Voice actress Masako Nozawa has been selected as a 2025 Person of Cultural Merit, becoming the first voice actor in history to receive this honor. The announcement was made by her agency, Aoni Production, on X, following the official release of this year’s recipients of the Order of Culture and Persons of Cultural Merit.
Aoni Production expressed gratitude in its statement, thanking everyone involved and fans for their continued support.
“Today, we are pleased to report that our affiliated actor, Masako Nozawa, has been selected as a 2025 Person of Cultural Merit. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved for their continued support, as well as to all the fans who have always cheered for her,” the agency said.
Nozawa, best known for voicing Goku in the Dragon Ball series, shared a comment reflecting on the recognition:
Before I knew it, I had spent a very long time walking alongside my “voice,” and to think that continuing to do what I could in my own way has led to receiving such a wonderful reward—I am truly overwhelmed with emotion.
I accept this honor as something I am receiving on behalf of the entire voice acting community. I feel very proud that this recognition has also cast light on my seniors, my fellow active colleagues, and the younger generation who will be stepping into the world of voice acting.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the creators who have brought works and characters to life, and to all the fans who have continued to support us. It is thanks to your presence that “culture” is nurtured, and that we voice actors have been able to continue our journey.
The only thing I’m truly good at is being energetic, so I will keep giving my all to deliver my “voice” and hope that in doing so, I can give back even a little to culture.
The Person of Cultural Merit is one of Japan’s highest recognitions for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the arts, academia, or culture.
Each year, only 20 people are selected for this distinction. Honorees also receive a lifelong annual government stipend, currently set at about 3.5 million yen (roughly US$23,000).
Source: Oricon
