Almost every otaku is guilty of pirating manga or anime. Want to read a very obscure manga that isn’t available officially? Pirate websites. An anime on your watch list that isn’t licensed in your country? Piracy.
Watched pretty much all the series your streaming site has to offer? Pirate websites have a catalog that is alluring to even the most upright citizens.
Oh, and the biggest enemy of us all: lack of monetary resources. For those whose income can’t support their leisurely anime or manga time, piracy websites are a boon.
Yet, this boon is the biggest curse for the creators. For Japan alone, piracy caused a loss of $6.92 billion for the manga industry from January to October 2021. This amount actually exceeds the proceeds, which were $5.19 billion.
Thus, it is evident that without strict measures, this loss will continue to happen and hamper the manga and anime industry more.
In the wake of this crisis, companies from over 13 countries have come together to form the IAPO or International Anti-Piracy Organization. The IAPO will be launched in April 2022.
The Content Overseas Distribution Association (CODA) of Japan lies at the heart of this decision.
32 of Japan’s most renowned companies like Kodansha, Shueisha, Shogakukan, Aniplex, Kadokawa, Sunrise, Studio Ghibli, Bandai Namco Arts, Pony Canyon, Toei Animation, and more have joined hands to form the CODA.
The Motion Picture Association of the United States, which includes Sony Pictures and Netflix, is also partaking in the IAPO. Companies from China, South Korea, and Vietnam will also join in the effort.
Several piracy websites have been shut down in recent years, and more such organizations will soon be at risk. So, say goodbye to your bookmarked besties because they might be the next ones to go.
Source: Asia Nikkei
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