In a landmark moment for the entertainment industry, the legendary voice actress Masako Nozawa, globally celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Goku in the Dragon Ball franchise, has been awarded Japan’s prestigious Persons of Cultural Merit. This momentous recognition marks a historic first, as Nozawa becomes the inaugural voice actor to receive this esteemed national honor, underscoring the evolving appreciation for the art of voice performance.
Nozawa’s illustrious career spans decades, lending her distinctive voice to a multitude of beloved characters beyond Goku, including Kitaro in the classic GeGeGe no Kitaro series and the titular character in early iterations of Doraemon. Her receipt of the Persons of Cultural Merit award highlights not only her personal achievements but also signifies a pivotal moment for the entire voice acting profession, elevating its status within Japan’s cultural landscape.
Established in 1951, the Persons of Cultural Merit honor celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement and development of Japanese culture across various fields, from arts and sciences to literature. Recipients are chosen annually by the Japanese Prime Minister and receive a significant pension, currently 3.5 million yen (approximately US$23,300) per year, a benefit re-established in 1985 after constitutional changes. Annually, twenty distinguished individuals are chosen for this honor, with a select few from this group then considered for the even higher Order of Culture award in subsequent years.
While Nozawa is the first voice actor to be recognized, the anime and manga industries have seen increasing acknowledgment for their cultural impact. Previous recipients of the Persons of Cultural Merit include acclaimed figures such as Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki in 2012, manga pioneer Moto Hagio and Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto in 2019, and most recently, Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino and Wata no Kuni Hoshi manga creator Yumiko Oshima in 2021.
The official ceremony for both the Persons of Cultural Merit honors and the Order of Culture award is slated for November 3. Ahead of the event, Masako Nozawa shared her profound gratitude and perspective: ‘I understand this honor is one I receive on behalf of the voice acting community. I feel immense pride that the spotlight of this award shines not only on myself, but also on my seniors, my peers, and the younger generation who will venture into the future of voice acting. I also express my heartfelt gratitude to all the creators who have brought these works and characters to life, and to the fans who continue to support us unwaveringly. It is only through your existence that “culture” is nurtured, and that our journey as voice actors continues to be made possible. My only real asset is my energy, so I intend to keep delivering my “voice” with all my might, hoping to contribute even a little to repaying my debt to culture.’ Her words truly encapsulate the spirit of this historic achievement, honoring a career dedicated to bringing countless characters to life and inspiring generations.