The unauthorized use of Japanese anime and game IPs by the US government’s social media accounts has sparked controversy and backlash from Japanese officials, fans, and copyright holders alike.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Speaks Out

Since March, the Japanese government has repeatedly called on the US government to cease uploading memes and videos using characters from popular Japanese anime and games. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it is ‘inappropriate for public institutions to reproduce copyrighted materials without the rightsholders’ consent.’ This concern was voiced by Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi in a parliamentary session back in April, when he made direct reference to a pro-war video that used Nintendo’s Wii Sports.

Controversy and Backlash Over the Past Year

The Trump administration’s use of copyrighted IPs in memes and videos has sparked controversy and backlash several times over the past year. In September 2025, the Department of Homeland Security posted a mash-up of Pokémon hero Ash Ketchum and ICE raid footage set to the Pokémon theme song. This prompted some Pokémon fans to call on the company to sue the US government and eventually resulted in an official response from the Pokémon Company, denying that permission was sought.

Another instance of controversy occurred in March, when the official White House X account posted a clip containing Wii Sports footage interspersed with what appears to be military footage from the U.S.’s Operation Epic Fury airstrikes on Iran. Shortly after, the account posted another pro-war video featuring clips from various well-known movies and franchises, including Halo, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Dragon Ball, Top Gun, Iron Man, and Braveheart, again juxtaposed with military footage. The Pokémon Company, Yu-Gi-Oh!’s official account, and Master Chief voice actor Steve Downes are among those who have made statements calling out US social media for using copyrighted content without consent.

Renewed Backlash and Discussion in Japan

Renewed backlash was triggered in June, when President Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting himself as Naruto, the protagonist of the popular manga and anime of the same name, on Truth Social. This prompted the petition organizer to reopen the petition ‘as an urgent effort to convey our protest and concern regarding this matter to the rights holders and to work in solidarity to lobby the Japanese government.’

Cabinet Minister Kimi Onoda was asked about the issue in a June 12th press conference, emphasizing that ‘obtaining permission from the copyright holder is the underlying principle for fair use,’ and stated that this position had been conveyed to the US government multiple times through diplomatic channels.

The use of copyrighted IPs in memes and videos has sparked controversy and debate, with some arguing that it is a form of free speech and others arguing that it is a clear infringement of copyright laws.

Japanese officials have repeatedly called on the US government to stop using IPs like Naruto, Pokémon, and Mario without permission, citing concerns about the potential damage to these franchises. The US government’s meme posting has sparked backlash from Japanese fans and copyright holders alike, with some calling on the US government to take responsibility for their actions.

The controversy surrounding the US government’s use of copyrighted IPs in memes and videos highlights the importance of respecting copyright laws and obtaining permission from the rightsholders before using their content.

US Government’s Response

Abigail Jackson, a Trump administration spokesperson, described the government’s meme-packed social media strategy as highly effective, stating that ‘through engaging posts and banger memes, we are successfully communicating the president’s extremely popular agenda.’ However, this response has been met with criticism and skepticism from many, who argue that the use of copyrighted IPs without permission is not a form of free speech, but rather a clear infringement of copyright laws.

The controversy surrounding the US government’s use of copyrighted IPs in memes and videos is a complex issue that highlights the importance of respecting copyright laws and obtaining permission from the rightsholders before using their content.

The US government’s response to the controversy has been met with criticism and skepticism, with many arguing that the use of copyrighted IPs without permission is not a form of free speech, but rather a clear infringement of copyright laws.

Conclusion

The unauthorized use of Japanese anime and game IPs by the US government’s social media accounts has sparked controversy and backlash from Japanese officials, fans, and copyright holders alike. The controversy highlights the importance of respecting copyright laws and obtaining permission from the rightsholders before using their content. The US government’s response to the controversy has been met with criticism and skepticism, and it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved.