Japanese Anime Industry Slams Sora 2 AI for Copyright issue

Eighteen of Japan’s most powerful anime and manga companies, including giants like Kodansha, Kadokawa, Shogakukan, and Square Enix, have taken a firm stand against generative AI. The group released a joint statement on October 30, 2025, accusing OpenAI's new video-generating program, Sora2, of widespread copyright infringement for using their creative works without permission to train its AI.

The controversy centres on Sora2, an advanced AI tool launched on September 30, 2025. The program can generate 1080p videos up to 20 seconds long, complete with sound, from simple text prompts and quickly gained notoriety for its ability to create high-quality anime-style content. 

According to the joint statement, the companies, supported by the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), have determined that Sora2 is using copyrighted works for machine learning, resulting in output that closely resembles their original, copyrighted works and images from famous franchises like Dragon Ball, Pokémon, and Studio Ghibli.

The core of the legal challenge is Sora2's "opt-out" system. This model assumes the AI can use any content it finds for machine learning unless the copyright owner explicitly requests its removal. The publishers argue this is a clear violation of Japanese copyright law, which protects created works and requires an "opt-in" system where a company must get permission before using a creative work. 

The statement criticises this practice, stating the current model illegally uses their content by default and exposes them to infringement.

OpenAI Under Fire: Publishers Slam Sora 2 for 'Illegal' Training

This united front of creators is demanding that OpenAI immediately stop training its AI on their content without consent. CODA has formally requested that Sora 2 not use its member companies' content for machine learning without permission and that OpenAI respond to their claims. 

Furthermore, the companies have asked for a complete switch to an "opt-in" system, full transparency about what data has already been used in training, and a system to provide appropriate compensation to any rights holders who agree to let their works be used.

The Japanese 1government has also weighed in strongly, backing the creators. Minoru Kiuchi, Japan's Minister of State for Intellectual Property Strategy, called anime and manga "captivating the world" that are recognised worldwide.

The government's Cabinet Office had previously formally requested that OpenAI avoid copyright violations shortly after the launch of Sora 2, reflecting deep concern over the flood of AI-generated videos mimicking their cultural assets.

Who Is Leading the Charge Against OpenAI?

The full list of companies and organisations involved in the joint statement includes Akita Shoten, Ichijinsha, Ohzora Publishing Co., Kadokawa, Coamix, Kodansha, Shogakukan, Shonengahosha, Shinchosha, Square Enix, Takeshobo, TO Books, Nihon Bungeisha, Hakusensha, Futabasha, Houbunsha, LEED Publishing, and the Nihon Mangaka Kyokai (Japan Cartoonists Association).

This is a high-stakes issue for Japan, as its animation industry is valued at over 2.5 trillion yen (around $16.67 billion). Both the companies and the government clarified in the statement that they support the healthy development and advancement of AI technology. 

However, they emphasised that they will not tolerate copyright infringement and are prepared to take legal action as necessary to protect creators' rights.