In 2023, several major Japanese anime studios became the target of serious cyberattacks. These attacks affected some of the most popular anime in the world, including One Piece and Kaiju No. 8 . Recently, NTT Security Japan revealed that a Kurdish hacker group claimed responsibility for these attacks.
The group stated that their actions were a protest against perceived anti-Kurdish representations in Japanese media. This revelation has raised concerns about the vulnerability of the anime industry to cyberattacks and the influence of media portrayals on international communities.
The affected studios included Toei Animation, which produces the globally beloved series One Piece, Production I.G., the studio behind Kaiju No. 8, and David Production, known for working on JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
These attacks caused significant disruption to the studios’ operations. Some anime episodes were delayed, production schedules were affected, and the studios had to take emergency measures to secure their networks. For fans, this meant delays in the release of episodes and uncertainty about upcoming projects. While such cyberattacks are rare in the anime industry, the scale and impact of these incidents were unusually high.
According to NTT Security’s OSINT Monitoring Team, the Kurdish hacker group specifically targeted these studios because they believed Japanese media had portrayed Kurds in a negative light. The group’s communications stated that their goal was to protest what they considered biased and harmful depictions of Kurdish people.
They criticized Japanese media for portraying Kurds as enemies or in ways that reinforce stereotypes. The hackers also expressed frustration with the Japanese government, particularly regarding its position on Kurdish issues in relation to Turkey. The group made it clear that their attacks were aimed at specific media organizations rather than the general Japanese population.
Kafka From Kaiju No. 8 Franchise (Credits: Naoya Matsumoto)
Kurdish Hacker Group Claims Cyberattacks onOne PieceandKaiju No. 8Studios
The cyberattacks have sparked widespread discussion in both the anime community and international media circles. Many fans expressed shock that such attacks could impact anime studios, which are often seen as purely entertainment-focused and disconnected from political issues.
Others debated the role of media in shaping public perception and whether the portrayals of certain ethnic groups carry responsibilities beyond entertainment. The situation highlighted that even industries like anime are not immune to global political tensions and that media representation can have real-world consequences.
The affected studios have responded by increasing their cybersecurity measures and reviewing their digital infrastructure to prevent future attacks. Experts have noted that anime studios often rely on tight production schedules and collaborative digital tools, which can leave them vulnerable to cyber threats if security is not sufficiently robust.
The incidents underscored the importance of investing in cybersecurity and proactive threat monitoring. In addition, the attacks prompted conversations about ethics and cultural sensitivity in the media. Some argued that creators should be more mindful of how characters and groups are portrayed to avoid perpetuating stereotypes that could trigger backlash.
This situation also demonstrates the complex relationship between technology, media, and international relations. A television show or manga may seem far removed from global politics, but these attacks reveal that cultural representation can provoke strong reactions worldwide.
The anime industry, while often celebrated for its creativity and entertainment, now faces the challenge of balancing artistic freedom with cultural sensitivity and awareness. The cyberattacks also serve as a reminder that digital threats can come from unexpected sources and that even the most successful entertainment industries must remain vigilant.
Anime Studios Targeted in Cyberattacks Over Controversial Portrayals of Kurds
For the global anime community, these events are both a warning and a learning opportunity. Fans rely on studios for new content, but studios must navigate increasingly complex risks. The attacks also encourage reflection on the power of storytelling and media influence.
How groups or cultures are represented matters, not just for accuracy but for the potential social and political consequences. While the immediate damage affected production timelines, the longer-term impact may influence how anime and media worldwide approach sensitive cultural issues.
Luffy From One Piece Franchise (Credits: Eichiro Oda)
The cyberattacks on Toei Animation, Production I.G., and David Production highlight the intersection of media, culture, and technology. The Kurdish hacker group’s actions were motivated by a sense of injustice over negative portrayals, reminding the world that entertainment is not separate from social perception.
Anime studios have begun taking steps to improve cybersecurity, and discussions about responsible representation are likely to continue. As the industry moves forward, it must find a way to protect its operations while also being aware of the broader cultural and political contexts that influence its audience and global reputation.
“One Piece” is a beloved Japanese manga and anime series that chronicles the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew. Luffy, imbued with rubber powers from a mystical fruit Hito Hito no Mi, aspires to become the Pirate King. To achieve this, he seeks the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece,” hidden at the Grand Line’s end. Along the journey, Luffy gathers a diverse crew, confronts formidable foes, and uncovers world-altering secrets, all while promoting themes of friendship, freedom, and adventure.
The anime DAN DA DAN has recently faced a setback as its popular opening song, “Hunting Soul,” has been removed from several major Japanese streaming services. The song, which has been viewed more than 10 million times, was widely praised for its energetic beats and connection to the series’ themes of adventure and supernatural battles. Fans who had been streaming the song online were surprised and disappointed to find that it was no longer available, and reports suggest that the removal is due to copyright infringement concerns.
“Hunting Soul” quickly became one of the most recognizable elements of DAN DA DAN since the anime’s debut. Its catchy rhythm and engaging lyrics perfectly match the story’s tone, which revolves around a young protagonist discovering extraordinary powers while navigating a world filled with mysterious and dangerous forces.
The song was a hit not only among viewers of the anime but also among music fans who discovered it independently through streaming platforms. Its popularity was evident in its rapid accumulation of views, as well as the numerous fan covers and reactions shared across social media.
The sudden removal of “Hunting Soul” has sparked discussion among fans and industry observers alike. While the song had achieved massive popularity, copyright infringement concerns can arise from various issues, such as unauthorized use of sampled music, disputes between production companies, or conflicts over digital distribution rights.
In this case, details are still emerging, but it appears that the streaming services acted to prevent potential legal conflicts, removing the song until the matter can be resolved. This situation highlights the complexities of music licensing in the digital age, where content can spread widely and quickly, but rights management must be carefully maintained to avoid legal consequences.
DAN DA DAN Franchise (Credits: Yukinobu Tatsu)
DAN DA DAN’s Hit Song “Hunting Soul” Removed from Japanese Streaming Services Over Copyright Concerns
For many fans, the absence of “Hunting Soul” is a major disappointment. Music plays a significant role in the anime experience, helping to set the mood, emphasize emotional moments, and create memorable connections with characters.
Opening songs, in particular, often become symbolic of a series and are an entry point for new viewers. The removal of such a widely loved song affects not only those following the anime but also casual fans who may have discovered DAN DA DAN primarily through its music.
Social media reactions have shown a mix of frustration and concern, with many fans expressing hope that the song will return once the copyright issues are resolved.
The producers and distributors of DAN DA DAN have not released an official detailed statement regarding the removal, which has added to the uncertainty. Some fans speculate that a resolution could involve renegotiating rights, adjusting royalties, or clarifying licensing agreements to comply with legal requirements.
Such processes can take time, especially when multiple parties are involved, but industry insiders note that popular songs are rarely removed permanently if the issue can be settled. There is cautious optimism among fans that “Hunting Soul” will eventually return to streaming platforms, allowing new viewers and long-time fans to enjoy it once again.
This incident also underscores the broader challenges faced by anime music in the streaming era. While digital platforms provide unprecedented access to music from around the world, they also bring heightened scrutiny regarding copyright enforcement.
Licensing agreements must account for international distribution, revenue sharing, and ownership of underlying compositions. Even a song associated with a successful anime can be pulled if any of these elements are disputed, demonstrating that legal and administrative factors can directly impact fan experiences.
10M+ Viewed Anime Opening Pulled Amid Legal Issues, Fans Await Return of DAN DA DAN Theme
Despite the temporary setback, the popularity of DAN DA DAN and “Hunting Soul” remains strong. Fans continue to share clips, covers, and discussions about the song on social media, keeping the excitement alive.
The removal has also drawn attention to the creative talents behind the music, highlighting how crucial the soundtrack is to the impact of the series. Producers, composers, and performers all play a role in making anime music resonate with viewers, and the widespread recognition of “Hunting Soul” reflects that collaborative effort.
The situation serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between art, commerce, and legal rights in the anime industry. While fans may feel frustrated, the temporary removal of the song emphasizes the importance of respecting copyright and ensuring that creators receive proper credit and compensation for their work.
DAN DA DAN Franchise (Credits: Yukinobu Tatsu)
For DAN DA DAN fans, it is a test of patience, but one that could lead to a clearer understanding of how anime music is managed and protected.
In the meantime, viewers continue to follow the anime, enjoy other aspects of its soundtrack, and share their excitement for upcoming episodes. When “Hunting Soul” eventually returns to streaming platforms, it is expected to regain its place as one of the most iconic and celebrated elements of the DAN DA DAN experience, proving that even temporary setbacks cannot diminish the impact of a beloved anime song.
Momo and Okarun challenge each other’s supernatural beliefs, ghosts vs. aliens. Their arguments lead them into paranormal encounters where they discover both entities are real. Given power and thrown into bizarre, chaotic confrontations, they must navigate surreal threats while forming an uneasy partnership.
