Japan’s Gaming Giants Fight OpenAI’s Sora 2 Over Copyright Concerns
Japan’s largest entertainment companies are mounting organized resistance against OpenAI’s Sora 2 video AI model. Industry group CODA has filed a formal request demanding OpenAI cease using Japanese creative works without permission for training purposes. The coalition represents major rights holders including Aniplex, Bandai Namco, Studio Ghibli, Square Enix, and Kadokawa. This collective action signals growing global concern about AI training practices in the creative industries.
Cultural Protection and Legal Demands
CODA’s formal request cites specific concerns about Sora 2’s output resembling existing Japanese works. The organization argues this indicates unauthorized use of copyrighted materials during training. Japanese copyright law requires explicit creator permission for machine learning applications, according to CODA’s legal position. The group also rejects opt-out systems as insufficient protection for rights holders.
The October 28 request represents escalating tensions between AI developers and content creators. “Japanese anime and manga represent cultural assets that demand protection,” stated a government official. On October 2, Japanese officials had already warned OpenAI about AI-generated anime clips circulating online. The government emphasized the need to avoid copyright infringement as generative technology evolves.
Industry-Wide Implications and Responses
This confrontation involves some of Japan’s most influential entertainment companies. CODA’s membership includes gaming giants Bandai Namco and Square Enix alongside animation powerhouses Studio Ghibli and Aniplex. The unified stance demonstrates serious industry-wide concern about AI training methods and copyright protection.
OpenAI has proposed future solutions including creator control options and revenue-sharing programs. However, Japanese rights holders maintain these plans don’t address the core issue of initial training data sourcing. CODA has demanded clear responses to future copyright inquiries from member publishers. The situation highlights growing global tension between AI advancement and intellectual property rights in creative industries.
