Japanese content trade group CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association), which represents major studios including the renowned Studio Ghibli, has issued a formal demand to OpenAI to cease using Japanese content for training its Sora 2 AI video generation platform. CODA argues that OpenAI’s data training practices and its opt-out copyright system violate Japanese copyright laws.
Founded in 2002, CODA’s mission is to promote Japanese content overseas and combat piracy. The organization sent its letter to OpenAI on October 27, asserting that Sora 2’s outputs bear a striking resemblance to Japanese media and animation styles. CODA believes this similarity indicates that copyrighted Japanese content was used as machine-learning data without authorization, potentially constituting copyright infringement.
CODA Challenges OpenAI’s Sora 2 Over Copyright Violations and Opt-Out Policy
Sora 2, launched in September, is capable of producing highly realistic and cinematic videos through generative AI. However, CODA contends that the replication or near-duplication of existing creative works during the learning process infringes upon copyright laws in Japan. The trade group also criticized OpenAI’s opt-out system, which places the responsibility on copyright holders to notify the company if they do not wish their works to be used. According to CODA, Japan’s copyright framework requires prior permission for usage, and there is no provision allowing retroactive objections to avoid liability.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman previously stated that Sora 2 would give creators more control over their intellectual property, promising features similar to an opt-in model for likeness-based content. Nevertheless, CODA has requested that OpenAI stop using its members’ works without explicit permission and respond transparently to copyright-related complaints. As of now, OpenAI has not commented on CODA’s claims.
Studio Ghibli’s Legacy Fuels Japan’s United Stand Against AI-Generated Art
This dispute follows earlier concerns over AI tools generating art inspired by Studio Ghibli’s distinctive style. Following the release of OpenAI’s image generator within ChatGPT, users flooded social media with Ghibli-style AI art. Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has long opposed AI in animation, famously calling it “an insult to life itself.” CODA’s members span Japan’s top entertainment and media companies, including Sony Music’s Aniplex, Kadokawa, Square Enix, Toei, Toho, and multiple national broadcasters, marking a united industry stance against unauthorized AI training practices.
Summary:
Japanese content trade group CODA, representing major studios like Studio Ghibli, has demanded OpenAI stop using Japanese content to train its Sora 2 AI video model. CODA claims this violates Japan’s copyright laws and criticizes OpenAI’s opt-out policy. The dispute highlights Japan’s unified stance against unauthorized AI-generated art.
