Square Enix Japan Files Copyright Infringement Strike on Bizarre Wakka Meme Video

Recently, developer and publisher Square Enix filed a copyright infringement strike on a strange meme video featuring Wakka from Final Fantasy X that was posted one month ago via the popular Japanese video streaming website Nico Nico Douga.

The video amassed over 3 million views in just a month but has since been removed due to “a takedown notice submitted by the right holder,” the now-delisted video link says.

According to a Japanese user on Twitter, the reason for the takedown is due to how strict Japanese laws are when it comes to copyrighted content. In most cases, artwork such as fan art is allowed under the “Fair Use” section, but what the copyright infringement seems to imply is monetization or use against public order and morals, which is understandable to a degree. This has many concerned that fan art might be attacked.

Welp, I’m certainly no Phoenix Wright, but I think that this shouldn’t worry fans who want to share their experiences with fan art. After watching the video myself and seeing the thumbnail, I can definitely understand why Square Enix would want to take the video down because not only is it chaotic, but the thumbnail has a very…”interesting message” in Japanese regarding Tidus’s private parts, of which I can’t utter in this article, for obvious reasons.

You can watch a reupload of the unsettling Waka meme video below: