Goku, Dragon Ball's iconic main Saiyan, is arguably the most well-known character in anime. From humble beginnings in the pages of Shōnen Jump, to becoming a mascot at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Goku's heroic feats have penetrated pop culture worldwide, and continue to inspire generations of fans and artists alike. Perhaps the only other figure in anime just as recognizable as Dragon Ball's main character is the distinct voice behind him, the legendary Masako Nozawa.

Nozawa has lent her talents to Goku since the airing of Dragon Ball's first anime series, released in 1986. From there, she continued to voice Goku as he grew into adulthood, and eventually began voicing his two sons, Gohan and Goten, as well. Nozawa's legendary and distinct voice has become an essential part of Dragon Ball over the nearly four decades since the series was put to animation, and the currently ongoing Dragon Ball Daima is just the latest entry to benefit from her presence. Luckily, for fans of the franchise, Masako Nozawa doesn't plan on retiring any time soon.

Masako Nozawa Has No Desire to Stop Voice Acting

The Iconic Voice of Goku Plans to Continue Acting For Quite Some More Time

Nozawa, who turned 88 years old in October, spoke after receiving a Mainichi Art Award for outstanding artistic achievements over the last year. In regard to her future plans, Nozawa said, "I will continue to work until I am 182 years old, an age I decided for myself... If you happen to see me ing by, I would appreciate it if you'd wish me luck." Few voices in anime have become so integral to the series they are featured in, and fans of Dragon Ball can look forward to hearing Nozawa as Goku in projects to come.

The late Akira Toriyama initially picked Nozawa to voice Goku, and later claimed in a sit-down interview that he would hear her voice while drawing Dragon Ball during its serialization. During that same interview, Nozawa claimed that Goku is "my alter-ego, we live together." Though she boasts a long and successful career outside of Dragon Ball, also voicing popular characters like Doraemon, there is arguably no better match for her than the lighthearted, whimsical, gentle, but fierce Son Goku.

Dragon Ball Is Rumored to Have More Projects in the Works

Masako Nozawa May Be Reprising Her Role Sooner than Fans Might Think

The currently ongoing Dragon Ball Daima is approaching its finale, and the franchise has yet to officially announce any anime projects. However, Masako Nozawa may just be reprising her role as Goku sooner than fans are expecting. A recent interview with series' producer, Akio Iyoku, touched on the future of Dragon Ball without its legendary creator at the helm, and he hinted towards a major announcement coming sometime in 2025.

Reports from Toei, the animation studio behind the series, also revealed two planned anime films currently in production. Fans have begun speculating whether those will be movies from Dragon Ball and One Piece. Whatever the franchise has in store going forward, Masako Nozawa plans to be a part of it, and fans will undoubtedly be thankful for that.

Sources: Livedoor News, Kanzenshuu