Japanese Government Urges OpenAI to Respect Copyright, Emphasizing the Cultural Significance of Manga and Anime Characters as ‘Irreplaceable Treasures’

The Japanese government has formally requested OpenAI to refrain from copyright infringement following the launch of its new video generation app, Sora 2. This app, capable of producing 1080p videos featuring popular characters from franchises like One Piece and Pokémon, has sparked concerns regarding intellectual property (IP) rights. Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s IP and AI strategy minister, emphasized the importance of protecting Japan’s “irreplaceable treasures,” such as manga and anime. The government’s appeal was made by the Intellectual Property Strategy Headquarters, seeking voluntary compliance from OpenAI. Japan’s AI Promotion Act, effective September 2025, will address AI misuse including copyright violations. While OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has acknowledged these issues and proposed future changes to Sora 2, backlash continues over perceived delays in protecting IP rights. The issue highlights the ongoing tension between AI technology and copyright law, especially in creative industries reliant on iconic characters.

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