Since Dragon Ball first hit television screens in 1986, Masako Nozawa has voiced its fearless hero, Son Goku. In 2024, with the release of Dragon Ball Daima, the final anime to feature full creative involvement from Akira Toriyama before his ing, Nozawa once again returned to the role that has defined her career. “When I first heard Daima was happening, I just shouted, ‘Yes! We’re back!’” she recalled in a new interview in Japan. Nearly 40 years after her debut as Goku, her ion for the character remained as fierce and heartfelt as ever.

Dragon Ball Daima followed a transformed, childlike Goku as he explored the eerie landscape of the Demon Realm alongside the Supreme Kai and a mysterious young Majin named Glorio. For Nozawa, the strange new setting felt alive with possibility. “When I saw the scenery, I just knew something exciting was going to happen,” she said. Comparing the unknown terrain to spotting ominous clouds in real life, she explained how Goku’s sense of curiosity mirrored her own instincts in the recording booth.

Rediscovering Goku in a Smaller Form

One Voice, Many Roles

The younger version of Goku introduced in Daima was a fresh challenge for Nozawa, but one she embraced immediately. “Isn’t he adorable? I really love this little Goku,” she said. “To me, Goku can do anything. He may not think about his powers consciously, but when he needs them, they just come out. That ability to turn the impossible into reality is part of his magic.” Her performance reflected a deep, intuitive understanding of the character that has never wavered, even across decades of evolution.

Nozawa didn’t just voice Goku. Over the years, she has brought life to his sons, Gohan and Goten, as well. But when asked how she switched between adult and child versions of the same character, she offered a surprisingly simple answer. “I don’t really think about it. Once I see how Goku looks in a scene, I just naturally slip into that version of him,” she explained. Her instincts, honed through years behind the mic, guided her through each transformation with ease.

The Heart of a Saiyan and the Soul of a Performer

Living Life Like Goku Would

“To me, Goku is like my other self,” Nozawa said with a smile. It wasn’t just a line: After four decades, the two had become inseparable in spirit. What inspired her most was Goku’s courage. “He never backs down, even when he’s facing something much stronger than him. That bravery gives me strength, too,” she shared. It was a lesson she carried through her career, and one that kept her connected to fans who found hope and power in Goku’s unwavering optimism.

When asked if there was a wish she would make using the Dragon Balls, Nozawa surprised with some humility. “I don’t have a specific wish. I tend to accept things as they come. If something doesn’t go my way, I just let it go,” she said. She even saw a bit of Goku in that mindset. “I’ve always believed that if you’re alive, things will work out somehow. That kind of easygoing confidence is something Goku and I share,” she said, laughing.

Why Dragon Ball Still Resonates

The Universal Language of Anime

What is it about Dragon Ball that continues to connect with audiences around the world? Nozawa believed it was Goku’s humanity. “He’s strong, but he also makes mistakes. That makes him relatable,” she explained. It was the imperfections that made the character lovable, and it was those same traits that helped the series remain beloved across cultures and generations. Goku’s journey may have been epic, but at its core was a character who felt genuinely human.

Though often referred to as a “legend” in the voice acting world, Nozawa stayed grounded when mentoring younger talent. “I never tell them how to play a role,” she said. “But I always stress the basics: clear pronunciation and delivery. You have to speak in a way that anyone listening can understand every word.” For her, communication was key. It was the foundation of performance, whether you were a beginner or a veteran with decades in the booth.

Nozawa closed the interview by reflecting on what anime meant to her after all these years. “Anime connects people. It starts with a small circle and grows outward, across countries and cultures,” she said. “I believe anime can bring people together because it goes beyond language. That’s why I’ve always believed in its power.” With Dragon Ball now in the hands of a global fandom, her words carried the same spirit that defined the hero she voiced for a lifetime.