Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice of Goku from Dragon Ball, has been officially named one of Japan’s Persons of Cultural Merit, becoming the first voice actor ever to receive the prestigious honor.
As reported by Crunchyroll, the 88-year-old actress was recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for her decades of contribution to the nation’s cultural landscape. The award will be presented on November 4, 2025, during a ceremony, which will be attended by Japan’s Prime Minister and Emperor.
The Person of Cultural Merit title is one of Japan’s highest civilian honors, awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional achievements in art, literature, music, and other cultural fields. Recipients receive a government pension of around 3.5 million yen per year (approximately $23,000 USD) for life, acknowledging their lifelong influence and dedication to Japanese culture.
Goku voice actor wins Person of Cultural Merit award
Nozawa’s selection comes after more than 60 years in voice acting, having first voiced Goku in the original 1986 anime. Over the decades, she’s also portrayed Gohan and Goten, becoming an irreplaceable part of one of Japan’s most globally recognized franchises.
In a heartfelt statement shared following the announcement, Nozawa said:
“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.
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