Full Breakdown
Trump’s Use of Anime Characters on Official Accounts
6/10/2026, 9:47:27 PM
Background and Petition Origins
The issue began with a White House video that paired U.S. strikes on Iran with anime clips, prompting fans to start a petition, “Protect Japanese Manga,” in March 2026. Petitioners asked Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene over unauthorised use of *Yu-Gi-Oh!* and Nintendo properties.
Timeline of Events
- March 2026 – “Protect Japanese Manga” petition launched after the Iran-strike video.
- Early June 2026 – White House X posted the mixed video.
- Weekend before June 10 – Trump’s Naruto image shared on Truth Social.
- June 10, 2026 – Petition revived; supporters pledge renewed lobbying.
Data Highlights
More than 20,000 signatures have been recorded on the Change.org petition. *Naruto* manga has sold over 250 million copies worldwide, and its publisher Shueisha marked its centenary in 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
The *Yu-Gi-Oh!* X account said creators and anime staff were not involved and no permission was granted. Shueisha spokesperson said anime images’ copyright belongs to film production committee and that Masashi Kishimoto has not commented. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly asked U.S. embassy in Japan to address unauthorised use of *Yu-Gi-Oh!* and Nintendo games.
Fan Criticism
Fans claim the posts disrespect Japanese culture and breach intellectual-property rights, arguing that manga themes of friendship and perseverance clash with military messaging. They urge Japanese government to speak out and demand White House stop using characters.
Conflicting Copyright Claims
Sources disagree on the rights holder. The *Yu-Gi-Oh!* account says creators were not involved, while Shueisha says anime images’ copyright lies with film production committee. No comment has been recorded from creator Masashi Kishimoto, and White House has not issued a response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I truly, from the bottom of my heart, want them to stop. Their sense of ethics is severely lacking. I want the government to speak out against this.” — Kei Fukuyosh, fan
- “Shouldn’t [the publisher] Shueisha and [Naruto’s creator] Masashi Kishimoto complain about it?” — Keiichi Motohashi, fan
- “The original creators and anime staff were not involved in any way, and no permission was given for the use of the intellectual property in question.” — Official *Yu-Gi-Oh!* X account
- “A spokesperson for Shueisha said the copyright for the anime images used in Trump’s post was held by the film production committee, and that they believed Kishimoto was not commenting on the matter.” — Shueisha spokesperson
Outlook
The Guardian has asked the White House for comment; no reply has appeared. Petition organizers plan to keep pressuring Japanese diplomatic channels, while the unresolved copyright dispute remains a point of contention between the United States and Japanese rights holders.
