May 20 (News On Japan) - Following a surge of AI-generated videos in which voice actors’ voices were used without permission to sing songs, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has issued an official warning that such actions may constitute a violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act.
On May 10th, METI presented concrete examples where AI-generated voice reproductions of actors and voice actors were used without their consent, sparking widespread discussion in the industry. While the government had previously acknowledged that such acts could be deemed illegal under certain conditions, the release of specific examples marked a significant development.
One cited example includes uploading videos in which AI reproductions of a voice actor sing songs they never recorded, without obtaining the voice actor’s consent. Another involved manufacturing and selling alarm clocks using AI-generated voices of actors or voice actors. These cases were described as potential violations of the law.
In the past, videos such as “Sorry I’m Cute,” sung by a Conan character on TikTok using an AI voice, stirred controversy. While whether these specific cases qualify as violations must be judged individually, METI’s examples illustrate the type of behavior at issue.
The Unfair Competition Prevention Act prohibits misleading use of popular names, trademarks, or products to confuse consumers or capitalize on the reputation of others. METI emphasized that using AI to recreate actors’ or voice actors’ voices without permission raises similar legal concerns.
Violators of the law may face criminal penalties of up to five years in prison, fines of up to 5 million yen, or both. By laying out possible violations and corresponding penalties, METI's announcement is expected to deter unauthorized use of AI-generated voices. The move is seen as a major victory for the voice acting industry.
In October 2024, prominent voice actors including Ryūsei Nakao, known for voicing Baikinman in “Anpanman,” launched a YouTube channel called “No More Unauthorized AI,” releasing videos warning against misuse of AI-generated voices. Their statement stressed: “Readings and songs we never performed are being shared and even sold online. Our voices are not just tools of our trade—they’re a part of our identity, nurtured over a lifetime. Using them without permission is deeply disturbing.”
Although voice recordings themselves are not currently protected by copyright, the voice actors argued that their performances carry personal and professional value, shaped by years of training and talent, and should be afforded stronger legal protection.
Separately, on May 13th, a post titled “Report and Response Regarding Unauthorized Sales” appeared on the official site of voice actor Yui Ogura, who voices characters such as Sunao Shirako in Blue Archive. The post revealed that some items scheduled for disposal by Ogura’s management team were illegally resold by a third party on auction sites. These goods were originally collected for disposal, and no permission had been granted for resale.
The management has since retrieved all affected items and is pursuing legal action through attorneys while also working with police. They are also tightening internal controls to prevent a recurrence. The incident drew strong reactions online, with users commenting, “Why not autograph and gift them to fans through a lottery instead?” or “Doing something so obviously traceable is just stupid.”
Notably, Yahoo Japan’s initial article title about the incident caused confusion, as it seemingly implied Ogura herself had engaged in the resale. This prompted backlash, with readers accusing the headline of misrepresenting the voice actor as the wrongdoer. The headline was quietly edited, though the initial version sparked concern that misleading phrasing could damage reputations.
In another case, on May 12th, voice actor Iori Nomizu, known for roles in Heaven’s Lost Property, Date A Live, and Kantai Collection, expressed frustration on social media over inappropriate comments about her appearance. Referencing a now-deleted quote tweet about her chest, Nomizu said, “Even if you meant it as a joke, it was upsetting. Comments like that are best kept to yourself or shared where I won’t see them.”
She added that while it’s flattering to receive praise, she prefers to be appreciated for her talent, writing, “There are many younger, cuter, prettier people out there. I want to be recognized for my skills, not just my appearance.”
Elsewhere in the voice acting world, a life-size acrylic stand of voice actor Nana Hanamiya, priced at 150,000 yen, was reportedly selling well. A notice sent to buyers explained that the overwhelming demand had delayed production and delivery, with the product’s dimensions listed as roughly 2 meters in height.
Online, reactions ranged from awe to envy, with fans commenting, “Just make sure it doesn’t ship before July or it’ll show up at the live venue,” and “I’ve seen at least 10 people order one.” Some joked about needing multiple units—for display, portability, workplace use, and more.
Finally, on May 16th, voice actor Tomokazu Sugita narrated a promotional video for Air New Zealand in which he calmly counts sheep in Japanese to help viewers fall asleep. The 4-minute 36-second video features a single animated sheep as Sugita’s soothing voice counts aloud, drawing praise from commenters who said the voice alone helped them sleep.
Fans also recalled a similar 2023 video by Keiji Fujiwara, in which he counted shiitake mushrooms instead of sheep. The pun? "Shiitake" sounds like “sheep” in Japanese when said in English—"shee-take." The one-hour version of the video, praised for Fujiwara’s calming low voice, was shared as a useful sleep aid.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the legal and ethical boundaries of its use remain under scrutiny. The growing awareness of voice actors’ rights marks a turning point in the entertainment industry’s approach to unauthorized AI reproduction.
Source: くま太の部屋
