Goku voice actor Masako Nozawa honoured as Japan’s first voice performer named Person of Cultural Merit

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Masako Nozawa, the Japanese dependable   histrion  of Goku from the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise

Masako Nozawa, the Japanese dependable histrion of Goku from the ‘Dragon Ball’ franchise | Photo Credit: Aoni Production, Toei

In a historical infinitesimal for the anime industry, seasoned dependable histrion Masako Nozawa — champion known arsenic the dependable of Goku successful Dragon Ball — has go the archetypal dependable histrion ever to person Japan’s prestigious Person of Cultural Merit recognition.

Announced by Nippon TV, Nozawa is among 21 individuals chosen for the 2025 honors, which observe exceptional contributions to the advancement of Japanese culture. Established successful 1951, the Person of Cultural Merit favoritism provides honourees with a lifelong pension of 3.5 cardinal yen per year, and acknowledges figures from divers fields, including art, science, and entertainment. The honorees are selected annually by Japan’s Prime Minister, with the Order of Culture aboriginal awarded to prime recipients from this group.

Nozawa, present 88, has had a vocation spanning much than six decades. Beyond voicing Goku, she has brought to beingness beloved characters specified arsenic Kitaro successful GeGeGe nary Kitaro and Doraemon successful aboriginal Doraemon adaptations, making her 1 of the astir influential figures successful Japanese dependable acting history.

In a connection released done Aoni Production, Nozawa said, “I recognize this grant is 1 I person connected behalf of the dependable acting community. I consciousness immense pridefulness that the spotlight of this grant shines not lone connected myself, but besides connected my seniors, my peers, and the younger procreation who volition task into the aboriginal of dependable acting.”

She added that she intends to proceed utilizing her “energy” and “voice” to springiness backmost to the civilization that shaped her.

The authoritative ceremonial for some the Person of Cultural Merit and the Order of Culture awards volition instrumentality spot connected November 3 successful Tokyo.

Published - October 21, 2025 12:48 p.m. IST

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