Trump's AI Video Portraying Naruto Sparks Controversy; Japanese Cabinet Member: Authorization Required
After former U.S. President Trump posted an AI-generated video portraying himself as the protagonist of the popular anime Naruto, Japan's Economic Security Minister Kimi Onoda said that, in principle, authorization from the copyright holder is required and that Japan has conveyed this position to the U.S. via diplomatic channels.
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- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 19:21
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According to Central News Agency reports, regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent release of an AI-generated video that portrays him as a character from a popular Japanese anime, Japanese cabinet member Kimi Onoda stated today that Japan has reiterated to the United States that, in principle, works should not be used without the permission of the copyright holder.
NHK reported that earlier this month Trump posted a video on social media in which AI technology was used to depict him as Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist of the popular anime “Naruto.”
Responding to the matter, Kimi Onoda, the minister responsible for economic security and in charge of intellectual property strategy, said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting: “In principle, you must obtain authorization from the copyright holder before using a work, and public institutions are no exception. If a work is used in a way that differs from the rights holder’s original intent, it could harm the image of the work and lead to damages.”
Onoda also revealed that Japan has repeatedly communicated this stance to the U.S. via diplomatic channels.
She said, “To ensure that Japanese copyrights are properly protected, we will respond appropriately, including through communication with the U.S. We strongly hope that similar incidents do not happen again, and we also hope that the post will not be further disseminated.”
AFP reported that earlier, in March, the White House released a video that mixed footage of U.S. military actions against Iran with scenes from several well-known films and anime, including “Yu-Gi-Oh,” prompting backlash in Japanese society.
Nearly 20,000 people have already taken part in a petition on Change.org titled “Protect Japanese Manga,” protesting Trump’s and the White House’s use of Japanese manga and anime characters in social media posts.
The petition states: “For many years, these works have inspired audiences around the world by conveying values such as courage, friendship, and perseverance… For that reason, when images from these works appear to be used for political or military purposes and may be inconsistent with the original intent of the author or rights holders, many fans are deeply concerned.”
(Translated and compiled by Li Jing; edited by Yang Wei-ching)
NHK reported that earlier this month Trump posted a video on social media in which AI technology was used to depict him as Naruto Uzumaki, the protagonist of the popular anime “Naruto.”
Responding to the matter, Kimi Onoda, the minister responsible for economic security and in charge of intellectual property strategy, said at a press conference after a cabinet meeting: “In principle, you must obtain authorization from the copyright holder before using a work, and public institutions are no exception. If a work is used in a way that differs from the rights holder’s original intent, it could harm the image of the work and lead to damages.”
Onoda also revealed that Japan has repeatedly communicated this stance to the U.S. via diplomatic channels.
She said, “To ensure that Japanese copyrights are properly protected, we will respond appropriately, including through communication with the U.S. We strongly hope that similar incidents do not happen again, and we also hope that the post will not be further disseminated.”
AFP reported that earlier, in March, the White House released a video that mixed footage of U.S. military actions against Iran with scenes from several well-known films and anime, including “Yu-Gi-Oh,” prompting backlash in Japanese society.
Nearly 20,000 people have already taken part in a petition on Change.org titled “Protect Japanese Manga,” protesting Trump’s and the White House’s use of Japanese manga and anime characters in social media posts.
The petition states: “For many years, these works have inspired audiences around the world by conveying values such as courage, friendship, and perseverance… For that reason, when images from these works appear to be used for political or military purposes and may be inconsistent with the original intent of the author or rights holders, many fans are deeply concerned.”
(Translated and compiled by Li Jing; edited by Yang Wei-ching)
FAQ
How did this controversy start?
It began when former President Trump posted an AI-generated video portraying himself as the protagonist of the popular anime Naruto.
How has the Japanese government responded?
Minister Kimi Onoda stated that, in principle, rights holders' authorization is required and Japan has communicated this stance to the U.S. diplomatically.
Who can claim harm over such a use?
Typically, the copyright holder or rights management entity could claim damage if the work’s image or intent is undermined.