Japan Urges OpenAI Not to Infringe on Anime & Manga with Sora 2

Japan’s government has formally asked OpenAI to avoid using copyrighted anime and manga in outputs or training related to its Sora 2 video generator, calling such works “irreplaceable treasures.” Cabinet minister Minoru Kiuchi said the request at a press conference, stressing the cultural importance of anime and manga to Japan’s global identity. (Engadget).

Launched on October 1, Sora 2 can produce up to 20-second 1080p videos with sound and has been used to create short, anime-style clips that appear to mirror copyrighted franchises. That trend prompted concerns from Japanese officials and creators about potential copyright infringement and the need for clearer rules around AI training and content generation.

• Sora 2: 1080p, up to 20-second videos; powers the Sora app for TikTok-style clips.
• Government stance: Japan is pro-AI adoption (AI Promotion Act) but seeks clearer enforcement on copyright.
• OpenAI response: Reportedly contacted studios to allow opt-outs from Sora 2 training; details on which Japanese studios were contacted remain unclear.

Japan’s push highlights a growing global tension: how to balance technological innovation with protecting creative industries. Parliament member Akihisa Shiozaki noted Japan’s responsibility to lead on AI and copyright rules because the country is a major creator of anime, games, and music.

If enforcement remains fuzzy, creators worry their works could be used without consent or fair compensation. OpenAI has reportedly introduced an opt-out process for rights holders, but experts and officials in Japan want stronger, clearer protections and proactive outreach to studios.

For more detail, read the original coverage: Engadget report. You can also visit OpenAI for company announcements.

Discussion: Should AI companies be required to get explicit opt-in from studios before using their work for training or generation? What enforcement would you trust to protect creators while allowing innovation?