Japan Demands OpenAI Stop Using Ghibli-Like AI Content

The rise of AI-generated videos mimicking Studio Ghibli’s iconic art style has captured global attention, but not everyone is celebrating. Japanese trade organisation CODA, representing major publishers including Studio Ghibli, has formally requested OpenAI to stop using copyrighted Japanese content in its AI training.

Sora 2, OpenAI’s video-generation platform launched on 30 September, quickly became popular for producing Ghibli-inspired visuals. Yet, the resemblance has raised serious legal and ethical concerns. CODA sent a written appeal to OpenAI on 27 October, highlighting that many outputs “closely resemble Japanese content or images,” suggesting the use of copyrighted works in training the AI.

Under Japanese copyright law, using creative works without prior authorization may constitute infringement. CODA criticised OpenAI’s opt-out system, which allows content removal only after training, arguing it clashes with Japan’s legal framework that demands prior consent from creators.

CODA’s appeal included two major demands: OpenAI should cease using members’ works without explicit permission, and the company should respond earnestly to copyright concerns from its members. The organisation stressed that both technological innovation and creators’ rights must coexist for AI to develop responsibly.

The controversy follows other sensitive content issues on Sora 2. OpenAI recently paused AI-generated images of Martin Luther King Jr after his estate raised concerns over disrespectful depictions, showing the company is facing increasing pressure over content control and ethical AI use.

This development highlights the growing global debate around AI and copyright, with governments and rights groups urging greater transparency and explicit consent from creators whose works underpin AI systems.