for Japanese intellectual property rights. Nintendo’s swift response aims to clarify its position and reassure stakeholders that its focus remains on direct IP enforcement rather than political lobbying.
