Actor files lawsuit against TikTok operator over AI-generated voice use
Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda filed a lawsuit in Tokyo District Court in November 2024 against TikTok’s operator, claiming unauthorized use of an AI-generated voice mimicking his likeness in 188 videos earning ¥500,000–¥750,000 monthly. Tsuda argues his publicity rights were violated, while TikTok disputes the voice’s distinctiveness, calling the claim subjective.
Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda sued TikTok’s operator in Tokyo District Court last November, seeking deletion of videos using an AI-generated voice resembling his own. The lawsuit, Japan’s first of its kind, alleges 188 videos posted between July 2024 and September 2025 used AI to mimic Tsuda’s deep, mellow voice, generating ¥500,000–¥750,000 monthly from 210,000 followers. Tsuda’s legal team claims the AI output intentionally replicated his distinctive voice, violating his publicity rights to control commercial use of his likeness. TikTok countered that the narration was a generic male voice, dismissing the claim as subjective. The case follows Japan’s Justice Ministry establishing an expert panel in April to clarify civil claims for unauthorized AI voice use. Tsuda, known for voicing *Star Wars’* Kylo Ren and *Jujutsu Kaisen’*s Kento Nanami, argues the unauthorized replication harms his professional reputation and financial interests. Court proceedings remain ongoing, with no resolution yet announced. The dispute highlights growing legal challenges over AI-generated deepfakes and celebrity rights in digital media.
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