Japanese animation giant Toei Animation is facing online backlash after one of its own promotional posts for Dragon Ball Super was reportedly hit by a copyright claim, causing the attached media to become unavailable.
Screenshots shared across social media platforms show Toei Animation’s official X account posting a clip from Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero with the caption: “The moment when Vegeta FINALLY BEAT Kakarot.”
The video was later replaced with a platform notice stating that the media had been disabled “in response to a report by the copyright owner.”
Fans Point Out the Irony
The incident quickly spread through anime communities, with fans and content creators highlighting the irony of Toei seemingly copyright striking its own official upload.
The situation sparked widespread discussions online, with many users describing it as another example of the company’s strict copyright enforcement practices surrounding major franchises such as One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super.
The removed clip featured a notable scene from Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero where Vegeta finally defeats Goku — also known as Kakarot — during a sparring match, a moment longtime fans had celebrated due to the pair’s decades-long rivalry.
Possible Automated Copyright Error
Industry observers and fans speculated that the takedown may have been triggered automatically through copyright detection systems or third-party content protection services rather than through direct manual action by Toei staff.
The incident has renewed criticism toward automated copyright enforcement systems used by major entertainment companies, particularly when official content becomes mistakenly flagged or removed.
Toei Animation maintains strict intellectual property protection policies and is known for aggressively monitoring unauthorized uploads, clips, and redistributed material related to its properties.
Previous Copyright Controversies
The company has faced similar criticism in the past.
In 2021, Toei drew backlash after issuing more than 150 copyright claims against anime YouTuber Totally Not Mark, igniting widespread debate over fair use, anime commentary, and reaction content within the creator community.
The latest Dragon Ball Super incident also generated a wave of memes and jokes online, with many fans humorously suggesting that “even Toei would not let Vegeta win.”
Founded in 1956, Toei Animation remains one of the most influential studios in Japanese animation history, responsible for globally recognized franchises including Sailor Moon, Digimon, Dragon Ball, and One Piece.