On March 27, 2026, CODA received a report from OpenAI stating that the company will discontinue the provision of its video generation AI “Sora2” as a product, including its app and API.
Regarding the video generation AI “Sora2” provided by OpenAI, it had been confirmed that a large number of videos closely resembling existing Japanese animation, characters, and other content were being generated without the authorization of rights holders. In response, in order to protect the legitimate rights of Japanese creators and rights holders, CODA sent a request letter to the company dated October 27, 2025, calling for improvements to the situation and the cessation of unauthorized training. Since then, CODA has continued to share information regarding infringement with the company and to engage in discussions aimed at protecting rights.
The decision by OpenAI to terminate the service represents a milestone in these efforts to date.
However, the issues surrounding generative AI have not been fully resolved. Similar video generation AI services are currently being offered by other providers, and potential risks that could lead to copyright infringement still remain.
With the aim of achieving both the sound development of AI technology and the protection of rights within the content industry, CODA will begin a full-scale investigation into the actual state of generative AI services starting in fiscal year 2026, as part of a project commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry（METI).
CODA will continue to work in cooperation with relevant government agencies and rights holders to address issues surrounding generative AI while promoting efforts to protect Japanese content.
■ Reference: CODA Issues Written Request to OpenAI Regarding Sora 2
https://coda-cj.jp/en/news/817/
(Translated using an automatic translation system.)
About CODA
CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association) was established in 2002 at the call of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Agency for Cultural Affairs to promote the overseas development of Japanese content and take anti-piracy measures. Japan’s proud content, including music, movies, anime, broadcast programs, video games, and publishing, plays an important role in enhancing the nation’s international presence and economic growth. As digital technology becomes more widespread, it is even more significant to protect Japan’s content from increasingly artful copyright infringement and promote the content industry’s development. CODA contributes to the deterrence and detection of online and other piracy, by sharing knowledge with relevant government agencies, organizations, and companies in Japan and abroad, to engage in direct and indirect anti-piracy measures, as well as public relations activities. Visit https://coda-cj.jp/en/activity/ for more information on CODA’s projects.