Legendary Dragon Ball voice actress Masako Nozawa honored by Japanese government for cultural contributions
Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice actress best known as the voice of Son Goku in the Dragon Ball series, has been named as a recipient of the Order of Culture by the Japanese government.
This prestigious title is awarded to individuals who have made exceptionally significant contributions to the advancement and development of Japanese culture and also comes with a ¥3.5 million annuity, or annual pension.
In response to the announcement, Aoni Production, the agency Nozawa belongs to, released a comment from the actress.
“Before I knew it, I had been working in the voice artist industry for a very long time,” Nozawa wrote.
“To receive such a wonderful reward for simply continuing to do what I do… I am truly thrilled.”
She added, “My only real asset is my good health, so I will continue to deliver my ‘voice’ with all my strength and hope to give back to our culture in any small way I can.”
She also expressed her deep gratitude to her predecessors in the voice acting world, to the creators she has worked with, and to her fans.
Born on October 25, 1936, in Tokyo, Nozawa has been a foundational figure in the anime industry since its inception, appearing in Japan’s first-ever TV anime, Astro Boy. In 1968, she landed her first leading anime role in GeGeGe no Kitaro.
Her career includes a vast number of iconic roles, such as Daemon in Inakappe Taisho, Hiroshi in Dokonjo Gaeru (The Gutsy Frog), and Rascal in Rascal the Raccoon.
In 1978, she played Tetsuro Hoshino in Galaxy Express 999, and in 1986, she began her most famous role as Son Goku in the Dragon Ball series, where she has also voiced his sons, Son Gohan and Son Goten, for decades.
Her numerous accolades include the Japan Academy Film Prize’s Chairman’s Award of Merit in 2022 and the Kikuchi Kan Prize in 2023.
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