Japanese content trade group CODA, whose members include the award-winning animation house Studio Ghibli, has issued a letter to OpenAI demanding that the AI company stop using their content to train Sora 2.

CODA, the Content Overseas Distribution Association, also criticized OpenAI’s opt-out system. A representative expressed strong disapproval, stating, “If you really want to make creepy stuff you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all.” He further added, “I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”

Founded in 2002, CODA’s members produce content that spans a wide range of media, including anime, movies, TV, music, video games, and publishing. Notable companies within the group include Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.-owned Aniplex Inc., NTT DoCoMo Studio & Live, Kadokawa, Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Square Enix, Studio Ghibli, Tokyo Broadcasting Systems Television, TV Asahi, TV Tokyo, Toei Co., Toho Co., TMS Entertainment, Nippon Television Network, Japan Broadcasting Corp., Bandai and Bandai Namco Filmworks, Fuji Television Network, Universal Music, and Yomiuri Telecasting Corp.

The letter from CODA to OpenAI, dated October 28, was first reported by the tech news site The Verge.

*Pictured above: Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro”*
https://variety.com/2025/digital/news/studio-ghibli-openai-sora2-japanese-trade-group-coda-letter-1236568751/