Originally written By Daryl Harding
Link:Masako Nozawa Makes History as First Voice Actor Honored as Person of Cultural Merit in Japan
(Image Credit:https://www.aoni.co.jp/search/nozawa-masako.htmlg)
In a historic moment for Japan’s entertainment industry, legendary voice actor Masako Nozawa — best known as the voice of Goku from the Dragon Ball franchise — has become the first-ever voice actor to receive the Persons of Cultural Merit honor. This prestigious recognition places her alongside cultural icons such as Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, and Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino.
A Historic Recognition for Voice Acting
Nippon TV reported that Nozawa is among the 21 recipients of this year’s Persons of Cultural Merit and Order of Culture awards. The honor, established in 1951, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Japan’s culture, arts, and sciences.
Each year, around 20 individuals are selected for the Persons of Cultural Merit honor, which includes a pension of 3.5 million yen (approximately US$23,300) per year, a benefit introduced after Japan’s post-war constitution restricted government-sponsored awards from including financial compensation.
Recipients are selected by the Prime Minister of Japan, and a smaller number are later chosen for the even more exclusive Order of Culture, one of Japan’s highest civilian distinctions.
A Legendary Career Spanning Generations
Masako Nozawa’s voice has defined generations of anime fans. Beyond her iconic role as Son Goku, she has voiced multiple characters in the Dragon Ball series, including Gohan and Goten. Her other major works include voicing Kitaro in GeGeGe no Kitaro and taking on several roles in Doraemon, even voicing the titular character in the 1973 and 1976 versions.
Her energy, longevity, and unmatched vocal versatility have made her a beloved figure not just in Japan, but across the world.
Recognition Across the Anime and Gaming Worlds
Nozawa’s inclusion in the Persons of Cultural Merit marks a significant milestone for the voice acting industry — an acknowledgment that voice performance is an essential cultural art form.
Since director Hayao Miyazaki was honored in 2012, several figures from Japan’s anime and gaming sectors have also received the title:
- Moto Hagio, creator of The Poe Clan (2019)
- Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Super Mario (2019)
- Yoshiyuki Tomino, creator of Mobile Suit Gundam (2021)
- Yumiko Oshima, creator of Wata no Kuni Hoshi (2021)
Masako Nozawa’s recognition further cements the importance of anime, manga, and gaming as defining pillars of modern Japanese culture.
Masako Nozawa’s Heartfelt Message
Ahead of the official ceremony, scheduled for November 3, Nozawa released an emotional statement expressing gratitude and humility for being chosen:
“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.”
An Inspiration Beyond Generations
At 88 years old, Masako Nozawa continues to voice Goku with the same power and passion that first inspired millions over three decades ago. Her recognition is not only a personal triumph but also a symbolic victory for the entire voice acting profession — a testament that their craft is a vital part of Japan’s cultural legacy.
As she continues to bring beloved characters to life, Nozawa’s work remains a shining example of dedication, passion, and the enduring magic of storytelling through voice.
Source: https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/society/4e615cab57d94088a76a98a5c29a5c57
