It affects anime, manga and video games – The Japanese government warns the company behind ChatGPT and Sora 2

Alarm in Tokyo: How OpenAI's new AI threatens Japan's greatest cultural assets

A bombshell in the tech world: The Japanese government has issued an official warning to OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT and the revolutionary video AI Sora 2. The reason for this unusually harsh step is growing concern that the new generation of artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to Japan's most valuable asset: its unique creative culture.

With Sora 2, users can create deceptively realistic video scenes from simple text commands, almost perfectly imitating styles and characters from famous anime, manga, and video games. For Tokyo, this crosses a red line. In a concerted effort by the Digital Ministry and the Minister of State for Intellectual Property, the AI ​​company was unequivocally called upon to take measures to prevent copyright infringements using its technology. This move marks a potential turning point in the global struggle over AI regulation. It's no longer just about technical possibilities, but about protecting intellectual property, safeguarding entire economic sectors, and the question of who will control creative content in the future.

Turning point for the AI ​​world? Japan pulls the emergency brake on Sora 2 – with consequences for everyone

The release of the new AI generation, Sora 2, has sparked a controversial debate about the handling of intellectual property and copyright. The Japanese government feels compelled to issue an official warning to OpenAI to protect domestic culture and the creative industry.

Tokyo's concern about intellectual property

How did the warning against OpenAI come about?

According to reports from the technology portal itMedia, Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Intellectual Property Strategy, highlighted the existing problem in a press conference: The Japanese government has sent a notice to the AI ​​company OpenAI. The notice clearly demands that the company refrain from any actions that could constitute copyright infringement.

Why exactly does the government see a need for action?

The key trigger is the ability of new AI tools to generate deceptively realistic scenes from anime, video games, films, or manga based on simple text inputs. The Japanese government is particularly concerned with protecting cultural achievements such as anime and manga. It recognizes the danger that these works could be devalued by the automated generation of slightly altered copies.

The legal and political dimension of the warning

On what legal and political basis does the government operate?

The warning is based on national and international copyright laws, as well as the special importance of intellectual property in Japanese business and cultural policy. Digital Minister Masaaki Taira clarifies in the official transcript that OpenAI must adapt the Sora 2 generation of AI to comply with Japanese regulations. This is an explicit desire to prevent potential copyright infringements by AI users.

Who issued the warning and what role does this play?

The warning comes directly from Minister of State for Intellectual Property, Minoru Kiuchi, and is also supported by Digital Minister Masaaki Taira. These senior government officials are directly responsible for regulating new digital technologies and protecting intellectual property in Japan.

Sora 2 as a trigger: Protecting culture as a priority

What was the specific reason for the warning?

With the release of Sora 2 at the end of September 2025, users were able for the first time to generate high-quality videos from simple text input. The quality of the generated videos is now sufficient to recreate scenes from well-known games like Cyberpunk 2077 almost faithfully – often, even a single sentence is enough. In Japan, concerns have been raised that such features could be misused, thus infringing the copyrights of anime and video game producers.

What role does the protection of Japanese culture play in this?

Anime and manga are considered cultural treasures and a key export factor for Japan. The government wants to prevent AI technologies from replicating or distorting the original scenes on a mass scale. The warning to OpenAI is intended to send a signal that the creation of copyrighted content by AI will not be tolerated.

Artificial intelligence in the legal minefield of copyright law

How can AI tools infringe copyrights?

The main function of the AI ​​tools in question is to generate short video clips based on text input. The technology is so advanced that it can quickly recreate scenes and designs in a style that closely resembles the original. In particular, it can generate scenes from anime, video games, or films that bear clear parallels to existing copyrighted works.

Is this entering a new legal minefield?

The development of AI systems is increasingly challenging established copyright mechanisms. While copyright infringement used to require an active act such as copying or editing a work, AI systems can now inadvertently replicate familiar styles and characters. The question of whether this constitutes copyright infringement is internationally controversial and poorly regulated.

From Cyberpunk 2077 to Anime: Specific cases and those affected

Are there specific cases that triggered the warning?

The creation of gameplay videos for Cyberpunk 2077 using Sora 2 is considered exemplary. Users were able to generate videos that were visually and atmospherically very close to the original game, with only minimal errors or deviations. Such cases illustrate how easily copyrighted content can be reproduced by AI today, and why the Japanese government sees an urgent need for action.

Who is affected?

Particularly affected are the rights holders of anime, manga, and Japanese video games, whose works are internationally distributed and valuable. Companies that rely on licensing or merchandising could also suffer lasting damage if AI generation leads to the uncontrolled distribution of work content on a large scale.

The government's agenda: Clear rules for the AI ​​future

What does the government want to achieve in the long term?

The government's goal is not to suppress technological innovations like AI, but to create a clear framework for intellectual property protection. At its core, it is the concern that foreign companies—like OpenAI—adapt their products to current Japanese regulations so that they do not encourage copyright infringement.

How exactly does the government intend to ensure this?

The notice to OpenAI includes the demand that Sora 2 be modified so that users are no longer able to easily generate copyrighted material. It addresses the implementation of technical protection mechanisms and the avoidance of prompting concepts that directly lead to the recreation of known scenes. The government sees itself as playing an active role in regulating new technologies for the benefit of society.

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Technical solutions in focus

What could OpenAI specifically work on to meet the government's demands?

One possible approach is the integration of systems that automatically check the content of generated video clips or compare them with existing works. Implementing filters and monitoring systems could prevent AI models from generating content in the style or format of copyrighted works.

How effective could such measures be?

The effectiveness of technical protection mechanisms depends heavily on the quality of the underlying databases and recognition methods. Automatic identification of styles and motifs is complex, as AI is often trained on vast datasets that may also include copyrighted works. The boundaries between inspiration, style adoption, and direct copying are often blurred.

OpenAI's reaction and international pressure

How did OpenAI respond to the Japanese government's warning?

So far, there has been no official information about a public response from OpenAI to the Japanese government's notice. The government's letter is not publicly available, and OpenAI has so far only commented on ethical issues and guidelines in its own statements. It's conceivable that the company is considering internal adjustments or is in dialogue with authorities, but details are unknown.

What role do international standards and other states play?

Dealing with copyright issues in the context of AI is not an isolated issue. The European Union and various US authorities are also currently working on new regulations for AI applications regarding intellectual property. The Japanese warning could therefore be seen as a signal that stricter international standards can be expected in the future.

Regulation in the race against technological development

Are similar problems becoming apparent in other areas of AI?

AI development is progressing rapidly, and in many areas, protection mechanisms are still underdeveloped. For example, another OpenAI tool was trained to bypass robot protection mechanisms—just to book a flight. These examples demonstrate that AI systems are extremely flexible and are often used beyond their intended context.

What are the challenges with regulation?

Regulatory development often lags behind technological innovation. Governments and authorities struggle to keep pace with the pace of AI development and establish effective laws or guidelines. In particular, the question of how AI content could be controlled, filtered, or retrospectively reviewed is complex and technically challenging.

Economic and social consequences

How do such warnings affect the creative industries in Japan?

Japan's creative industry—especially anime, manga, and video games—is among the largest and most successful in the world. This warning is intended to protect rights holders from revenue losses and safeguard the industry's export strength. In the long term, jobs, the diversity of creative works, and international competitiveness are at risk.

Can new innovations be slowed down?

The balance between promoting innovation and protecting existing works is a delicate one. On the one hand, overly strict regulations could hamper innovation and block new business models. On the other hand, without regulation, there is a risk of widespread copyright gray areas, weakening established companies and artists.

The responsibility of users and the open question of liability

Can users themselves handle the new technology responsibly?

There is a growing demand for AI companies to provide their users with comprehensive information about risks and legal principles. Community guidelines could help quickly identify and contain abusive applications. However, it turns out that technological development often outpaces the standardization of user behavior, and many users only become aware of the legal dynamics when they are personally affected.

Will users soon be liable for AI-generated content?

The question of liability is a central element of the debate. While in traditional media, producers are responsible for copyright compliance, in the AI ​​context it remains unclear whether users or providers are liable. Upcoming regulations will likely determine how responsibility for AI-generated content is allocated.

Outlook on Japan's future AI legislation

What further steps can be expected from the Japanese government?

It is likely that the government will further clarify the current warnings and enact concrete laws regulating the use of AI tools like Sora 2. This may include transparency obligations for AI companies and reporting requirements for copyright-related content.

Could collaborations with technology companies emerge?

Close cooperation between government and businesses could contribute to developing effective and innovative solutions. Joint research projects are conceivable in which new protection mechanisms and AI filters are jointly tested and established. The integration of technical expertise from industry is crucial in this regard.

Japan's actions as a signal to the world

Does the Japanese warning have an impact on global AI development?

Due to the international importance of Japan's creative industries, the warning to OpenAI is also receiving considerable attention outside of Japan. Countries such as South Korea, China, the United States, and members of the European Union could consider similar steps as soon as similar problems arise there. The Japanese warning serves as an early indicator for future international debates on intellectual property protection in the age of AI.

Will global standards emerge?

In the long term, international organizations such as WIPO and OECD will address this issue and attempt to establish harmonized rules for AI generation and copyright. While the specific details are still open, current developments suggest that AI companies worldwide will need to adapt their products to local laws.

In search of a balanced compromise

What would be a sensible regulation for the AI ​​industry and rights holders?

A balanced solution could be to require AI providers to distinguish as precisely as possible between permissible inspiration and impermissible copying. Rights holders should be given the opportunity to clearly label their works so that AI systems can recognize and implement appropriate restrictions. Transparency and openness in the AI ​​database, as well as adaptive protection mechanisms, could enable a fair balance.

Could new business models emerge?

AI generation of images, videos, and stories opens up new markets. Licensing models or partnerships between AI providers and rights holders could help ensure the legal and creative use of AI technologies without disadvantaging the original creators.

A turning point for digital copyright

What conclusions can be drawn from this development?

The Japanese government's warning to OpenAI marks a significant step in the international debate on AI and intellectual property. It demonstrates the need to develop protective mechanisms and adapt the legal framework to digitalization. International cooperation, technological innovation, and a societal debate about the relationship between humans, machines, and intellectual property remain essential.

What will happen next?

The regulation of AI and copyright is in its early stages and faces complex technical and ethical challenges. The coming years will show whether a consensus can be reached between innovation and the protection of artistic creation. Japan's recent warning could serve as a starting point for a global reassessment of the relationship between creativity and artificial intelligence in the 21st century.

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