Japan Actors Union Sets Rules Limiting AI Use of Actors' Voices
The guidelines require consent at every stage of AI training and replication, and ban use of a deceased actor's voice without prior permission.
The Japan Actors Union published new guidelines restricting generative AI use of actors' voices on October 19, 2026, including a ban on replicating a deceased actor's voice unless that actor gave express permission while alive, according to Automaton.
The guidelines require permission at every stage of the generative AI process, including the training of models on actors' performances, and treat an AI replication of an actor's work as a new performance that requires royalties or compensation.
They also cover AI-powered translation of a performance, which must preserve its artistic integrity and requires permission for use overseas. Where a deceased actor is concerned, the rules still require consent from family members or an affiliated agency alongside royalty payment, even if permission was given during the actor's lifetime.
The union said it aims to turn the guidelines into industry-wide rules and to press the government to legislate protections for voice rights. The guidelines are not legally binding.
Earlier legal battle
Voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda previously took TikTok to court to have AI-generated imitations of his voice removed and lost the case, though it set a precedent that a voice is protected under publicity rights laws.
Western collectives have also spoken out about generative AI's impact on acting, with one describing it as catastrophic.
Quick answers
Are the Japan Actors Union's AI voice guidelines legally binding?
No. The union said the guidelines are not legally binding, though it aims to make them industry-wide rules and to push the government to legislate protections for voice rights.
Can an AI copy of a deceased actor's voice be used?
Only if the actor gave express permission while alive. Consent from family or an affiliated agency and royalty payment are still required.