Japanese Government Issues Formal Request

Japan’s Cabinet Office has formally asked OpenAI to stop using Japanese manga and anime artwork in its artificial‑intelligence systems. The request was delivered by Minoru Kiuchi, a senior official who oversees intellectual‑property strategy and the nation’s “cool Japan” initiatives. Kiuchi described manga and anime as “irreplaceable treasures” and warned that the current use of these visual styles constitutes copyright infringement.

Backdrop of the Sora Controversy

The demand comes amid growing criticism of OpenAI’s social video platform, Sora. Shortly after its launch, users began uploading large volumes of AI‑generated material that featured recognizable manga and anime aesthetics. Critics argue that this content breaches Japanese copyright law and undermines the cultural value of the nation’s artistic works.

Policy Tensions and Company Response

OpenAI’s handling of copyright concerns has been under scrutiny. The company previously operated an opt‑out policy that allowed copyright holders to block the use of their works in training data, but that policy was later abandoned. The removal of the opt‑out mechanism intensified the backlash, prompting the Japanese government’s formal request.

OpenAI Leadership Acknowledges Japan’s Influence

CEO Sam Altman has publicly recognized OpenAI’s reliance on Japan’s “remarkable creative output.” While acknowledging the country’s artistic contributions, OpenAI has not yet issued a detailed response to the Cabinet Office’s request. The company’s image‑generation tools have previously produced a flood of images reminiscent of Studio Ghibli and other well‑known Japanese animation styles.

Implications for International AI Development

The episode highlights the tension between rapid AI innovation and existing copyright frameworks, especially in jurisdictions that place high cultural value on specific artistic forms. Japan’s formal request represents a concrete step by a national government to protect its cultural heritage against perceived misuse by a leading AI developer.

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