Studio Ghibli Demands OpenAI Stop Using Its Works to Train AI Video Tool Sora 2

In a bold move to protect its intellectual property, Studio Ghibli, alongside other major Japanese publishers such as Bandai Namco (owner of Pokémon) and Square Enix (Final Fantasy), has formally requested that OpenAI cease using their works to train its latest AI video generation tool, Sora 2.

The coalition of Japanese editors argues that the act of reproducing copyrighted material during the machine learning process may constitute a violation of copyright law. According to Japanese copyright law, prior authorization is generally required for the use of protected works, and there is no system to evade responsibility for infringement through subsequent objections.

This demand was made in a letter sent to OpenAI on October 31, 2025. The letter highlights the growing concern among content creators about the unauthorized use of their works by AI platforms, especially as AI-generated content, including parodies of beloved animated series and films, proliferates on social media platforms like TikTok.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has yet to respond to the Japanese publishers’ concerns. Ironically, Altman’s X (formerly Twitter) profile picture is a “Ghibli-fied” portrait, and his bio reads, “AI is cool.”

The debate underscores the ongoing tension between technological innovation and the protection of artistic and intellectual property rights, as AI tools continue to push the boundaries of content creation and copyright law.