Japan: Kenjiro Tsuda Sues TikTok Over Possible AI Voice Cloning

Yesterday 09:19

The battle over voice cloning by artificial intelligence is taking a new dimension in Japan. Actor and voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda, known for his roles in several major animation franchises, has initiated legal proceedings against TikTok, claiming that videos posted on the platform reproduce the characteristics of his voice through AI.

The case, being examined by the Tokyo District Court, is particularly followed by the Japanese dubbing industry. The ruling will determine the extent to which a platform can be held responsible for content using a voice presented as similar to that of an artist.

A Recognizable Voice at the Heart of the Dispute

At 55 years old, Kenjiro Tsuda became known to the public through numerous animated characters and video games. His deep and distinctive voice is notably associated with popular productions such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Yu-Gi-Oh!.

In his complaint, the actor claims that several videos broadcast on TikTok use an artificially generated voice that mimics his tone. He demands the removal of these contents and seeks to have his rights over his vocal identity recognized.

TikTok contests this interpretation. According to court documents reviewed by AFP, the platform argues that it is a "generic male voice" and considers that the resemblance to Kenjiro Tsuda's voice is a matter of subjective appreciation.

Videos That Have Gained Popularity

The content at the center of the proceedings was reportedly published by an anonymous account whose profile picture referenced a character from Jujutsu Kaisen voiced by Tsuda.

The videos combined animations with a voice that seemed to have been produced or modified using artificial intelligence. Their content notably dealt with urban legends, occult phenomena, and conspiracy theories.

According to the complaint, the account allegedly amassed over 200,000 subscribers and generated up to more than 500,000 yen, approximately 2,780 euros, in monthly revenue.

The actor's lawyers believe that the account's popularity was partly based on the use of a voice resembling that of their client. However, the account is no longer accessible today.

Japanese Voice Actors Rally

Beyond Kenjiro Tsuda's individual case, the matter arises amid growing concerns among Japanese actors.

Yuko Sasaki, executive director of the Japanese Actors' Union and a voice actor herself, reminds that a voice actor's voice results from many years of training and work. She supports Tsuda and calls for legal recognition of the voice as a fundamental element of an artist's identity.

Alongside other voice professionals, she is also participating in a campaign aimed at combating the reproduction of artists' voices by generative AI systems without their consent.

For actor Bin Shimada, a favorable decision for TikTok could, according to his statements reported by AFP, encourage broader use of voice cloning and particularly undermine young actors.

A Debate That Goes Beyond Japan

The Tokyo proceedings come as the entertainment industry is still seeking legal answers in the face of rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.

The issue transcends Japanese borders. The International Federation of Actors believes that the legislation in many countries remains insufficiently adapted to protect artists against the digital reproduction of their voice or image.

In the United States, the debate notably gained momentum in 2024 when actress Scarlett Johansson publicly denounced the similarity between her voice and that of a system developed by OpenAI. The company later apologized and indicated that it was working to remove that voice.

A Much-Awaited Ruling for the Industry

The Tokyo District Court must now determine whether TikTok had the obligation to remove the disputed content. Beyond the fate of the videos in question, the decision could be closely watched by dubbing professionals and the audiovisual industry.

The central question indeed goes beyond the case of Kenjiro Tsuda: it concerns the possibility of legally protecting a voice when it can be artificially reproduced without the permission of its holder.

As tools capable of imitating human voices become increasingly accessible, this case illustrates the difficulties artists face in preserving their professional identity against the uses of generative AI.