Anime piracy has been a growing problem for years, siphoning billions from the global economy. However, the United States may soon take decisive action to address the issue. A recent report from The Ankler reveals that Congressman Darrell Issa (R) of California’s 48th congressional district has proposed a new plan aimed at cutting off access to foreign piracy sites without directly prosecuting their owners. This initiative, titled the American Copyright Protection Act, could become a turning point in the fight against anime piracy if passed.
The American Government’s Plan to Clamp Down on Anime Piracy
Demon Slayer and One Piece
Issa’s strategy targets foreign-based piracy, which accounts for most copyright violations in the U.S. While American law limits site-blocking due to First Amendment protections, countries like the U.K., Singapore, and Canada have already implemented laws that allow for quick site-blocking orders. Issa’s plan seeks to bring the U.S. closer to these international standards, aiming to disrupt foreign pirates’ access to distribution and revenue while shielding internet service providers from liability.
The rise of streaming has made it easier for piracy sites to bypass U.S. enforcement, which has fueled the growth of illegal access to anime content. According to recent data, piracy costs the U.S. economy $29.2 billion annually, with AI-driven piracy becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to track.
Anime Piracy Has Reached Record Levels
One Piece, Blue Lock, Jujutsu Kaisen (Credits: Shueisha and Kodansha)
Piracy overall has surged in recent years, but anime piracy stands out as the most dramatic area of growth. Data from 2024 shows that 8 of the 10 most pirated series were anime, surpassing even major Western hits like Shogun and The Boys.
In an exclusive interview, Rep. @DarrellIssa spoke about his anti-piracy plan, a ‘judicial blocking’ proposal, that has Amazon, Disney and YouTube execs talking. Plus his thoughts on how President Trump could support California after the fires https://t.co/19f2418IJW pic.twitter.com/YRew2DGCo2 — The Ankler (@TheAnkler) February 5, 2025
One of the most popular anime piracy sites, Hianime, reportedly attracts more monthly visitors than major streaming services such as Disney Plus and Peacock. This highlights the scale of the problem and the challenge facing authorities.
Anime piracy’s rise has mirrored the growing global popularity of the medium. With anime now a dominant force in the entertainment industry, the increased demand has driven more viewers toward illegal sources, especially when official access is limited or delayed in certain regions.
Global Efforts to Crack Down on Piracy Are Gaining Momentum
Weekly Shonen Jump Cover by Eiichiro Oda (Credits: Weekly Shonen Jump)
Issa’s bill reflects a broader effort by governments and industry leaders worldwide to tighten piracy regulations. Japan, the birthplace of anime, has recently intensified its efforts to combat piracy, working more closely with international partners to track and dismantle illegal sites. The American Copyright Protection Act would align the U.S. more closely with these global efforts and provide legal tools to cut off foreign piracy sites at the source.
While the bill is still in its early stages, its passage would significantly strengthen America’s ability to tackle anime piracy. By focusing on blocking site access rather than prosecuting individual site operators, Issa’s strategy could sidestep legal complications related to First Amendment protections while effectively targeting the core infrastructure of piracy networks.
With both Japan and America now ramping up their fight against piracy, stricter regulations and enforcement measures are likely on the horizon. If successful, the American Copyright Protection Act could reshape the anime streaming environment, ensuring that more revenue flows back to creators and publishers rather than being lost to illegal platforms.
Fans of Grand Blue have something to look forward to, as the first trailer for season 2 of the beloved college comedy and scuba diving series has officially been released. The trailer offers a sneak peek into the anime sequel’s blend of underwater exploration and rowdy college antics, while also revealing the opening theme song and some newly announced cast members. Produced by animation studios ZERO-G and Liber, Grand Blue season 2 is set to premiere on July 8, 2025, during the Summer 2025 anime season.
Grand Blue Season 2 Trailer Highlights Familiar Faces and New Adventures
Grand Blue
The first trailer for Grand Blue season 2 opens with a stunning underwater sequence, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the ocean as the protagonists explore the depths of the sea. This peaceful start quickly shifts to a more familiar tone, as the scene cuts to a lively room filled with shirtless, drunk college students engaged in loud partying—a hallmark of the series’ comedic identity.
The trailer also features the female protagonists dancing to the opening theme song, giving fans a taste of the sequel’s energetic atmosphere. Several new supporting characters are teased in the footage, hinting at the expanded storylines that season 2 will explore. The trailer closes with a shot of the male protagonists—led by Iori Kitahara—reaffirming the show’s focus on friendship and hilarious misadventures.
The opening theme song for Grand Blue season 2, titled “Seishun To Wa,” will be performed by Shounan no Kaze feat. Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders. Shounan no Kaze is a popular boy band known for their upbeat and catchy style, while Atarashii Gakkou no Leaders is a girl band known for their energetic performances. This collaboration promises to set the tone for the sequel’s lively and comedic atmosphere.
New Voice Cast Members Join the Grand Blue Universe
Along with the trailer, the production team has also announced several new voice cast members who will be joining the series in season 2. These include:
- Aya Yamane (Leclerc from Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song) as Sakurako Busujima
- Sumire Morohoshi (Juliette from Mushoku Tensei) as Shiori Kitahara
- Yoshino Aoyama (Nanao from Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian) as Naomi Otoya
The returning animation studio ZERO-G, known for its work on Farming Life in Another World, will be partnering with Liber, the studio behind Bartender: Glass of God, for the production of season 2. The collaboration between these two experienced studios suggests that the sequel will maintain the original’s visual style while introducing fresh creative touches.
Season 2 to Continue Iori’s College Adventures
Grand Blue
While the production team has yet to release an official synopsis for season 2, the trailer suggests that the story will pick up where season 1 left off. Iori Kitahara’s journey through college will continue as he navigates the challenges of scuba diving, friendship, and his notorious lack of tolerance for alcohol. The dynamic between Iori and his friends—often fueled by reckless behavior and questionable decisions—remains central to the series’ charm.
Grand Blue follows Iori after he moves to a coastal town for college and is introduced to the world of scuba diving. While he quickly bonds with a close-knit group of friends, their shared love of partying and alcohol often leads to chaotic and embarrassing situations. Season 2 will likely explore new dynamics within the friend group, introduce fresh challenges in both college life and diving, and deliver the hilarious moments that have made the series a fan favorite.
With its July 8, 2025 premiere date now confirmed, Grand Blue season 2 promises to deliver the same blend of heartfelt friendship, ridiculous antics, and breathtaking underwater exploration that fans have come to love.
