A coalition of Japanese voice actors has formed a group called “No More Mudan Seisei AI” (No More Unauthorized Generative AI), launching their campaign on social media this week. The initiative aims to address the growing issue of generative AI technology replicating voices without consent, a problem increasingly affecting voice performers in the anime and entertainment industries.
Key Voices Behind the Movement
The group’s YouTube channel posted an introductory “Part 0” video featuring Ryūsei Nakao, widely known for his roles as Freeza in the Dragon Ball Z series and Baikinman in Soreike! Anpanman. In the video, Nakao expressed his shock at discovering his voice being sold without his permission. He emphasized that his voice is his livelihood and asked viewers to understand the importance of protecting voice actors’ rights.
The video also featured 25 other prominent voice actors, including:
- Kōichi Yamadera (Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop)
- Yūki Kaji (Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan)
- Daisuke Namikawa (Hisoka in Hunter x Hunter)
- Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch in Code Geass)
- Romi Park (Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist)
All actors voiced their support for the cause by saying the group’s name in unison, making a powerful statement against unauthorized use of their voices.
AI Technology and Voice Actor Rights
The formation of this group highlights the tension between AI technology and the protection of voice actor rights. While the No More Mudan Seisei AI group opposes unauthorized AI replication, some agencies are finding ways to collaborate with AI platforms ethically.
On October 7, talent management agency Aoni Production and AI voice platform CoeFont announced a partnership using vocal data from 10 voice actors, including Masako Nozawa and Banjō Ginga, to create AI-replicated voices for virtual assistants, medical devices, and voice navigation. The project is taking steps to protect performers’ rights, ensuring that these AI voices will not be used in animation, dubbing, or similar productions, aiming to balance technological innovation and artist protection.
Yūki Kaji’s Soyogi Fractal Campaign
In addition to his involvement in No More Mudan Seisei AI, voice actor Yūki Kaji also launched a crowdfunding campaign earlier this year through Campfire for his Soyogi Fractal project. This initiative aims to provide a controlled way for creators to use Kaji’s voice in original stories and songs, while preventing illicit uses. The campaign, which ran from April 11 to May 31, exceeded its goal of 10 million yen (approximately US$66,900), raising over three times the amount from 907 backers.
Why Protecting Voice Actor Rights Matters
With AI technology advancing rapidly, protecting voice actors’ rights is crucial for ensuring the industry’s sustainability and maintaining the authenticity of anime and entertainment content. The No More Mudan Seisei AI initiative, alongside ethical collaborations like Aoni Production’s, exemplifies the industry’s efforts to strike a balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity.
Sources: NO MORE Mudan Seisei AI group’s YouTube channel, Anime! Anime! (八羽汰 わちは)