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Japanese Anime Star Kenjiro Tsuda Sues TikTok Over AI-Generated Voice Clone
By Drooid · · How we work
Kenjiro Tsuda’s Lawsuit Against TikTok
Kenjiro Tsuda, a 55-year-old voice actor famed for roles in *Jujutsu Kaisen* and *Yu-Gi-Oh!*, has filed a lawsuit in Tokyo District Court demanding the removal of TikTok videos that use an artificial-intelligence (AI) replica of his “lustrous” baritone. The plaintiff argues the AI-generated speech infringes his publicity rights—the legal ability to control and profit from aspects of his identity. A verdict is expected on Wednesday.
Industry Context and AI Voice Concerns
AI-generated voice imitation is emerging as a global challenge for performers. In Japan, voice actors enjoy a celebrity status that rivals the characters they portray, and their vocal training represents years of apprenticeship. Internationally, the International Federation of Actors has warned that existing copyright and data-protection laws are insufficient to shield performers from unauthorized AI clones.
Official Statements & Responses
- Japan Actors Union: Executive director Yuko Sasaki said the union supports Tsuda and urged the court to recognize voice ownership as a fundamental right.
- TikTok: The platform contended it merely hosts user-generated content within the bounds of free speech and described the voice in question as a “generic male voice” whose similarity to Tsuda is subjective.
- Legal Experts: Tatsuhiro Ueno, professor of intellectual-property studies at Waseda University, called it “very unlikely” that Tsuda’s voice will be denied publicity rights, noting the case will attract international attention.
- Veteran Actor: Michihiro Ikemizu expressed solidarity with Tsuda and emphasized the irreplaceable human element of performance.
Campaign and Criticism
In parallel with the lawsuit, Sasaki and other voice actors have launched the “No More” campaign, urging a ban on generative-AI voice cloning without consent. Actor Bin Shimada warned that a court win for TikTok could “crush” the industry and discourage emerging talent. The campaign reflects broader concerns that unchecked AI replication could erode the livelihood of performers.