Tokyo's cultural agency has proposed a pilot scheme worth 300 million yen (approximately $2 million) to deploy AI technology for web scanning, aimed at detecting pirated manga and anime.

Cultural agency official Keiko Momii emphasized the challenges copyright holders face in manually tracking pirated content, as the rapid growth of illegal websites outpaces human moderation efforts.

Google's recent Transparency Report has highlighted a notable rise in DMCA takedown requests related to anime content, underscoring the industry's ongoing battle against piracy.

Piracy has a particularly detrimental impact on creators in the anime sector, where individual artists often drive the vision of manga adaptations, making leaks a serious threat to financial viability.

Inspired by a similar initiative in South Korea, this AI project could potentially expand to monitor other forms of illegally shared media, including films and music, if it proves successful.

The implementation of this AI system is expected to significantly increase the number of DMCA takedown requests, similar to those initiated by major companies like VIZ Media and Toei Animation.

The Authorized Books of Japan reported a staggering loss of $800 million in the manga industry within just one month in 2024, primarily attributed to piracy.

The global popularity of anime correlates with rising rates of video piracy, as many fans seek ways to access content without payment.

Domestic publishers estimate that over 1,000 websites illegally distribute Japanese content, particularly manga, contributing to the industry's piracy crisis.

The AI system will enhance the process for rights holders to request the removal of pirated content online, addressing a significant gap in current enforcement methods.

This initiative will involve the development of an AI detection system capable of recognizing pirated site layouts, advertisements, and images of publisher content.

The overarching goal of these initiatives is to develop effective countermeasures that reduce the prevalence of pirated sites and protect the rights of content creators.