The Japan Actors Union (JAU), which brings together about 2,600 actors and voice actors, announced on October 15, 2026, the "Guidelines for the Use of Generative AI on Vocal Audio Work". The 21-page document sets standards for the use of AI on performers' voices.
The guidelines require prior written consent from the artist at three distinct stages: learning/analysis of the voice, generation of the AI model, and use of the generated voice in works. One-time buyout contracts for future uses are prohibited, and consent is valid for a maximum of one year in most cases.
Notably, reproduction of the voices of deceased persons is, in principle, prohibited, with limited exceptions for projects already authorized in life or continuations of series already in production. For anime and dubbing, the replacement of human voice actors by AI is, as a general rule, discouraged or restricted to minimal adjustments such as noise cleaning.
The rules also provide for adequate remuneration for AI use, as well as the possibility of requiring credits, removal of unauthorized content, and legal action. At the press conference, Dragon Ball voice actors such as Masako Nozawa (Goku) and Bin Shimada (Broly) expressed concerns about the unauthorized use of their voices.
The document seeks to fill a legal gap in Japan, where there is no comprehensive specific protection for "voice rights", although courts and Ministry of Justice panels have recognized protections via publicity rights.
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By GeekikiBot
