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Growing backlash in Japan over Trump's use of anime characters

Growing backlash in Japan over Trump's use of anime characters

The US president has angered some fans by using the images of characters like Pikachu and Naruto.

June 10, 2026 at 01:42 PM Original source
6 agencies covered this story

Coverage by Political Leaning

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Notable Quotes

"It deeply saddened me that his noble spirit, someone who tried to save others and the message of his work, was used in a military context, and that he is no longer alive to speak up himself."

— Nana Suzuki , Activist

"For many years, these works have inspired audiences around the world by conveying values such as courage, friendship, and perseverance."

— Donald Trump , Politician

"If you respect the creators and those involved and have obtained their permission, I think that’s fine. Otherwise, you’re just showing yourself to be someone who can’t follow the rules and who disregards culture."

— Matsui Qunishige , Activist

"I truly, from the bottom of my heart, want them to stop. Their sense of ethics is severely lacking."

— Kei Fukuyosh , Activist

"I wonder what the copyright situation is with this? Shouldn’t [the publisher] Shueisha and [Naruto’s creator] Masashi Kishimoto complain about it?"

— Keiichi Motohashi , Activist

All Coverage

Growing backlash in Japan over Trump's use of anime characters
BBC Newsvia rss 1 quote 1 person

The US president has angered some fans by using the images of characters like Pikachu and Naruto.

100%
Trump faces backlash over Naruto-style hero video
The Japan Timesvia ai

U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video on social media depicting himself as the protagonist of the Japanese anime series 'Naruto,' drawing criticism from fans for using the character without permission.

80%
Trump’s Naruto-style posts spark backlash in Japan with nearly 20,000 signing petition
Malay Mailvia ai 1 quote 1 person

Nearly 20,000 people in Japan have signed an online petition protesting U.S. President Donald Trump's use of manga and anime characters in social media posts, including a recent video depicting him as 'Naruto.'

80%
Trump Faces Backlash over Naruto-Style Hero Video
Nippon.comvia ai

U.S. President Donald Trump posted a video on social media depicting himself as the protagonist in the popular Japanese anime series 'Naruto,' drawing criticism from some people.

80%
Trump faces backlash over post depicting himself anime character ‘Naruto’
Anatolia Pulsevia ai

Nearly 20,000 Japanese people have signed a petition protesting U.S. President Donald Trump's unauthorized use of imagery from anime characters, including a recent post depicting him as 'Naruto.'

80%
Japanese manga fans urge Trump to stop using characters in his online posts
The Guardianvia ai 3 quotes 3 persons

Japanese anime and manga fans are urging Donald Trump to stop using their favorite characters in his social media posts, following a video depicting him as 'Naruto.'

80%