Japan Actors Union issues first AI voice guidelines
The 21-page document sets rules on consent, crediting and compensation for recordings of actors and voice actors, both public and private.
The Japan Actors Union presented the first version of its guidelines on generative AI use in vocal audio work at a press conference on October 15, 2026, according to animenewsnetwork.com. The document runs 21 pages and is organized into six sections and 22 articles.
The guidelines define vocal audio broadly, covering all recordings of actors and voice actors, including private recordings. They set provisions on consent, crediting, requests to remove material, compensation, data oversight and audits.
At the press conference, voice actors Masako Nozawa, who voices Son Goku, and Bin Shimada, who voices Broly, spoke about the issue. Both are associated with the Dragon Ball franchise.
Earlier cases involving voice actors and AI
The guidelines follow several moves by voice actors on the same front. In June 2024, Yūki Kaji released his own voice synthesis program Soyogi Fractal; he left the talent agency VIMS on April 8 and started his own company for the program the next day. In late October 2024, several voice actors founded the No More Unauthorized Generative AI group.
Last November, Kenjirō Tsuda filed a lawsuit against the operator of TikTok over videos that allegedly imitated his voice with AI. In September, the Tokyo District Court dismissed the suit after the videos were removed.
Quick answers
What do the Japan Actors Union AI guidelines cover?
They cover generative AI use in vocal audio work, defined to include all recordings of actors and voice actors, including private recordings, with provisions on consent, crediting, removal requests, compensation, data oversight and audits.
How long is the guidelines document?
It is 21 pages long and contains six sections and 22 articles.