Goku’s VA Masako Nozawa has released a heartfelt tribute following the passing of Akira Toriyama, expressing her grief and also her commitment to preserving the legacy of Goku.

In her statement, Nozawa expressed disbelief and a sense of emptiness at the news of Toriyama’s passing, admitting that she’s struggling to come to terms with the reality of his departure.

Despite the pain of losing Toriyama, Nozawa pledged to remain steadfast by Goku’s side, since the author had entrusted her with the character.

“I don’t want to believe it. My head is empty because I don’t want to think about it.
Even so, every time I see Goku, I remember what Toriyama Sensei said to me, ‘You will take care of Goku, won’t you?’
I cherish that moment. It makes me think: ‘I will stay by Goku’s side until my strength runs out completely’.

Sensei, please watch over us from the heavens.
We hope you depart in peace.”

Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68 due to acute subdural hematoma.

Nozawa has a long term working relationship with Akira Toriyama, being a consistent presence on the anime adaptation of Dragon Ball series.

Apart from Son Goku, Masako Nozawa also voiced Son Gohan, & Son Goten in the Dragon Ball franchise. Moreover, she is also going to reprise her role as Goku in the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima anime.

Throughout her career as a voice actress, she has performed many male roles, leading Japanese fans to give her the nickname “The Eternal Boy”.

Some of her other prominent roles include Tetsuro Hoshino (Galaxy Express 999) and Kitaro (GeGeGe no Kitaro), as well as Doraemon in the 1973 anime, replacing Kōsei Tomita, who voiced the character in the first 26 episodes.

Source: Oricon