Unauthorized Footage of JUJUTSU KAISEN Movie Sparks Industry Concerns
Recently, unauthorized recordings of the final scenes from "JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie" have surfaced on various social media platforms, leading to a significant response from the franchise’s official account. This alarming development highlights ongoing concerns within the anime industry regarding piracy and unauthorized content distribution.
In response to this incident, the official account on X (formerly known as Twitter) issued a stern reminder to fans about the legal implications of recording films in theaters. According to Japanese law, specifically the Law for Prevention of Unauthorized Recording of Films, such actions are considered a serious offense. Additionally, uploading recorded content without permission breaches the Copyright Act, which carries its own set of penalties. Offenders could face up to ten years in prison, fines reaching 10 million yen, or both, depending on the nature and extent of the violation.
The official warning emphasized the importance of respecting intellectual property and the legal consequences that can arise from unauthorized recordings. The statement read, “To ensure everyone can enjoy the movie safely, we kindly ask you to refrain from any unauthorized recording, posting, or sharing. Thank you for your cooperation.” This message not only serves as a warning but also as a call to action for fans to support the creators by adhering to copyright laws.
The Rising Threat of Piracy in Anime
This incident is part of a broader trend in the anime industry, where studios and distributors are increasingly vigilant against piracy. Just weeks prior, the official account for "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" had to issue a similar warning after an exclusive trailer for the upcoming "Infinity Castle" film was leaked online. This underscores a zero-tolerance approach towards piracy that is becoming standard across the anime landscape.
The film "JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" is set to premiere in Japan on July 18, followed by a global release on August 14. Crunchyroll, in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment, is handling the international distribution. Early screenings featuring the trailer began in Japan on May 9, with North American screenings following shortly thereafter.
The challenges posed by piracy extend beyond mere theater recordings. A recent report by the European Commission identified HiAnime, noted as one of the largest anime piracy websites globally, in its Counterfeit and Piracy Watch List. This site reportedly received over 339 million visits in a single month, rivaling legitimate platforms like Crunchyroll in terms of traffic. Similarly, AnimeHeaven, another significant unauthorized streaming site, was effectively shut down following extensive DMCA takedown efforts led by Crunchyroll.
Legal Actions Against Piracy
The enforcement of legal measures against piracy is becoming more rigorous. On May 21, a Japanese company associated with a "spoiler site" was referred to prosecutors for publishing detailed descriptions and images from high-profile films, including "Godzilla Minus One" and "Shin Kamen Rider." The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) criticized the site’s actions as harmful, emphasizing that such activities undermine the value of legitimate viewership and ticket sales.
This case is notable because it involved the prosecution of an entire corporation rather than just individual offenders, marking a potentially significant shift in how legal actions against piracy are approached in Japan. The anime industry, supported by organizations like CODA and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), is intensifying its efforts to combat piracy in all its forms. This includes not just in-theater leaks but also unauthorized online streaming and detailed spoiler content.
Industry Responses and Public Awareness
As part of their ongoing anti-piracy efforts, studios are increasingly turning to public awareness campaigns, DMCA takedowns, and international collaboration to address the issue. The recent warning from the "JUJUTSU KAISEN" franchise exemplifies this effort to educate fans about the importance of supporting the industry legally.
The message from the franchise highlights a common theme in the industry: a desire to foster a safe and enjoyable viewing environment for all fans while discouraging any form of unauthorized sharing. The emphasis is clear—piracy not only harms the creators and the industry but can also diminish the overall experiences of fans.
About JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death Movie
The much-anticipated film "JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" officially began screenings in Japan on May 30, 2025. This theatrical release offers a remastered version of the "Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" arc, which was originally presented as the first five episodes of "JUJUTSU KAISEN" Season 2. The story follows young Gojo and Suguru Geto as they embark on a mission to protect Riko Amanai, the Star Plasma Vessel.
Fans can expect enhanced visuals and audio in this theatrical edition, along with the addition of a new episode titled Juju Stroll. Studio MAPPA, renowned for its exceptional animation quality, continues to lead the production, with the original voice cast reprising their roles.
North American Release and Future Developments
Mark your calendars: "JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" is slated for release in North American theaters on July 16, 2025. The film will be distributed by GKIDS, featuring both English subtitles and dubbing. This marks GKIDS’ inaugural entry into the "JUJUTSU KAISEN" franchise, following its acquisition by Toho International.
Looking ahead, the next major installment in the anime series, the "Culling Game" arc, is currently in development. This sequel will pick up where Season 2 left off, with additional details and a teaser visual already released, promising to keep fans engaged.
The "JUJUTSU KAISEN" manga concluded in September 2024 after a successful six-and-a-half-year serialization, totaling 30 volumes. The final two volumes were published simultaneously in December 2024, with Volume 30 featuring a special epilogue that ties up the series.
In conclusion, the anime industry is facing significant challenges from piracy, but with increased legal enforcement and public awareness campaigns, there is hope for a future where fans can enjoy their favorite content while supporting the creators behind it. The excitement surrounding "JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death" serves as a reminder of the vibrant and passionate community that thrives within the world of anime.
