A leading Japanese publishing and media rights association has formally asked OpenAI to stop using copyrighted content, including works from renowned animation studio Studio Ghibli, for training its artificial intelligence models without obtaining prior permission.

The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), which represents major Japanese publishers and producers, issued the request following growing concerns over the use of distinctive artistic styles and copyrighted characters in generative AI platforms.

Studio Ghibli — known globally for animated classics such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro — is among the most affected.

The controversy intensified earlier this year when users began prompting OpenAI’s image generator to create portraits and scenes in Ghibli’s signature style.

Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman briefly adopted a Ghibli-style profile picture on the social platform X, drawing public attention to the issue.

With the recent introduction of OpenAI’s video generation tool, Sora, CODA is pushing for clearer boundaries. The association insists that member content not be used for machine learning models without explicit authorization.

CODA emphasized that, under Japanese copyright law, training AI models on copyrighted materials may be considered infringement if the works are reproduced or closely mimicked during or after the learning process.

Unlike in the United States — where fair use laws remain open to interpretation in AI-related cases — Japan requires permission in advance for nearly all uses of protected works.

While courts in the U.S. have yet to establish consistent rulings regarding AI training and copyrighted sources, CODA maintains that Japan’s legal framework provides less flexibility for unapproved use.

The organization argues that relying on “use first, resolve complaints later” is not acceptable under Japanese law.

Studio Ghibli co-founder and legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki has previously expressed discomfort with AI-generated art. In a 2016 public exchange, after viewing an AI-created animation prototype, he said he found the technology “utterly disgusting” and described such work as “an insult to life itself.”

As of now, OpenAI has not issued an official response to CODA’s request. However, if no resolution is reached, legal action remains a possibility as publishers and creative houses seek to protect the integrity and originality of their work.

Source: Techcrunch