Voice actress Masako Nozawa has been chosen as a 2025 Individual of Cultural Benefit, changing into the primary voice actor in historical past to obtain this honor. The announcement was made by her company, Aoni Manufacturing, on X, following the official launch of this yr’s recipients of the Order of Tradition and Individuals of Cultural Benefit.
Aoni Manufacturing expressed gratitude in its assertion, thanking everybody concerned and followers for his or her continued help.
“At the moment, we’re happy to report that our affiliated actor, Masako Nozawa, has been chosen as a 2025 Individual of Cultural Benefit. We want to categorical our heartfelt gratitude to everybody concerned for his or her continued help, in addition to to all of the followers who’ve at all times cheered for her,” the company stated.
Nozawa, greatest recognized for voicing Goku within the Dragon Ball sequence, shared a remark reflecting on the popularity:
Earlier than I knew it, I had spent a really very long time strolling alongside my “voice,” and to assume that persevering with to do what I might in my very own method has led to receiving such an exquisite reward—I’m really overwhelmed with emotion.
I settle for this honor as one thing I’m receiving on behalf of the whole voice appearing neighborhood. I really feel very proud that this recognition has additionally forged mild on my seniors, my fellow energetic colleagues, and the youthful era who will likely be getting into the world of voice appearing.
I might additionally like to precise my heartfelt gratitude to all of the creators who’ve introduced works and characters to life, and to all of the followers who’ve continued to help us. It’s due to your presence that “tradition” is nurtured, and that we voice actors have been in a position to proceed our journey.
The one factor I’m really good at is being energetic, so I’ll maintain giving my all to ship my “voice” and hope that in doing so, I can provide again even a bit to tradition.
The Individual of Cultural Benefit is one among Japan’s highest recognitions for people who’ve made distinctive contributions to the humanities, academia, or tradition.
Every year, solely 20 persons are chosen for this distinction. Honorees additionally obtain a lifelong annual authorities stipend, presently set at about 3.5 million yen (roughly US$23,000).
Supply: Oricon
