Japanese voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda has filed a lawsuit against TikTok over videos allegedly using an AI-generated imitation of his distinctive voice, in what is believed to be Japan’s first case seeking to protect an individual’s vocal identity from AI-generated copies.
Tsuda, known for roles in popular anime franchises including Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man and Yu-Gi-Oh!, is asking the platform to remove videos featuring what he describes as his recognisable “deep” and “lustrous” voice.
TikTok has disputed the claim, arguing that the voice is a generic male voice and that its similarity to Tsuda’s voice is subjective, according to court records.
The case highlights growing concerns among performers over the use of artificial intelligence to replicate voices without consent. Japan’s animation industry has been particularly affected by the issue, with voice actors playing prominent roles in the country’s entertainment culture.
Yuko Sasaki, executive director of the Japan Actors Union, said professional voices are developed through years of training and should be protected from unauthorised imitation. The union has expressed support for Tsuda’s legal challenge.
The videos were posted by an anonymous account featuring an image resembling Kento Nanami, a character from Jujutsu Kaisen voiced by Tsuda. The account reportedly used AI-generated narration for content about urban legends, occult subjects and conspiracy theories.
According to Tsuda’s legal team, the account attracted more than 200,000 subscribers at one point and generated potentially more than 500,000 yen ($3,200) in monthly revenue.
Tsuda’s lawyers argue that the use of his voice infringes his publicity rights, which allow individuals to control the commercial use of aspects of their identity.
The Tokyo District Court is considering whether TikTok was responsible for removing the disputed content. The account is no longer accessible on the platform.
The case has also prompted Japanese voice actors to campaign against the unauthorised use of generative AI to imitate performers. Actor Bin Shimada warned that widespread voice cloning could undermine employment opportunities for younger actors.
The issue has gained international attention as performers and industry groups call for stronger legal protections against AI-generated replicas. In 2024, OpenAI apologised to actor Scarlett Johansson following controversy over a synthetic voice that she said resembled hers.
Japan’s Justice Ministry has also issued non-binding guidelines stating that voices can fall under existing protections related to publicity, personality and unauthorised use of a person’s likeness.
TikTok has rejected Tsuda’s claims, arguing that the account operated within the scope of users’ freedom to create and share content.
Tatsuhiro Ueno, a professor of intellectual property law at Waseda University, said the case could attract international attention because of Tsuda’s recognisable voice and popularity.
Veteran voice actor Michihiro Ikemizu also backed Tsuda, while arguing that AI cannot replicate the human ability to continuously adapt and express emotion during a performance.
