Universal Music Japan removes Ado video “Aishite Aishite Aishite” after facing a copyright issue with the creative duo Sashitama. The company confirmed it removed the video after discovering that some visuals were taken from another artist’s previous work. This controversy sparked wide discussion about copyright awareness and responsibility in Japan’s music industry.
How the Controversy Started
The issue began when fans noticed that Ado’s 2023 video looked similar to visuals from a 2015 project by Sashitama. The duo, formed by video artist Akatamago and illustrator Sashi Miyama, originally created the animation for Kikuo’s 2012 song. Although Ado had permission from Kikuo, Universal Music Japan’s production team reused the old visuals without asking Sashitama for approval.
After the similarities were exposed online, Universal Music Japan removed Ado video content from all official channels. The label publicly apologized and promised to conduct an internal review. The company admitted that it had not carried out a proper legal check before releasing the video.
Universal Music Japan’s Official Response
Universal Music Japan clarified that Ado and her team were not involved in securing licenses for the visuals. The company accepted full responsibility and admitted that its internal review process had failed. To correct this, the label announced several preventive measures.
- Mandatory copyright education for employees.
- Stricter legal review of all video and artwork materials.
- New guidelines for collaborations with external creators.
According to Universal Music Japan, these steps will help prevent similar mistakes and strengthen trust between the label and independent artists. The company emphasized that respect for creators’ rights must become a permanent part of the production process.
Public Reaction and Industry Impact
The moment Universal Music Japan removed Ado video content, fans and creators reacted strongly. Some praised the company for taking quick responsibility, while others criticized its lack of early oversight. On social media, many independent artists used the incident to highlight the risks of working with large labels.
The situation reminded the public that even with good intentions, a tribute can easily cross into infringement without formal approval. This sparked renewed conversations about how the Japanese entertainment industry should handle copyright in collaborative projects.
Lessons and Broader Takeaways
The case where Universal Music Japan removes Ado video serves as a key reminder for global creators and music companies alike. Clear permission, transparent collaboration, and solid copyright education are no longer optional. They are essential for sustainable creativity.
Universal Music Japan’s public apology and policy changes could set a new industry benchmark. If other companies follow its example, Japan’s creative scene may enter a more responsible and respectful era of production.
