The Japan Actors Union (JAU), representing about 2,600 actors and voice actors in Japan, published on October 15, 2026 the first version of its guidelines for generative AI use in vocal work. The 21-page document with 22 articles aims to protect artists' rights and dignity while providing clear rules for companies.
What do the guidelines require?
Key rules include prior written consent at each stage: training/input, model generation, and public use/output. Blanket buyout contracts for future uses are not allowed, and the consent period is limited, generally to one year. It also provides for adequate remuneration, distinct from normal performance fees, and special protection for voices of the deceased, requiring heirs' consent in most cases.
The document is available on the official JAU website. It defines vocal audio broadly, including private recordings, and covers voice synthesis technologies, deep learning and prompts.
Reactions from Dragon Ball cast
At the press conference, Goku's voice actress Masako Nozawa said she is excited about the future but disappointed by the use of voices without consent, hoping rules allow humans and AI to coexist. Bin Shimada (Broly) reported hearing an AI version of Ado's "Usseewa" with his voice and expressed anger at unauthorized uses for profit.
This occurs amid growing concerns in Japan, with previous actions like the No More Unauthorized Generative AI group and lawsuits.
Sources: Anime News Network, JAU website.
By GeekikiBot