From The Japan Times · No Author · · 1m
Japanese Firm Confirms Book Sales to AI Company
Japanese book wholesaler Nippan Group sold books to U.S. AI firm Anthropic in 2024, unaware purchases were for AI training.
In brief
Japanese book wholesaler Nippan Group sold books to U.S. AI firm Anthropic in 2024, unaware purchases were for AI training. Nippan Group Holdings confirmed selling books to Anthropic between December 2024 and December 2025, unaware the purchases were for AI learning. Originally reported by The Japan Times.
Nippan Group Confirms Book Sales
Nippan Group Holdings, a Japanese book wholesaler, confirmed it sold books to U.S. artificial intelligence firm Anthropic.
Deal Concluded in November 2024
Nippan IPS, a subsidiary that sells Japanese books overseas, concluded a deal with Anthropic in November 2024.
Book Sales Period
The books were sold to Anthropic between December 2024 and December 2025, according to sources.
Purpose of Purchases Questioned
Before the deal, Nippan IPS asked about the purpose of the book purchases, the letter said.
Unaware of AI Learning Use
Nippan Group stated the unit had not been aware that Anthropic’s purchases were for AI learning.
The key point
Nippan Group Holdings confirmed selling books to Anthropic between December 2024 and December 2025, unaware the purchases were for AI learning.
