The Masako Nozawa Cultural Merit Award honors the legendary voice actress known worldwide as Goku from Dragon Ball. This historic recognition marks her as the first professional voice actor in Japan to receive such an honor, celebrating decades of contributions to anime and Japanese culture.
Historic Milestone: Masako Nozawa Cultural Merit Award
The Japanese government announced the 2025 Cultural Merit honorees, featuring 21 influential figures across arts and entertainment. Among them, Masako Nozawa and manga creator Keiko Takemiya stand out. Nozawa becomes the first seiyuu ever to receive this prestigious award. The ceremony will be held on November 4 at The Okura Tokyo hotel, highlighting her impact on Japan’s creative arts.
Other notable recipients include actor and dancer Min Tanaka, recognized for his work in Children of the Sea and the Rurouni Kenshin saga, as well as playwright Hideki Noda, narrator of the animated short Tokatonton. Each recipient represents excellence in promoting Japanese culture globally.
Masako Nozawa: Voice Acting Icon Honored by the Cultural Merit Award
Masako Nozawa began her career in 1963 with the original Astro Boy anime. She later voiced Kitaro in GeGeGe no Kitaro (1968) and its 1971 sequel. Decades later, she returned to voice Medama Oyaji in the 2018 remake and the 2023 film GeGeGe no Kitaro: Kappa no Terraforming.
Her most iconic role is Son Goku in Dragon Ball. She has portrayed Goku for over 40 years, setting two Guinness World Records: one for the longest career voicing a single character in video games, and another for the longest voice acting career in gaming overall. Furthermore, her work earned her the 2023 Kan Kikuchi Award, recognizing her pioneering role in the seiyuu profession and her influence on Japanese pop culture.
Keiko Takemiya: Manga Pioneer Recognized Alongside Nozawa
Keiko Takemiya, also honored with a Cultural Merit Award, revolutionized manga in the 1970s. Alongside Moto Hagio and Riyoko Ikeda, she was part of the influential “Year 24 Group,” which transformed shoujo and science fiction manga. Takemiya’s notable works, including Toward the Terra, Kaze to Ki no Uta, and Andromeda Stories, remain benchmarks of storytelling depth and social themes. Her influence paved the way for female creators in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
The Core Takeaways from the Masako Nozawa Cultural Merit Award
This year’s awards highlight how Japanese artists impact global entertainment. Nozawa’s enduring voice roles and Takemiya’s transformative manga work exemplify Japan’s cultural evolution. The Masako Nozawa Cultural Merit Award underscores the global significance of anime and manga as cultural pillars.
The Road Ahead for Voice Acting and Manga Recognition
As Japan’s creative industry gains international attention, the Masako Nozawa Cultural Merit Award may inspire future generations of artists. Voice acting is now celebrated as a central part of cultural identity, and manga continues to expand worldwide. Consequently, both mediums are shaping the next era of global storytelling.
The Enduring Legacy of Masako Nozawa
Masako Nozawa’s influence goes beyond her voice. She represents passion, dedication, and the spirit of Japanese artistry. Her recognition with the Masako Nozawa Cultural Merit Award honors her contributions while validating anime’s cultural power. Through her work, she inspires perseverance, joy, and heroism, leaving a lasting mark on fans worldwide.
