Voice Actor Kenjiro Tsuda’s Voice Allegedly Imitated Without Permission by Generative AI: Lawsuit Filed Against TikTok, Japan Actors Union Says “We Support His Courageous Action”

Kenjiro Tsuda’s voice has allegedly been imitated without permission through generative AI, prompting a lawsuit seeking the removal of videos from TikTok.

Japan Actors Union Voices Support for Kenjiro Tsuda

The Japan Actors Union, also known as JAU or Nippairen, updated its official X account on May 25 and issued a statement regarding voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda’s lawsuit against the operating company of TikTok.

Tsuda has filed a case with the Tokyo District Court, seeking the removal of videos that were allegedly published using generative artificial intelligence to imitate his voice without permission. In response, the union stated, “The Japan Actors Union supports Kenjiro Tsuda’s courageous action.”

According to the complaint, from July 2024 to September 2025, unidentified individuals used a specific account to post 188 videos featuring narration that imitated Tsuda’s vocal qualities. The videos reportedly covered topics such as urban legends and trivia.

Because TikTok has a system in which money is paid according to the number of views, the account is alleged to have generated monthly revenue of 500,000 to 750,000 yen, approximately $3,165 to $4,747 at an exchange rate of 158 yen per dollar.

The lawsuit was filed in November 2025. Nonpublic procedures to organize the issues in dispute have already taken place, and the first oral argument is expected to be held as early as this summer, according to Kyodo News.

Kenjiro Tsuda’s Major Roles and Public Popularity

Kenjiro Tsuda is a popular voice actor known for roles including Seto Kaiba in Yu Gi Oh Duel Monsters, Sadaharu Inui in The Prince of Tennis, and Kento Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen.

He has also appeared in numerous television dramas and films, including the NHK morning drama Anpan and the TBS Sunday Theater drama The Royal Family.
In the first Favorite Voice Actor Ranking announced by ORICON NEWS last year, Tsuda ranked No. 1 in the male category, reflecting his broad popularity across generations.

Source : ORICON NEWS