The backlash over former President Donald Trump’s use of popular anime and manga characters on social media has grown rapidly in Japan.
It began in March when Trump’s posts began featuring well‑known figures such as Pikachu, Naruto Uzumaki, and Yu‑Gi‑Oh. Fans felt that the president’s homage to these heroes—who symbolize bravery, friendship and perseverance—was inappropriate for political messaging.
Internet users have signed an online petition that now lists almost 20,000 signatures. Petitioners argue that using the characters in this way infringes on creators’ rights and misrepresents the intended messages of the original works.
Pokémon Company International has formally condemned the use of its background imagery, stating that the White House did not have permission to incorporate Pokémon footage into its content. The company also emphasized that its mission is to promote global unity and is not aligned with any political agenda.
The White House’s X account has previously shared videos that blend combat footage with clips from Yu‑Gi‑Oh and Dragon Ball, and an image that overlays the phrase “Make America Great Again” onto a Pokémon game screenshot.
While some users welcomed the use of the anime as a way to boost Naruto’s global visibility and see a high‑profile endorsement, many others criticised the president’s appropriation of the cultural icons.
Kanagawa resident Nana Suzuki—noted for her passion for anime—launched the petition after learning that Yu‑Gi‑Oh creator Kazuki Takahashi had passed away while trying to rescue a stranger. She urged that the president’s use of manga for war propaganda contradicts the creator’s values.
The controversy has exposed sharp divides over whether political figures can appropriate global pop‑culture imagery without invitation from the appropriate creators.
