In a landmark achievement for the anime world, veteran voice actor Masako Nozawa, famously recognized as the voice of Goku in the beloved Dragon Ball franchise, has made history by becoming the first voice actor to receive Japan’s highly esteemed Person of Cultural Merit award.
Nippon TV revealed that Nozawa is one of 21 distinguished individuals selected for the 2025 honors, which commend outstanding contributions to Japanese culture. Established in 1951, this significant recognition grants recipients a lifelong pension of 3.5 million yen annually, acknowledging luminaries across various fields such as art, science, and entertainment. Annually, Japan’s Prime Minister selects these honorees, with a select few later receiving the even higher Order of Culture.
At 88 years old, Nozawa’s illustrious career spans over six decades. Beyond her iconic portrayal of Goku, she has animated other cherished characters, including Kitaro in GeGeGe no Kitaro and Doraemon in earlier Doraemon adaptations. Her extensive body of work solidifies her status as one of the most influential figures in the history of Japanese voice acting.
In a heartfelt statement issued via Aoni Production, Nozawa expressed her deep gratitude, stating, “I understand this honor is one I receive on behalf of the entire voice acting community. It fills me with immense pride that the spotlight of this award shines not just on me, but also on my esteemed seniors, my colleagues, and the bright younger generation who will shape the future of voice acting.”
She further emphasized her commitment, adding that she plans to continue dedicating her “energy” and “voice” to enrich the vibrant culture that has so profoundly influenced her own journey.
Both the Person of Cultural Merit and the prestigious Order of Culture awards will be formally presented during an official ceremony on November 3 in Tokyo.