Shueisha, the renowned Japanese publisher responsible for franchises such as OnePiece, Dragonball and Demon Slayer, published an official statement on October 31, 2025 in response to the misuse of generative artificial intelligence. The statement was issued following the appearance of multiple videos created with Sora2, the new service of OpenAI, which imitated works and characters of great popularity.
“AI cannot be built on acts that harm the dignity of authors”
In the statement, Shueisha expressed concern about the growing circulation of copyright-infringing AI-generated content, noting that while technological advancement should be welcomed, “it cannot be tolerated if it is based on acts that harm the dignity of the perpetrators”.
The editorial emphasized the need for AI service providers to take direct responsibility for infringement prevention and develop effective compensation mechanisms for rights holders. Likewise, he highlighted that voluntary exclusion methods (opt-out) are not enough to stop the problem.
Shueisha calls for legal action and industry commitment
The statement also called for a nationwide response, including the creation of legal frameworks that protect content and guarantee a sustainable creative environment. Shueisha reaffirmed its commitment to take strict measures in the event of any infringement of rights, whether or not generated through AI, and announced its willingness to collaborate with other organizations and authors in defense of the industry.
The publisher's final message makes clear its position in the face of this new technological era: artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool, but never at the cost of respect and recognition for those who create the stories that define Japanese popular culture.
