Japan Warns OpenAI Over Manga, Anime Use

Japan’s government has formally urged OpenAI to stop employing manga and anime artwork without authorization. The request comes amid concern that OpenAI’s Sora video app produces content closely resembling iconic Japanese art styles and beloved characters. Minoru Kiuchi, a senior official in charge of intellectual property and the “Cool Japan” strategy, called manga and anime “irreplaceable treasures” and emphasized their cultural significance.

This appeal follows backlash to OpenAI’s earlier proposal of an opt-out system for rights holders. Under that policy, artists would need to explicitly request exclusion from model training or use, a scheme that provoked criticism for placing the burden on creators.

The Japanese government’s intervention underscores growing tensions over how AI companies incorporate cultural products into their models. Japan is seeking stronger protections for artists and stricter guardrails to prevent AI systems from replicating styles without consent. The government’s request adds to global debates about copyright, creative rights, and how AI should interact with established artistic traditions.