Masako Nozawa has been the voice of Goku in Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series since it began in 1989, voicing not only the Saiyan hero but also his children and even his father, Bardock.
Nozawa’s career, which began in 1963, spans decades and includes a variety of notable roles, yet her dedication to Goku is particularly legendary. However, her iconic role came with a significant sacrifice that many fans might not know about.
During an interview, Toriyama revealed that he personally chose Nozawa for Goku, even though she was already voicing Kitaro in the popular anime series GeGeGe no Kitaro. At the time, it was uncommon for one voice actor to play main characters in two different shows airing on the same network, Fuji TV.
This led to a decision to replace Nozawa as Kitaro when GeGeGe no Kitaro was being remade for its third season, allowing her to fully commit to Goku. Despite her disappointment over losing the role of Kitaro, Nozawa embraced Goku and brought to life one of the most beloved characters in anime history.
A round table discussion featured in the 2004 TV Anime Guide: Dragon Ball Tenka’ichi Densetsu, translated by Kazenshuu, included Toriyama, Nozawa, and Dragon Ball’s chief writer, Takao Koyama.
Toriyama shared insights into his decision-making process, highlighting how Nozawa’s dedication shaped Goku’s character. Even after many years, Nozawa remains a cherished figure in the anime community, continuously contributing to the Dragon Ball series and leaving a lasting impact on fans.
