Kenjiro Tsuda sues TikTok over alleged AI voice clone
Intelligence Summary
- Kenjiro Tsuda, the voice of Seto Kaiba in Yu-Gi-Oh, has sued TikTok over AI-generated videos using his voice.
Kenjiro Tsuda sues TikTok over alleged AI voice clone
Kenjiro Tsuda, a well-known Japanese voice actor, has filed a lawsuit against TikTok at the Tokyo District Court. Tsuda, who is famous for roles in popular anime such as Seto Kaiba in Yu-Gi-Oh!, Kento Nanami in Jujutsu Kaisen, and Overhaul in My Hero Academia, accuses the social media platform of hosting 188 videos that used an AI-generated version of his voice. These videos have been available on TikTok since July 2024 and, according to Tsuda’s legal representatives, represent a significant issue for the voice acting community.
The lawsuit
Tsuda filed the lawsuit in November 2025, but news of the case only became public on May 23, 2026. The complaint states that the AI-generated videos brought in between ¥500,000 and ¥750,000 per month, or roughly $3,100 to $4,700. This points to a worrying trend of AI being used to clone voices without the original performers’ consent.
Tsuda’s legal team cites Japan’s Unfair Competition Prevention Act, specifically Article 2.1, which prohibits restoring confusion regarding a person’s goods or business. "If unauthorized voice generation through AI is not brought under control, it will hinder the development of the voice acting industry," Tsuda’s lawyers said.
TikTok’s response
In response to the complaint, the operator of TikTok’s Japanese subsidiary claims the AI-generated videos only featured a "generic male voice," which users on the platform have nicknamed "艶つや/tsuya tsuya," roughly translated as "glossy/satin-like." TikTok says it is taking the matter seriously and will follow the procedures related to the lawsuit, but declined to comment further.
Implications for the voice acting industry
The threat AI poses to the creative sector, especially the voice acting community, is being taken more seriously than ever. Tsuda and his team hope this lawsuit will not only address their own situation, but also set a precedent for other voices that may be targeted by similar practices. The outcome could have a major impact on how AI technology is managed and regulated in the entertainment industry going forward.
Timeline
November 2025: Kenjiro Tsuda files the lawsuit against TikTok at the Tokyo District Court.
July 2024: The 188 AI-generated videos using Tsuda’s voice are first posted on TikTok.
May 23, 2026: News of the complaint becomes public.
Within three months from May 2026: The first public hearing in the case is expected.
Tsuda’s fight will likely go beyond his personal rights and touch on broader questions of copyright and the ethical implications of AI in the entertainment industry.
