Introduction
Released in 2009 by Tomoaki Sugeno, Vanguard Princess is a free fighting game that drew unusual attention for a doujin (indie) title. With the creator having been unreachable for years, exA-Arcadia announced Vanguard Princess R in 2024 by utilizing Japan’s “compulsory license system.”
However, questions have arisen as overseas shipping options listed on exA-Arcadia’s official English website may conflict with the fundamental conditions of this system.
What is the Compulsory License System?
The compulsory license system administered by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs is a remedial measure that allows the use of works with unknown copyright holders only within Japan.
- The author cannot be contacted
- The rights holder remains unknown despite reasonable efforts
- The user obtains approval and deposits compensation with the government
Meeting these conditions enables use of the work, but strictly limited to domestic use. By design, the system does not assume “international use.”
Sales Structure of the exA Version
While domestic distributors describe the release as “Japan-only,” the following features have been confirmed on exA-Arcadia’s official English website:
- Product descriptions in English
- A pre-order form supporting overseas shipping
- The game itself includes English support
Reports also indicate that users accessing from U.S. IP addresses via VPN can proceed to the purchase screen. It remains unclear whether this is a configuration mistake or an intentional move to enable overseas sales.
Potential Issues
- Conflict with Scope of the System
The compulsory license system is explicitly conditional on “Japan-only” use. If overseas purchases are possible, such a structure could be interpreted as exceeding the legal framework.
- Transparency in Intellectual Property Management
Although exA-Arcadia and its agents claim the product is limited to domestic sales, discrepancies between their statements and the functionality of the official storefront risk creating confusion among consumers and stakeholders.
- Implications for Future System Operations
The compulsory license system was established to make “orphan works” usable within Japan. But if cases like this become problematic, they may undermine the system’s credibility and international evaluation.
Conclusion
The case of Vanguard Princess R highlights both the effectiveness and the limitations of the compulsory license system. Is this merely a website configuration error, or could it become a precedent that challenges the interpretation of the system?
The future sales practices and the response of the Agency for Cultural Affairs will be closely watched—not only by gaming fans, but also by intellectual property professionals.