GUIDELINE

Rules for derivative works and generative AI usage

Derivative Creation Guidelines

These guidelines outline the rules for creating derivative works of the characters "AI Nike-Chan," "Nike (the character)," "Mikaze," "Punike," and "Today's Anniversary Bot" (hereinafter referred to as "the Character") created by Nike (hereinafter referred to as "the Author"). Please read these guidelines carefully before engaging in derivative creation activities.

Please note that these guidelines may be revised without prior notice. Always check the latest version.

The detailed guidelines published on this website are the authoritative source for general usage conditions. Guidelines and README files in the official asset repository are copies or asset-specific supplements provided for convenience. Individually provided assets are also governed by the provision notice issued at delivery.


1. Scope and Definitions

  • Scope: All derivative works based on the Character (illustrations, manga, novels, 3D, MMD, videos, streams, games, music, voice, materials, templates, doujinshi/thin books, etc.).
  • Definition of Derivative Works: Derivative works that rely on the original content while incorporating the creator's creativity and ideas.
  • Non-Commercial: Not for profit and not generating continuous income. Digital distribution (Section 3.3) must be free only. For SNS and video streaming (Section 3.1), the use of platform-standard monetization features is exceptionally permitted within specified conditions (sponsorship contracts and affiliate links are not allowed). For printed materials only, pricing aimed at cost recovery (printing costs, shipping, packaging materials, platform/commission fees, event participation fees, taxes, and small margins for defects/surplus handling) is permitted.
  • Attribution Rules: For distributed works (digital/printed) and their distribution pages, it is mandatory to clearly state that it is an "unofficial fan-made work" and include the character name (examples provided). Attribution in casual SNS posts is optional (recommended).
  • Definition of Personal Use: Personal use only. Sales, distribution, and orders not allowed. Private individual orders are allowed, but public stores/third-party purchase links are not allowed. Includes one-time free transfers to specific individuals (resale and continuous provision/recruitment are not allowed).

2. Basic Policy (General Rules)

  • Derivative works are generally permitted for non-commercial purposes only. Please see Chapter 3 for details.
  • Credit (author/original work attribution) is not required. However, please follow if required by third-party rights or distribution platform terms.
  • Corporate use is not allowed, doujin circle names are allowed.
  • License and usage-condition metadata embedded in the official AI Nike-Chan VRM files is a legacy setting and does not apply. These guidelines and the current instructions at the distribution source take priority.
  • Political/religious content, defamation, impersonation, expressions that may be mistaken for official content, expressions contrary to public order and morals, and violations of third-party rights are prohibited.
  • Adult content (R-18/R-18G) expressions are permitted as long as they comply with the conditions described in each chapter below.

3. Category-Specific Permissions

3.1 SNS and Video Streaming

  • Posting on X, YouTube, TikTok, etc. is allowed.
  • Use in icons, headers, and video thumbnails is allowed.
  • Use of monetization features (conditionally allowed): Platform-standard monetization features (e.g., ads, creator funds, tips/donations, memberships) are allowed as long as the following conditions are met. Sponsorship contracts/tie-ups, affiliate links, product sales/reservation links, and other external commercial channels are not allowed.
    • Attribution: In video descriptions/stream summaries, clearly state (1) that it is an unofficial fan-made work, and (2) that some platform-standard monetization features are being used (wording can be equivalent; see examples in Chapter 6). Also indicate in channel descriptions that posts about the Character are unofficial.
    • Reporting criteria:
      • No reporting required: Monthly total revenue is 30,000 yen or less, or there are no posts/streams primarily featuring the Character in that month.
      • Reporting required: Monthly total revenue exceeds 30,000 yen, and there is at least one post/stream primarily featuring the Character in the title/thumbnail in that month, or there is a post/stream where the Character's appearance occupies the majority of the content.
      • Immediate reporting: Monthly total revenue exceeds 100,000 yen.
    • If in doubt, please consult in advance.
  • Creating and posting clip videos is allowed. If using monetization features, follow the same conditions as above.
  • For adult content (R-18/R-18G) posts, enable the sensitive/age restriction settings of each platform and use appropriate tags such as R-18/NSFW. Please be considerate to avoid explicit content being displayed to general audiences.
  • Excessive sexual appeal in thumbnails, titles, and captions is not allowed.
  • Explicit sexual or grotesque depictions (visible genitals/nipples, direct depictions of sexual acts, visible bleeding/mutilation and other grotesque depictions) in preview areas (thumbnails, icons, headers, etc.) are not allowed.

3.2 Doujin Goods and Physical Distribution

  • Personal use (non-distribution, non-sale, including one-time free transfers between individuals): Can be created regardless of material or shape (acrylic/cloth/metal/clothing/3D objects, etc.). Private individual orders are allowed, but public stores or forms where third parties can directly order are not allowed. Official misrepresentation or logos are prohibited.
  • Distribution/sale (doujin/events/consignment, etc.): Only "printed materials (doujinshi, illustration books, postcards, etc.)" are allowed. Distribution/sale of acrylic/cloth/metal/clothing/3D objects, etc. is not allowed.
  • For large-scale distribution projects (bookstore consignment, long-term continuous sales, printing in significantly large quantities, etc.), please consult in advance (as a guideline, for quantities of several hundred or more or equivalent to commercial distribution).
  • Pricing assumes non-commercial (not for profit) purposes, and cost recovery including printing costs, shipping, packaging materials, platform/commission fees, event participation fees, taxes, and small margins for defects/surplus handling is allowed. Small surpluses are acceptable as long as they are not for profit. Continuous profit generation or commercial distribution is not allowed.
  • For R-18/R-18G, follow the rules of each event regarding age categories, adult areas, cover considerations, etc.
  • Clearly state on the cover or colophon "Unofficial fan-made work of [Character Name]" or similar. Official-looking binding or logo use is prohibited.

3.3 Distribution of Finished Digital Works (Games, Apps, etc.)

  • This section covers distribution of finished products intended for execution, viewing, or reading. For material distribution, see Section 3.4.
  • Free distribution only.
  • Tips, donations, support plans, pay-what-you-want downloads, etc. are not allowed.
  • Use platforms that support free settings (e.g., BOOTH, itch.io, etc.) and disable all monetization features (optional payments, tips, ads, etc.).

3.4 Distribution of Reusable Digital Materials (Data Distribution, Modification, Redistribution)

  • This section covers data assets that can be reused by others (e.g., PSD, brushes, 3D models, sound sources, templates, etc.). For finished product distribution, see Section 3.3.
  • This section permits distribution only of new derivative materials created by users.
  • Official assets distributed by the Author—including VRM, logo, voice, video, script, and reference-sheet data—may not be redistributed in either original or modified form. Bundling the official asset data itself with a game, app, or asset pack also counts as redistribution.
  • Distribution of new derivative materials created by users is allowed.
  • Price must be free only (optional payments, tips, etc. are also not allowed. Follows Section 3.3).
  • User-created derivative materials may be modified and redistributed, provided that "the same conditions as these guidelines (non-commercial, attribution required, compliance with prohibited items)" are attached.
  • If third-party rights materials (fonts, BGM, images, code, etc.) are included, be sure to follow each rights holder's license.

3.5 Generative AI

For conditions regarding generation, training, and distribution using AI, please refer to the Generative AI Guidelines.

  • Scope of distribution: In addition to AI-generated content (images, videos, audio, text, etc.), distribution and publication of trained models/LoRA/Embedding, workflows, datasets, etc. must also follow the "non-commercial, attribution, distribution" rules of these guidelines.
  • Additional requirements (AI-specific): Handling of permitted materials and permissions must follow the Generative AI Guidelines (e.g., not using official materials other than official VRM models, logos, official character reference sheets, or individually provided voice assets, and obtaining prior permission for others' derivative works).

3.6 Individually Provided Voice Assets

  • AI Nike-Chan voice assets, including voice synthesis models, are provided individually upon application. Describe your intended use—including publication destination, genre, monetization, and integration target—and contact the Author by X DM or direct message through the official Discord.
  • The provision notice defines the authorized recipient, project, purpose, period, and other conditions. Uses not stated in that notice and reuse in a different project are not permitted.
  • You may not redistribute, sell, transfer, lend, or share original, copied, or modified voice assets, or make them downloadable or extractable by users.
  • You may not use voice assets or generated voice to create or train another voice model, voice clone, training material, or dataset, including through additional training or fine-tuning.
  • Within the scope authorized by the provision notice, generated voice may be incorporated into completed derivative works such as videos, streams, games, apps, and voice works and published under these guidelines. It may not be distributed or provided as a reusable voice pack, voice API, dataset, or similar resource.
  • Commercial use, adult use, end-user generation features, and other project-specific conditions are governed by the provision notice.

4. Prohibited Items (Reiterated)

Any of the following cannot be published or distributed:

  • Expressions prohibited by laws of each country or major platform/event terms
  • Content containing political or religious claims
  • Defamation of the Character, the Author, or third parties
  • Expressions that may be mistaken for official, supervised, or approved content, impersonation
  • Expressions contrary to public order and morals, discriminatory or anti-social expressions
  • Violations of third-party copyrights, trademark rights, portrait rights, publicity rights, terms of use, etc.

5. Rights and Disclaimer

  • Intellectual property rights such as copyrights related to the Character belong to the Author.
  • The Author assumes no responsibility for disputes or damages with third parties regarding derivative works.
  • The permissions stated in these guidelines do not supersede the terms of each platform. Please follow platform terms.
  • The guidelines may be changed without notice. Please understand that handling after publication may change.

6. Attribution Templates (Required)

Please clearly state the following examples in distribution page descriptions (e.g., BOOTH/itch.io, etc.), repository READMEs, colophons of printed materials, etc. (including the character name, wording can be adjusted as appropriate).

  • "This is an unofficial fan-made work of [Character Name]. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the creator."
  • 「本作品は〇〇(キャラクター名)の非公式ファンメイド作品です。原作・公式とは関係ありません。」
  • Example for colophons: "This book is a derivative work (unofficial) of [Character Name]."

Examples for optional credit (author name/original work) (not required):

  • "Credit: Nike (@tegnike) / [Character Name]"

7. License (Custom Conditions)

Creation, publication, and sharing of derivative works are permitted as long as the following conditions are met:

  1. Non-commercial (following the "non-commercial" definition of these guidelines).
  2. Clearly state that it is an "unofficial fan-made work of [Character Name]" in distributed works (digital/printed) and their distribution pages (attribution in casual SNS posts is optional).
  3. Does not fall under the prohibited items of these guidelines.
  4. When redistributing new derivative materials created by a user, share them under the same conditions as these guidelines. Do not redistribute original or modified official assets distributed by the Author.

Credit is not required (optional attribution is welcome).


8. Exception Applications and Inquiries

The following cases are recommended/required to consult in advance (examples):

  • Mass distribution, large-scale event exhibitions, media coverage, use in educational institutions
  • Projects expected to generate large-scale revenue (such as those corresponding to high revenue in the reporting criteria of Section 3.1)
  • Projects involving external commercial channels such as sponsorship contracts/tie-ups, affiliate links, product sales/reservation links
  • Cases where interpretation of the guidelines is unclear (for content related to generative AI, also refer to the Generative AI Guidelines)

Contact information is available here.

In principle, we will respond within 1-2 weeks (may vary depending on the timing).


9. FAQ

  • Q: Can I attach optional pricing/tips to digital doujinshi or distribution materials?
    • A: No. Digital distribution materials (Section 3.3) must be free only. For SNS and video streaming, platform-standard monetization features can be used within the conditions of Section 3.1.
  • Q: Can I use ads, tips, and memberships on YouTube?
    • A: Yes. They can be used as long as you follow the "attribution" and "reporting criteria" of Section 3.1. Sponsorship contracts/tie-ups, affiliate links, product sales/reservation links, and other external commercial channels are not allowed.
  • Q: Can I create member-only content?
    • A: Exclusive releases or dedicated benefits primarily featuring the Character are not allowed. Minor appearances in general benefits for the entire channel are allowed following the conditions of Section 3.1.
  • Q: If I'm unsure whether something is primarily featured or if I'm unsure about the reporting criteria?
    • A: Rough estimates are acceptable. If you're unsure about the judgment, please consult in advance.
  • Q: Can I make physical goods other than printed materials (acrylic keychains/clothing/3D objects, etc.)?
    • A: They can be created only for personal use (private use, non-distribution/non-sale). Private individual orders are allowed, but public store listings or forms where third parties can directly order are not allowed. Distribution and sales are permitted only for "printed materials"; distribution and sales of acrylic/cloth/metal/clothing/3D objects, etc. are not allowed.
  • Q: Can I give goods I made to a specific individual?
    • A: Yes. One-time free transfers are included in "personal use" (distribution that induces resale or reproduction, and continuous provision/recruitment are not allowed).
  • Q: To what extent is pricing for printed materials acceptable?
    • A: Pricing aimed at cost recovery within the non-commercial range is allowed (printing costs, shipping, materials, fees, event costs, taxes, small margins for defect handling, etc.). Small surpluses are acceptable as long as they are not for profit.
  • Q: Is it possible to post R-18 works?
    • A: Yes. Enable the sensitive/age restriction settings of each platform and use appropriate tags, and avoid explicit sexual or grotesque depictions in previews (thumbnails, icons, etc.). For both R-18 and R-18G, expressions that violate laws of each country or major platform/event terms are not allowed.
  • Q: Where should I put the "unofficial" attribution?
    • A: Clearly state it in distribution pages (BOOTH/itch.io, etc.), repository READMEs, colophons/covers of printed materials, including the character name used (examples in Chapter 6 of these guidelines). Attribution in thumbnails is not required.
  • Q: Is credit (author name or original work attribution) mandatory?
    • A: Not mandatory (optional attribution is welcome). However, please follow if required by third-party rights or distribution destination terms. For examples of wording when attributing, see Chapter 6.
  • Q: Can I distribute/modify/redistribute materials I created?
    • A: Yes, if they are new derivative materials you created. Attach "the same conditions as these guidelines (non-commercial, attribution required, compliance with prohibited items)" and follow the licenses of third-party materials (Section 3.4). Original or modified official assets distributed by the Author may not be redistributed.
  • Q: Can I redistribute an official VRM, logo, voice, video, script, or reference sheet in original or modified form?
    • A: No. You may not redistribute either the original or a modified version, nor bundle the official asset data itself with a game or app. Rendered images or videos and new derivative works created by users may be published and distributed under the applicable conditions.
  • Q: Can I use voice generated with an individually provided voice asset in my work?
    • A: Within the scope authorized by the provision notice, it may be incorporated into and published as part of a completed derivative work such as a video, stream, game, app, or voice work. It may not be distributed or used as a voice pack, voice API, training dataset, or another voice model.
  • Q: Can I use monetization features (tips/optional payments/ad revenue, etc.) if the platform side cannot turn them off?
    • A: For SNS and video streaming, they can be used as long as the conditions of Section 3.1 are met. For digital distribution platforms, downloads must be free (price 0), and optional payments are not allowed. If difficult, please consult in advance.
  • Q: Can I distribute at overseas events or bookstore consignments?
    • A: Only for printed materials. Non-commercial, within cost recovery, following laws of each country/distribution terms/event terms. Please consult in advance if the scale is large.
  • Q: What if my work is reported/deleted?
    • A: Follow the platform's instructions, and review in light of these guidelines as necessary. If you're unsure about the interpretation of the guidelines, please contact us via X/Discord.
  • Q: How are AI-generated materials handled?
    • A: Please refer to the dedicated "Generative AI Guidelines" (Section 3.5).