Japan voice actors union releases AI voice usage guidelines amid artist outcry

On October 20, 2026, the Japanese Voice Actors Association (JAU) unveiled its first set of guidelines for the use of AI-generated voices, following growing concerns among voice actors about unauthorized use of their voices. The guidelines, which apply to all AI-generated audio that replicates an actor’s voice, require explicit consent at every stage of the process. Companies wishing to use an actor’s voice for AI training must obtain permission and compensate the performer. The move comes after years of resistance from voice actors against the unauthorized use of their voices, with some, like Kenjiro Tsuda, taking legal action against platforms like TikTok. Masako Nozawa, known for voicing Goku in the Dragon Ball series, criticized AI voice replication as theft, stating it lacks emotion and violates her rights. With around 2,600 members, the union’s guidelines signal a strong stance against AI misuse, potentially influencing broader regulatory efforts in Japan.