Historic Honor: DRAGON BALL’s Masako Nozawa Becomes First Voice Actor Named Person of Cultural Merit

Okay, anime fans, let’s talk about this moment that deserves its own theme song and glowing aura: Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice behind Son Goku in Dragon Ball, has officially become the first voice actor in Japanese history to be named a Person of Cultural Merit. That’s right—after decades of powering up our screens, she’s finally getting the kind of recognition that makes even a Spirit Bomb look small.

This isn’t just a win for Nozawa—it’s a full-blown victory lap for voice actors everywhere. And if you’re wondering why this matters, buckle up. We’re about to go full nerd mode.

Who Is Masako Nozawa? 

If you’ve watched Dragon Ball in any form—Z, GT, Super, or even the OG series—you’ve heard Nozawa’s voice. She’s been Goku since the 1980s, and she didn’t stop there. She’s also voiced Gohan, Goten, Bardock, and Goku Jr. Basically, she’s the vocal glue holding the entire Saiyan bloodline together.

But her resume is stacked way beyond Dragon Ball. She’s voiced characters in GeGeGe no Kitaro, Galaxy Express 999, Doraemon, One Piece, and more. Her career spans over six decades, and she’s still going strong. At this point, her vocal cords deserve their own museum exhibit.

What Is the Person of Cultural Merit?

This isn’t some fan-voted anime award or a shiny plaque from a convention. The Person of Cultural Merit is one of Japan’s highest honors, given to individuals who’ve made significant contributions to the country’s cultural landscape. Think Nobel Prize energy, but for artists, scholars, and creators who’ve shaped the soul of Japan.

Nozawa’s win is historic—not just because she’s the first voice actor to receive it, but because it finally puts seiyuu (voice actors) on the cultural map, and adds to Dragon Ball notoriety, like it needed more. For years, they’ve been treated like background talent despite being the literal voices of entire generations. This award says, “Hey, the person behind your favorite anime hero? Yeah, they matter.”

Why This Is a Big Freakin’ Deal

Let’s not pretend anime is niche anymore. It’s a global juggernaut, and Dragon Ball is one of its most iconic exports. Goku isn’t just a character—he’s a symbol of growth, grit, and yelling your way through adversity. And Nozawa has been the heartbeat of that symbol for nearly 40 years.

Her recognition isn’t just overdue—it’s a cultural reset. It validates voice acting as a serious art form and opens the door for future seiyuu to be seen as more than just “the voice behind the character.” It’s a win for Dragon Ball, anime, a win for creators, and a win for every fan who’s ever tried to scream “Kamehameha!” in their bedroom mirror.

Fan Reaction: The Internet Went Full Super Saiyan