Japan’s Leading IP Creators, from Studio Ghibli to Square Enix, Oppose OpenAI’s Use of Their Content in Sora 2

OpenAI’s Sora 2 faced backlash after its viral content featuring iconic characters from franchises like Dragon Ball and Mario drew concerns from Japanese intellectual property (IP) holders represented by the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA). On October 28, 2025, CODA requested OpenAI halt using copyrighted Japanese materials for training its AI models, citing potential copyright infringement risks. Japan’s media, including anime and video games, is particularly sensitive regarding copyright protection, with CODA advocating for prior consent over an opt-in/opt-out system. As Sora 2’s outputs bore a striking resemblance to copyrighted works from major studios like Studio Ghibli and Bandai Namco, OpenAI is under pressure to address these legal challenges, which could expand beyond Japan. Following CODA’s demands and the evolving legal landscape, particularly after cases involving creators like George R.R. Martin, OpenAI may need to reassess its approach to copyrighted content in AI development.

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