On October 9, a Japanese minister emphasized the government's stance on copyright protection following U.S. President Donald Trump's posting of a social media video that portrayed him as the main character of the popular anime series 'Naruto.' The video drew public attention, particularly in Japan, where popular cultural works such as anime are stringently protected under copyright law.
The minister in charge of cultural and media affairs stated: 'The Japanese government always values the protection of copyright. Any unauthorized use, whether by an individual or organization, must be reviewed in accordance with legal provisions.' He stressed that using imagery from 'Naruto' without permission from the copyright holder was inappropriate, and Japan would closely monitor the matter.
The video shared by President Trump quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking mixed reactions. Some viewed it as personal humor, while others criticized the use of copyrighted material without attribution or permission. Representatives of the studio behind 'Naruto' have not yet issued an official comment on the incident.
This is not the first time a foreign political figure has sparked controversy involving Japanese pop culture. Japan, with its thriving anime and manga industry, frequently faces cross-border copyright issues. The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening measures to protect the rights of content creators and producers.
It remains unclear whether the incident will escalate into a legal dispute between the two countries. However, the Japanese minister's remarks are seen as a clear signal of Tokyo's firm stance on defending copyright, regardless of who the violator may be.
