Biography

Masako Nozawa was born on October 25, 1936 in Nippori, Arakawa, Tokyo, Japan. She is an actress, known for Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods (2013), Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (2015) and Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986). She was previously married to Masaaki Tsukada.

She has voiced many young boy protagonists in anime.

She has voiced "Dragon Ball" hero Goku, his children Gohan and Goten, his descendant Goku Jr, his father Bardock, and his evil version Goku Black.

Originally wished to be a director.

Was lifelong friends with fellow voice actor Fuyumi Shiraishi.

Masako Nozawa once had her house burn down, an event she mentioned as the reason she was late for work once, having to borrow clothes from her friend, highlighting her dedication despite the personal disaster. This anecdote shows her commitment to her roles, even when facing extreme circumstances like losing her home in a fire.

Following the death of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama in March 2024, Masako Nozawa, the iconic voice actress for Goku, expressed deep shock and grief, vowing to stay by Goku's side until her own strength gives out, remembering Toriyama's trust in her to care for the character, and urging him to rest in peace. She stated her head felt empty and she didn't want to believe the news, but Toriyama's words, "You will take care of Goku, won't you?" motivated her to continue.

Goku has a very special place in everyone's hearts. He's been with us for such a long time; he's always going to be there. He's always been the same, he's always going to be Goku.

The moment I walk into the studio I become Goku. I feel what Goku feels, take on the same attitude he has, so I just want peace at that point too.

Really, if more people in the world thought the way Goku thought then we could achieve world peace. He never goes out to fight someone with the intent of just beating them for the sake of beating them. He would never think of killing anyone. All he wants to do is change the way people think. He never hates anyone. He doesn't even have the idea of vengeance. All he is trying to do is say, "Hey, if you behave that way you're going to cause trouble for people. You're disturbing people's lives, don't do that."

Goku wants one thing for the whole world. He just wants peace, he wants everyone to get along with each other. So when [he] encounters a villain or a bad guy, all he's trying to do is change the way they think a little bit and shift them towards good. So if in the middle of a fight if a bad guy says, "You know what? I changed my mind, I'm going to be a good guy now," he's going to stop fighting. He's not in it to beat him up to a pulp or prove that he's better or stronger.

Masako Nozawa equals Son Goku. That's all there is. Goku is my clone. So as long as Goku exists, so will I.