The Japanese government has renewed formal requests that the U.S. government stop using well-known entertainment franchises — including Mario, Pokémon, and Naruto — in official social media posts, according to reporting by Mainichi Shimbun and cited by IGN.
The appeals follow a series of incidents in which official U.S. accounts posted memes and videos featuring copyrighted characters without clear authorization from the rightsholders.
Background and context
Japanese officials reportedly submitted at least two additional requests to U.S. authorities in June, urging restraint in the use of foreign cultural properties for government messaging.
The requests, as reported, emphasize the potential reputational damage to franchises when characters are repurposed to promote political messaging or content related to military or law-enforcement operations.
Notable incidents and company responses
Mainichi Shimbun’s reporting highlights specific examples that drew public attention.
In September 2025, a Department of Homeland Security video incorporating the Pokémon anime theme song “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” was circulated alongside footage of ICE raids; The Pokémon Company issued a statement saying it was not involved in creating or distributing that content and that permission for the use of its intellectual property had not been granted.
According to reports, a separate usage in March 2026 involved a White House social post that incorporated Pokémon imagery; The Pokémon Company responded by reiterating that its mission is to bring people together and that it does not align its intellectual property with political viewpoints or agendas.
Paraphrased statements
In response to the September 2025 video, The Pokémon Company told reporters it had no role in producing the piece and that the company’s intellectual property was used without authorization.
After the March 2026 incident, The Pokémon Company emphasized that its franchise aims to unite people and is not intended to support or be associated with any political platform.
Why this matters for Nintendo IP and global brands
Mario and Pokémon are core franchises for Nintendo and related partners, with titles and media spanning platforms such as Nintendo Switch and distribution channels including the Nintendo eShop.
Unauthorized government use of recognizable characters raises complex questions about international IP protection and the intersection of cultural property with official communications.
What’s next
According to the reporting, Japanese officials have been engaging with U.S. counterparts on the issue since March, driven in part by public backlash and petitions in Japan.
The Mainichi Shimbun article cited by IGN is the primary source for the recent requests; no broader public resolution has been announced in the reporting.
Journalists and industry observers will watch for any official replies from U.S. agencies or further statements from the companies that manage these franchises.
The appeals follow a series of incidents in which official U.S. accounts posted memes and videos featuring copyrighted characters without clear authorization from the rightsholders.
Background and context
Japanese officials reportedly submitted at least two additional requests to U.S. authorities in June, urging restraint in the use of foreign cultural properties for government messaging.
The requests, as reported, emphasize the potential reputational damage to franchises when characters are repurposed to promote political messaging or content related to military or law-enforcement operations.
Notable incidents and company responses
Mainichi Shimbun’s reporting highlights specific examples that drew public attention.
In September 2025, a Department of Homeland Security video incorporating the Pokémon anime theme song “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” was circulated alongside footage of ICE raids; The Pokémon Company issued a statement saying it was not involved in creating or distributing that content and that permission for the use of its intellectual property had not been granted.
According to reports, a separate usage in March 2026 involved a White House social post that incorporated Pokémon imagery; The Pokémon Company responded by reiterating that its mission is to bring people together and that it does not align its intellectual property with political viewpoints or agendas.
Paraphrased statements
In response to the September 2025 video, The Pokémon Company told reporters it had no role in producing the piece and that the company’s intellectual property was used without authorization.
After the March 2026 incident, The Pokémon Company emphasized that its franchise aims to unite people and is not intended to support or be associated with any political platform.
Why this matters for Nintendo IP and global brands
Mario and Pokémon are core franchises for Nintendo and related partners, with titles and media spanning platforms such as Nintendo Switch and distribution channels including the Nintendo eShop.
Unauthorized government use of recognizable characters raises complex questions about international IP protection and the intersection of cultural property with official communications.
What’s next
According to the reporting, Japanese officials have been engaging with U.S. counterparts on the issue since March, driven in part by public backlash and petitions in Japan.
The Mainichi Shimbun article cited by IGN is the primary source for the recent requests; no broader public resolution has been announced in the reporting.
Journalists and industry observers will watch for any official replies from U.S. agencies or further statements from the companies that manage these franchises.
