“Voice actor’s voice is not just a voice. It is a personality and professional skill, as well as a wealth made through long-term efforts.”
Japanese voice actor Nakao Ryuse pointed out the problem of using generative artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate his character’s voice without permission. He is a famous voice actor who has a fan base in Korea as a voice actor who plays Frizzer, Son Goku’s archrival in the Japanese children’s animation Dragon Ball. On the 22nd, Nakao said in a YouTube video titled “No More Unauthorized Generation AI,” which appeared with six fellow voice actors, “Just as actors use faces and acting as weapons, voice actors play characters with their voices,” adding, “If a voice actor’s voice is used without permission by another person or generative artificial intelligence, it will unfairly crush the voice actor’s efforts and damage his professional value.”
Koji Yamadera, a voice actor known for his roles as Cheez of “Flying Anpanman” and Gajiroji of “New Century Evangelion,” also pointed out in the video, “I think it’s fun to create multiple voices with generative artificial intelligence,” but added, “It’s a problem to replicate Voice actor’s voice and spread it online.” Toshihiko Seki, who played the role of Mujan in “Blade of Extinction,” said, “You may want to try making a great voice with generative artificial intelligence, but the current reality is that voice actors are not recognized for their voice copyright. In the future, we may have to find a way to coexist with generative AI.”
As voice reproduction using generative artificial intelligence spreads, voices concerned about the side effects are also growing. Citing the Japanese Actors’ Association, which includes voice actors, Japan’s NHK broadcast reported on the same day, “It has been confirmed that unauthorized voices or videos of voices are posted or sold on the Internet, such as making them sing their favorite songs with the voices of animation characters using generative artificial intelligence.” “It is senseless for voice actors to make money by using voices they have worked hard on for a long time without permission,” voice actor Mika Kanai told NHK. “If something that I didn’t say comes out as my voice somewhere, I may be told by others, ‘Did you say that?’ or it may lead to a crime.” However, he suggested, “I think if artificial intelligence and voice actors can coexist, I can make another great work, but I hope we set a rule that it is possible to some extent.” The Japanese voice actor group plans to regularly release videos of the “No More Unauthorized Generation AI” campaign with the voluntary participation of members.
JENNIFER KIM
US ASIA JOURNAL
