Goku’s Voice Actor Speaks Out Against AI Voice Theft: “It’s Just Like Stealing, and I’m Furious”
As generative AI continues to raise concerns for creatives across various fields, voice actors in Japan are taking proactive steps to combat the unauthorized use of their voices. Recently, the union representing these actors unveiled new guidelines aimed at addressing the challenges posed by AI technology, with many actors sharing their personal and professional struggles related to its misuse.
For years, Japanese voice actors have been vocal about the unauthorized exploitation of their voices. In 2024, a collective of voice actors formed an organization to protest against AI voice misuse, highlighting the absence of legal copyright protections. Notably, voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda, recognized for his roles in popular series like Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, even took legal action against TikTok over the unauthorized use of his voice in social media videos, although the case was dismissed after the videos were taken down. While some in the industry have pushed for systems that would allow for licensed AI replication of their voices, the prevailing sentiment among voice actors is that this technology threatens their livelihoods and future opportunities.
During a press conference, the Japan Actors Union (JAU) introduced its inaugural guidelines concerning the use of generative AI. These guidelines outline rules for any audio recordings generated by AI that mimic actors’ voices, including unauthorized applications for voice synthesis, deep learning, and machine learning.
According to reports, the guidelines stipulate that anyone wishing to replicate an actor’s voice must secure consent at every stage of the process. If an AI company intends to use an actor’s voice for training purposes, it must obtain permission from the performer. Furthermore, the sanctioned use of AI-generated voices is classified as a form of “performance,” obligating companies to compensate actors with salaries and/or royalties.
At the press conference, several voice actors expressed their opposition to unauthorized AI usage. Masako Nozawa, famed for voicing Goku in the Dragon Ball series, stated, “I can’t forgive them for using it without my permission. It makes me really angry; it’s no different than theft. My voice is mine, as are my performances, and if that’s going to be used, even a little bit, they should ask for permission.” She also remarked that an AI-generated version of her voice she encountered “lacked heart.”
The union, which represents around 2,600 voice actors and performers, is among the first in Japan to establish guidelines for AI voice recordings. This move sends a strong message against AI usage in a country where such technology is generally more accepted than in the U.S. Given the relative strength of labor unions in Japan compared to those in the U.S., these guidelines are likely to influence the unauthorized use of AI to replicate actors’ voices. As Japan’s government navigates issues related to generative AI, including cyberattacks and copyright infringement, the JAU’s announcement stands out as a significant development in the ongoing conversation about AI technology.
