Japan’s government has formally requested that OpenAI refrain from activities that could violate copyright law following the release of its new video generation model, “Sora2,” which reportedly can produce Japanese anime-style characters and other imagery resembling copyrighted works.
At a press conference on Friday, Minister of State for Special Missions Kiuchi Takayuki confirmed that the Cabinet Office’s Intellectual Property Strategy Promotion Office made a direct administrative request to OpenAI, conducted online, shortly after the company’s latest model drew public scrutiny. The move comes amid growing domestic concerns that Sora2 and similar AI systems could replicate copyrighted art styles without authorization, potentially infringing on intellectual property rights.
“Anime and manga are irreplaceable treasures that Japan can be proud of,” Kiuchi said. “The government will take these concerns into consideration and respond appropriately. As Minister of State for Intellectual Property Strategy and Cool Japan Strategy, I intend to handle this matter with the utmost care.”
Kiuchi noted that the government’s initial communication urged OpenAI to avoid any actions that could constitute copyright infringement. While CEO Sam Altman has stated that the company implemented safeguards to address such risks, Japanese authorities remain cautious, citing broader concerns about AI’s ability to generate near-derivative works.
The minister added that Japan’s AI Strategy Headquarters will continue monitoring AI-generated media and may consider additional steps, including investigations under Article 16 of the AI Act, depending on how the situation evolves.
As Japan works to strengthen its regulatory framework for generative AI, officials emphasized that protecting the country’s creative industries—especially its globally influential anime and manga sector—will remain a top priority in balancing technological innovation with cultural and legal safeguards.
Need Help?
If you have questions or concerns about these, or any global guidelines, regulations and laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to BABL AI. Their Audit Experts can offer valuable insight, and ensure you’re informed and compliant.
