Why is Goku still voiced by a woman?

Goku, one of the most iconic characters in the Dragon Ball franchise, is voiced by a woman, specifically Masako Nozawa in the Japanese version. The decision to have Goku voiced by a woman has become one of the unique aspects of the character’s voice acting.

Historical Context:

When Goku was first being cast for the original Dragon Ball anime in 1986, the role of Goku was offered to Masako Nozawa, a renowned voice actress. At that time, it was common for anime studios to cast female voice actors for young male characters, especially for characters with a high-pitched or youthful tone like Goku.

Masako Nozawa, who was already well-known in the industry, was chosen for her ability to portray the innocence, energy, and childlike enthusiasm that made Goku such a lovable character. Her vocal performance, which includes an incredibly high-pitched and energetic voice for Goku, resonated with the character's playful and often naive personality.

Why It Continues:

• Consistency in Voice: Over the years, Nozawa has voiced Goku through many series and films, and her voice has become synonymous with the character. The continuity of Goku's voice in the Japanese version helps maintain the character’s consistency across different seasons and movies.

• Goku’s Childlike Personality: Goku’s character, despite his incredible strength and martial arts prowess, often retains a childlike enthusiasm and innocence. Nozawa’s high-pitched voice adds to the portrayal of that personality, emphasizing his carefree, fun-loving side even as he matures into a seasoned fighter.

• Cultural Tradition: In the world of anime, it's not unusual for women to voice male characters, especially those who are young or youthful. It's a tradition that has continued in the anime industry for decades, where female voice actresses often take on roles of both male and female characters. This is considered a standard in the industry, and fans are used to it.

Goku’s English Voice:

In the English version of Dragon Ball Z and subsequent series, Goku has been voiced by Sean Schemmel, a male voice actor, for most of the series. However, the Japanese version remains with Masako Nozawa, maintaining the distinctive, recognizable sound of Goku's voice.

Conclusion:

The reason Goku is still voiced by a woman in the Japanese version is rooted in the tradition of anime voice acting, where female actresses often voice male characters with youthful or childlike characteristics. Masako Nozawa’s voice work has become a defining characteristic of Goku, and her portrayal has continued through the years due to her ability to bring the character's personality to life. Goku’s voice has become iconic, and Nozawa's performance remains a key part of the character’s identity.