CODA and top Japanese officials have asked OpenAI to stop training its Sora 2 video-generation AI on copyrighted material. On October 28, the Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA), which represents major Japanese publishers and producers, sent a written request to OpenAI. As first reported by Automaton, the association asked the tech company to stop using its members' copyrighted Japanese content--including works by Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Studio Ghibli--to train the generative-AI tool Sora 2. The request is the latest step in Japan's growing concern over how Sora 2 handles intellectual property. OpenAI launched Sora 2 on October 1. The new tool allows users to generate short video clips, and shortly after its release, social media was full of videos resembling well-known Japanese characters and styles. These included references to franchises such as Pokemon, Mario, One Piece, Dragon Ball, and Demon Slayer. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that "we are struck by how deep the connection between users and Japanese content is!" in his post-launch blog. CODA was founded in 2002 to tackle piracy and support the legal global distribution of Japanese content. Its membership includes prominent Japanese entertainment companies such as Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Studio Ghibli, Cygames, Toei Animation, Kadokawa Corporation, and Aniplex. In its statement, CODA said it had "confirmed that a large amount of Sora 2’s output closely resembles Japanese content or images," and concluded that this likely stems from using Japanese IP as training data without permission. CODA further warned that this may amount to copyright infringement under Japanese law. The request from CODA makes two demands: First, that OpenAI immediately stop using its members' works for machine learning without prior permission; and second, that OpenAI "respond sincerely" to any copyright-infringement claims and inquiries from CODA's members about Sora 2's outputs. While OpenAI reportedly contacted some studios and talent agencies a week before Sora 2's launch to offer an opt-out, it remains unclear whether Japanese rights-holders were included. CODA emphasized that under Japan's copyright system, prior permission is required--meaning the opt-out approach would not shield OpenAI from liability. Earlier this month, the Japanese government formally asked OpenAI to refrain from infringing on Japanese intellectual property in connection with Sora 2. At a press conference, the Minister of State for IP and AI Strategy, Minoru Kiuchi, described anime and manga as "irreplaceable treasures" representing Japan's cultural pride. He and Digital Minister Masaaki Taira warned that if OpenAI fails to comply voluntarily, the government may invoke provisions under the AI Promotion Act, which came fully into effect in September 2025. The act doesn't impose specific penalties, but it empowers the government to investigate AI usage when rights are infringed. It remains uncertain how OpenAI will respond to these latest calls from both the Japanese creative industry and the government.