Tension between the Japanese government and the White House over the use of anime images has just escalated. The president of the United States, donald trumppublished a video apparently generated with artificial intelligence where he appears dressed as the protagonist of narutoand Japan's official response was immediate.
What did Trump post and why did it spark controversy?
Last Saturday, trump shared a video on his Truth Social platform that included a segment where he is shown adopting the appearance of the protagonist of narutoeven replicating the signature gesture of joining hands with index fingers extended upward — an iconic pose within the franchise. The publication generated an immediate reaction from angry fans, who pointed out that the image was used without any authorization.
Why did the Japanese government officially respond?
On Friday, Japan's government formally criticized the use of intellectual property of Japanese companies by trump. Kimi OnodaJapan's Minister of Economic Security, warned at a press conference that this type of inappropriate use of images can damage the reputation of the work and harm rights holders. As confirmed by the minister herself, Japan has already communicated this position directly to the United States, and assured that the country will continue to take appropriate measures to guarantee the correct management of its copyrights.
This is not an isolated incident. Japan's Foreign Ministry had already filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo earlier this year over the same issue, and in April, an official from that agency testified before a parliamentary hearing that reproducing copyrighted works without permission is inappropriate even for public institutions.
Is this the first time the White House has used anime imagery?
No. The current frustration comes on top of months of tension over the White House's use of other Japanese pop culture imagery, including content from franchises such as dragon ball, Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon. In one of the most talked about cases, the White House used anime imagery in a TikTok video posted in March to celebrate US airstrikes against Iran.
The official White House account has also used content from other animated franchises, such as SpongeBob SquarePantsMarvel and DC Comics characters, and Call of Duty. However, in Japan—where anime is considered a cultural treasure and a central component of national identity—the Trump administration's use of these images for political purposes generated particularly strong backlash.
How have anime creators and companies responded?
Anime creators have been openly critical of the Trump administration's use of their content. In March, Pokémon Company International declared that the White House had used its intellectual property without authorization. Days later, the franchise Yu-Gi-Oh! issued a statement noting that no one associated with the manga or anime had any involvement in that use.
Neither the White House nor the State Department immediately responded to requests for comment on this latest criticism of Japan. They also did not respond Bandai Namco Entertainmentpublisher of narutoneither Studio Pierrotthe animation studio responsible for the series.
Why does Japan give so much importance to this issue?
The Japanese government has made clear that it considers the protection of its creators' intellectual property as a matter of national interest, not only when it involves Trump. The prime minister Sanae Takaichi declared in December that Japan's cultural content is a vital component of what he described as its “diplomatic power.”
A citizen petition launched in March by Nana Suzukia 34-year-old from southern Tokyo, is seeking to demand that the Japanese government more vigorously protect anime from inappropriate political use. The petition already has more than 24,000 signatures. As Suzuki explained, he feels strong indignation when these works are used to instigate military or political conflicts, and believes that Japan should clearly communicate that this type of use infringes the rights of creators.
What fans in Japan think
In an anime store in Ikebukuro district of Tokyo, two anime fans naruto They expressed concern that the political use of anime could damage their image. One of them pointed out that she does not think it is right that works are used in a way other than their original purpose, and expressed her wish that Japanese anime be used only for positive purposes. His companion agreed, pointing out that the situation would be different if the president were really an anime fan, but that he gives the impression that he is treating the subject lightly, without real knowledge about what it represents.
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