Voice actor sues TikTok over AI-generated voice mimicry
Voice actor Tsuda Kenjiro sued TikTok in November 2025 after discovering an anonymous account had posted 188 videos using generative AI to mimic his distinctive voice, earning 500,000-750,000 yen monthly. The lawsuit, reportedly the first of its kind involving unauthorized AI voice generation, seeks video deletion and claims violation of publicity rights. TikTok disputes that the voice is identifiable as Tsuda's, arguing it is a generic male voice learned from a friend.
What happened
An anonymous TikTok account posted at least 188 videos between July 2024 and November 2025 using generative AI to mimic the voice of voice actor Tsuda Kenjiro, a well-known actor who provides narration for anime including Jujutsu Kaisen and Golden Kamuy.
The videos featured urban legends, occult topics, and trivia with AI-generated narration mimicking Tsuda's characteristic "shiny low voice" and "low, subdued tone." The account had over 210,000 followers and videos averaged 1.47 million views.
The account earned an estimated 500,000 to 750,000 yen monthly through TikTok's creator payment system. Tsuda filed suit in Tokyo District Court in November 2025, reportedly the first lawsuit over unauthorized voice generation by AI.
Reported impact
Tsuda's representative stated that unchecked unauthorized voice generation could impede the development of the voice acting industry. The case is seen as an opportunity to clarify the boundaries of illegality and support voice actors' ability to exercise their rights.
Index analysis
Tsuda's legal team argues the videos violated the unfair competition prevention law and his publicity right by using an AI-generated voice closely mimicking his distinctive vocal characteristics to attract viewers.
TikTok's defense contends the narration is a "universal male voice" learned from a friend's voice and that viewers were drawn to the video content rather than the voice. The company argues there is no violation of unfair competition law or publicity rights.
Governance controls
The case is currently in a closed dispute clarification procedure with three sessions held. The first oral argument is expected in summer 2026.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.