When it comes to anime, few characters are as iconic as Goku from Dragon Ball. If you’re a fan of the series, you might have wondered who gives Goku his voice. It’s a fascinating story with a few surprising twists. Let’s dive in!
The Original Goku Voice
The first voice of Goku came from Japan. Her name is Masako Nozawa. Yes, you read that right—Goku is voiced by a woman! In Japan, it’s pretty common for women to voice young male characters.
Masako Nozawa has been voicing Goku since the very first episode of Dragon Ball. She voices both child and adult Goku, which might seem unusual, but it works perfectly. Masako’s voice gives Goku that unique blend of innocence and power.
Also Read: How Old is Goku?
A Perfect Match
When Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, first heard Masako’s audition, he thought it matched exactly how he imagined Goku’s voice. That endorsement made her the perfect fit for Goku, and she’s been the voice behind the character ever since.
Masako’s talent doesn’t stop there. She’s also voiced Goku’s sons, Gohan and Goten, and many other male characters in the series.
The Voice in English
When Dragon Ball was dubbed in English, things changed a bit. For young Goku, the voice actors were Ceyli Delgadillo and later Stephanie Nadolny. They did a fantastic job capturing the energy and spirit of the young Saiyan warrior.
But when Goku became an adult, the role went to Sean Schemmel. He’s been the voice of adult Goku in English for many years now. Sean brings his own style to Goku, making him sound strong and determined.
Also Read: Goku’s Sky-High Journey: Discover When He Learned to Fly
The Voice Behind the Scenes
Sean Schemmel didn’t start as a voice actor. He was a classical French horn player. A friend encouraged him to audition for Dragon Ball, and he landed the role of Goku. It was a challenging task to bring Goku to life, but Sean’s training in music helped him keep the performance fresh and exciting.
Goku’s Global Voices
Dragon Ball is popular worldwide, so Goku’s voice has been dubbed into many different languages. While Masako Nozawa and Sean Schemmel are the most well-known, there are many talented voice actors who bring Goku to life in other countries.
Also Read: The Evolution of Android 18: From Villain to Z Fighter
Why Masako Nozawa Stays
Masako Nozawa has been the voice of Goku for decades, and she has no plans to stop. Her love for the character and the fans keeps her going. She even holds a Guinness World Record for the “Longest Time in the Same Video Game Role” for Goku. Fans appreciate her dedication and can’t imagine anyone else in the role.
Personal Preferences
Some fans prefer the English voice, while others love Masako’s portrayal. It all comes down to personal taste. Goku’s character is a mix of fun-loving innocence and incredible strength. Both Masako and Sean capture this in their performances.
