Key Takeaways
- Japanese trade group CODA, representing Studio Ghibli and other publishers, has formally demanded OpenAI stop using copyrighted content for AI training
- The organization alleges OpenAI’s Sora 2 AI produces content that closely resembles Japanese animated works
- CODA claims this constitutes copyright infringement under Japanese law
A major Japanese trade organization representing Studio Ghibli and other top publishers has formally requested OpenAI to cease using their copyrighted animated content for training its AI models. The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) has raised serious concerns that OpenAI’s Sora 2 AI platform generates content closely resembling Japanese works, potentially violating copyright laws.
Formal Demand Against Sora 2
In a letter sent on October 27, CODA specifically asked OpenAI to stop using Japanese animated content to train its Sora 2 AI video generation platform. The organization stated it has confirmed that a significant portion of Sora 2’s output closely mirrors Japanese content, which they believe results from using Japanese works as machine learning data.
“In cases, as with Sora 2, where specific copyrighted works are reproduced or similarly generated as outputs, CODA considers that the act of replication during the machine learning process may constitute copyright infringement,” the letter stated.
Legal Conflict with Japanese Copyright Law
The organization highlighted that OpenAI’s opt-out system for copyright holders conflicts with Japan’s copyright infringement laws. CODA emphasized that under Japan’s copyright system, prior permission is generally required for using copyrighted works, and there’s no provision to avoid liability through subsequent objections.
Background: Ghibli-Style AI Generation
Earlier this year, OpenAI released its advanced image generator through a ChatGPT-4o update, enabling users to create images in the style of Studio Ghibli’s award-winning films including “Spirited Away,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “My Friend Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and “The Wind Rises.”
Miyazaki’s Strong Opposition to AI
Hayao Miyazaki’s past comments on AI-generated animation recently resurfaced and went viral on social media. In a short clip, the Studio Ghibli co-founder expressed strong disapproval, stating: “I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff, you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”
