Studio Ghibli and other Japanese studios demand ChatGPT-maker OpenAI stop using their content for AI training

A Japanese trade organisation representing major studios including Studio Ghibli, Bandai Namco, and Square Enix has formally demanded that OpenAI cease using their copyrighted material to train artificial intelligence models without permission.The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) submitted a written request to OpenAI on October 27, claiming the company's Sora 2 video generator produces content that closely resembles Japanese intellectual property because it was trained on copyrighted works without authorisation.The animation studio behind beloved films like "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro" has been particularly affected by OpenAI's generative AI products. When ChatGPT's image generator launched in March, users created a viral trend of "Ghiblified" selfies mimicking the studio's distinctive art style. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman even adopted a Ghibli-style portrait as his social media profile picture.CODA argues that OpenAI's opt-out system for copyright holders may violate Japanese law. Under Japan's copyright framework, prior permission is generally required for using copyrighted works, with no provision allowing companies to avoid liability through retroactive objections.The organisation stated that when AI models reproduce or generate outputs resembling specific copyrighted works, the replication process during machine learning may constitute copyright infringement under Japanese law.Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has previously expressed strong opposition to AI-generated animation. When shown an AI animation demonstration in 2016, he called it "utterly disgusting" and stated, "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself."The dispute reflects growing international tension over AI companies' approach to copyrighted content. While OpenAI initially required copyright holders to manually opt out of AI training, the company recently reversed course following backlash, though only after Sora 2 had already achieved viral popularity through copyrighted character recreations.CODA has requested that OpenAI stop using member content for machine learning without permission and respond sincerely to copyright infringement claims.