The Dragon Ball series has been a timeless masterpiece beloved around the world since the start of its anime broadcast in 1986. One of the crucial elements supporting the work is the presence of voice actors who breathe life into the uniquely diverse characters. This article will detail the voice actors for key characters such as Son Goku and Vegeta, exploring the evolution and charm of voice acting throughout the series. By learning about the voice actors, you can enjoy Dragon Ball even more deeply.
Many of the main characters in Dragon Ball have been portrayed by the same voice actors for many years, becoming perceived as inseparable entities with the characters. Here, we will explain in detail eight representative characters of the work and their respective voice actors.
Masako Nozawa, born in 1936, is a legendary voice actor with over 60 years of experience in the industry. She has consistently voiced Son Goku since the start of the Dragon Ball broadcast in 1986 and continues to be active at the forefront today.
Representative works include Tetsuro Hoshino from "Galaxy Express 999" and Kitaro from "GeGeGe no Kitaro."
The performance of Goku by Masako Nozawa beautifully expresses the changes in voice corresponding to growth from a pure and bright childhood to a strong and reliable youth, and then to a mature adult. In particular, the intense shouts during battle scenes still hold overwhelming power even after nearly 40 years have passed. The skill to portray the entire Goku family by herself is highly regarded worldwide. 【Related article】: Dragon Ball Character Popularity Ranking | Official Vote 2025
Ryou Horikawa was born in 1958 and made his first appearance as Vegeta when "Dragon Ball Z" was broadcast in 1990. His representative works include Shun Andromeda from "Saint Seiya" and Heiji Hattori from "Detective Conan."
The Vegeta portrayed by Ryou Horikawa perfectly expresses the complex character of the proud and arrogant Saiyan prince. From the cold-hearted antagonist at his debut to his emotional growth as a companion and eventually having a family, his acting ability expresses the subtle differences in voice tone and speech patterns. Notably, the famous line "I am Super Vegeta!" stands out with a strength and pride unique to Ryou Horikawa. 【Related article】: Collection of Famous Quotes from Dragon Ball's Vegeta | 25 Proud Lines
Takuan Nakao, born in 1951, works widely as a voice actor, actor, and narrator. His representative works include Baikinman from "Soreike! Anpanman" and Caesar Clown from "ONE PIECE."
The voice of Frieza is particularly impressive among Nakao's representative works, showcasing an unique performance that combines meticulous language and coldness. The characteristic laughter of "Hohoho" and the ending "desuwa" are what make the character's charm possible, thanks to Nakao's performance. The voice tone subtly changes with each transformation, and in the final form, surprisingly becomes androgynous and gentle, highlighting the character's eeriness.
Toshio Furukawa, born in 1946, is a veteran with over 50 years of experience as a voice actor. represents a unique character. Notable works include Ataru Moroboshi from "Urusei Yatsura" and King Piccolo and Piccolo from "Dragon Ball."
Toshio Furukawa plays both King Piccolo and Majin Buu (Piccolo) with a low and calm voice. This voice quality perfectly fits Piccolo's character, which combines intelligence and strength. In scenes where he is a strict yet kind mentor to Gohan, the warm tone of his voice adds depth, delicately expressing the character's growth and change of heart.
Mayumi Tanaka, born in 1955, is a voice actor known for playing boy characters. Notable works include Monkey D. Luffy from "ONE PIECE" and Krillin from "Dragon Ball."
The Krillin voiced by Mayumi Tanaka is characterized by a bright and approachable voice quality, expressing an endearing character who, while being the strongest Earthling warrior, has a charmingly lovable nature. His ability to skillfully switch between valiant battle scenes and friendly everyday interactions is highly praised. The natural evolution of his voice from childhood to maturity, and even into his settled adulthood after marriage, is also notable. [Related Article]: 25 Famous Quotes and Scenes from Dragon Ball | Summary of Emotional Lines
Son Gohan, the son of Goku, is also voiced by Masako Nozawa. From childhood to adulthood, she masterfully portrays him through distinct vocal colors at each growth stage.
Notably, the awakening scene during the "Cell Games" is regarded as a culmination of Masako Nozawa's acting ability. The shift from a gentle and modest voice to one filled with intense anger and power left a strong impression on the audience. The unprecedented attempt of a single voice actor portraying three generations of a family has become a unique trait of Dragon Ball.
The role of Bulma has been played by Hiroko Tsuru from the start of the anime in 1986 until 2017. Tsuruhime Hiroshi was in charge of the role. Tsuruhime Hiroshi was born in 1960 and is known for her representative works such as Madoka Ayukawa from "Kimagure Orange☆Road" and Dokin-chan from "Soreike! Anpanman". For over 30 years she continued to voice Bulma.
Following the sudden passing of Tsuruhime Hiroshi in 2017, from 2018 onwards Ayaka Kuze was appointed as her successor. While respecting Tsuruhime Hiroshi's performance, Ayaka Kuze has naturally taken over Bulma's voice and is highly regarded by fans.
Takeo Kusao was born in 1965 and is a voice actor who plays a wide range of roles from youth to adult male characters. His representative works include Hanamichi Sakuragi from "SLAM DUNK" and Trunks from "Dragon Ball Z".
He plays both the youth Trunks from the future and the young Trunks, successfully distinguishing between his cool and serious personality and his lively character. His brave voice during sword-wielding battle scenes is a crucial element in establishing Trunks' character image.
One of the key elements that supports the charm of the Dragon Ball series is the unique and impactful enemy characters. Here, we introduce the popular enemy characters that represent the series and their voice actors. The acting skills of each voice actor greatly enhance the appeal of the enemy characters.
Nobuyuki Wakamoto, born in 1945, is a unique voice actor known for his distinctive acting style. His representative works include Anago from "Sazae-san" and Katakuriko from "Gintama."
The voice of Cell is characterized by Wakamoto's unique lingering speech style, with famous lines like "Once I became perfect, I am invincible!" still passed down among fans. His performance that expresses the coldness of a biological weapon and the confident attitude after becoming perfect is truly stunning. In particular, his portrayal of Cell's arrogant demeanor during the "Cell Games" and the sense of urgency when cornered is remarkable, and Wakamoto's unique presence elevated Cell to an immortal iconic villain.Related articles: Dragon Ball Villain Popularity Ranking | Who is the strongest villain?
Kozo Shioya, born in 1955, is a voice actor who performs a wide range of roles from children to adults. His representative works include Jun Misugi from "Captain Tsubasa" and Majin Buu from "Dragon Ball Z."
Majin Buu has several forms, including the innocent "Pure Buu," the evil "Evil Buu," and the absorbed "Fat Buu." There are multiple forms existing.
He plays all these forms. He performs all of these forms, especially the technique of expressing the innocent and immeasurable destructive impulses of pure Buu's childlike form solely through voice is highly regarded. The acting ability to give entirely different impressions depending on the form is impressive.Koichi Yamadera was born in 1961 and is a representative voice actor from Japan known as the "man with the seven-colored voice." His notable works include Ryoji Kaji from "Neon Genesis Evangelion" and Inspector Zenigata (2nd generation) from "Lupin the Third."
The God of Destruction Beerus, who appeared in Dragon Ball Super, is a character where Koichi Yamadera's versatile acting ability is fully displayed. He expertly expresses the dignity of a god, a whimsical personality, and a gourmet aspect through his tone of voice and speaking style. His portrayal of the terrifying nature when angry and the usual carefree attitude creates a charm that is made possible by Koichi Yamadera's performance.
Goku Black (Zamasu, who took over Goku's body) is voiced by Shinichiro Miki, while Zamasu himself is voiced by Kappei Yamaguchi. Shinichiro Miki was born in 1968 and is known for his roles such as Kisuke Urahara in "BLEACH," while Kappei Yamaguchi, born in 1965, is known for his role as Shinichi Kudo in "Detective Conan."
Shinichiro Miki expresses the uncanny nature of Goku Black, who has Goku's appearance but a completely different personality, with careful speech and a cold tone. On the other hand, Kappei Yamaguchi's Zamasu brilliantly portrays the madness of a god distorted by justice, and the interplay between the two voice actors enhances the tension of the "Future Trunks Saga."
Toshiyuki Morikawa was born in 1954 and is a voice actor who excels at strong male roles. His notable works include Broly in "Dragon Ball" and Might Guy in "NARUTO."
Broly, who boasts immense popularity as an original character from the animated movie, is appealing due to **Toshiyuki Morikawa's wild and powerful performance. The transformation from his calm voice to a beast-like roar upon awakening** possesses overwhelming intensity, and the cry "Kakarot!" has become a symbol of Broly. In the 2018 new film, Toshiyuki Morikawa continues to provide the voice, expressing Broly's charm through a new interpretation. 【Related articles】: Recommended Ranking of Dragon Ball Movies | Reviews of All 21 Works
Since the Dragon Ball series has nearly 40 years of history, there have been changes in voice actors for some roles. Here, we explain the main cases of voice actor replacements and their backgrounds. Because it is a work loved for a long time, replacements are done carefully, and consideration for fans is essential.
The change of the voice actor for Bulma was one of the biggest events for Dragon Ball fans. **Hiromi Tsuru consistently voiced Bulma for 31 years since the anime began in 1986** but passed away suddenly at the age of 57 on November 16, 2017, due to aortic dissection.
Her successor, Aya Hisakawa, who was appointed from 2018, is a talented voice actress active since the 1990s, with notable works such as Ami Mizuno (Sailor Mercury) from "Sailor Moon". Aya Hisakawa deeply studied Hiromi Tsuru's performance and naturally inherited Bulma's bright and strong personality.
They are highly regarded by fans as "inheriting Tsuru-san's will" and have established themselves as Bulma's voice without any discomfort. The production side also carefully made the difficult decision to continue the work while paying respect to Hiromi Tsuru.
In Dragon Ball, there have been cases where voice actor replacements occurred, not just for Bulma. The narration was initially handled by Yana Mune, but later some of it was changed to other voice actors, including the next episode previews.
Additionally, for side characters, during the transition from Dragon Ball to Z or following long interruptions, some characters have had their voice actors changed. For example, characters like Tien and Chiaotzu, who are students of Master Roshi, have been consistently voiced by the same voice actors (Hirotaka Suzuoki, Hiroko Emori) throughout the series, but different voice actors may be used in the game versions.
Moreover, in overseas adaptations, each country has conducted its own unique casting, and particularly in the American version, a completely different voice cast has been employed. These changes are made to strike a balance between the continuity of the work and its appeal to new generations.
Dragon Ball has been broadcast in over 80 countries worldwide, and dubbed versions are produced in each country. The American version, in particular, has formed its own unique culture, offering attractions that differ from the Japanese version.
In the American version (English dub), Sean Schemmel plays Goku. In contrast to the Japanese version's Masako Nozawa, Sean portrays Goku with a deep and powerful young male voice, which is recognized as "Goku" by American fans. Christopher Sabat, who plays Vegeta, expresses a dignified Vegeta with a different approach than Ryō Horikawa.
Interestingly, while Masako Nozawa voices Goku, Gohan, and Goten all by herself in the Japanese version, the English version employs different voice actors for each character. This reflects the cultural differences in voice acting; in Japan, the "skills of differentiating characters" are emphasized, whereas overseas, there is a tendency to prioritize the "uniqueness of each character." Due to the cultural backgrounds of each country, the criteria for selecting voice actors vary significantly. 【Related articles】: Dragon Ball Viewing Order | Chronology and Viewing Guide for Beginners
The Dragon Ball voice acting cast holds a special place in the history of Japanese anime. For nearly 40 years, their achievements in continuing to play the same role and supporting a beloved work across generations are immeasurable. Here, we will discuss the impact of the voice actors on the industry and their solidarity.
The achievements Masako Nozawa has accomplished in Dragon Ball are unprecedented in the voice acting industry. She has been voicing Goku for nearly 40 years since 1986, and she is still active at the age of 88 as of 2025.
Masako Nozawa’s influence extends beyond Japan, as she is highly regarded overseas. Famous American voice actor Sean Schemmel openly expresses his respect for her, stating, "I wouldn’t be here without her." Moreover, **she has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the voice actor who has played the same character the longest**; her achievements are recognized globally.
Masako Nozawa’s acting style is also that of a **pioneer who established the culture of female voice actors playing boy roles. The performance that balances Goku's purity and strength** has had a significant influence on future voice actors, inspiring many young voice actors to aspire to be like Masako Nozawa. 【Related Articles】: Dragon Ball's Strongest Character Rankings | Comparison of Combat Power and Strength
The voice cast of Dragon Ball is strongly bonded as companions who have worked together to create the series for many years. The relationships between characters are reflected in the relationships between voice actors, enhancing the overall quality of the work.
Masako Nozawa and Ryo Horikawa, who play the rival characters Goku and Vegeta, are deeply bonded by friendship in their private lives. At events and interviews, they praise each other's performances and express their happiness at being able to create works together. Additionally, upon the sudden passing of Hiromi Tsuru, all the voice actors shared in profound sadness and warmly welcomed Aya Hisakawa.
During the recordings of Dragon Ball Super, a chemical reaction with veteran voice actors and newly joined Koichi Yamadera (the voice of Beerus) can also be seen. Yamadera stated, 'It is an honor to participate in a scene with Nozawa and the others,' highlighting how the environment of interaction between veterans and mid-career voice actors stimulates one another, generating new attractions for the work. The solidarity and mutual respect amongst the voice actors are important factors that make Dragon Ball an enduring masterpiece.
We have provided a detailed explanation of the voice actors and cast of Dragon Ball, from main characters to enemy characters, as well as the changes in voice actors. With legends like Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, Takashi Nakao, and Toshio Furukawa, their acting skills continue to support the Dragon Ball content.
By knowing the voice actors, your understanding of the characters deepens, and the charms of the work increase exponentially. When watching the anime, be sure to pay attention to the actors' performances as well. You will be able to sense the techniques of the voice actors in the details, such as the phrasing of lines, emotional expressions, and the changes in voices corresponding to character growth.
New developments in the Dragon Ball series are expected in the future, and attention will be drawn to the voice actors' activities. Why not enjoy this beloved work from the perspective of its voice actors? 【Related Articles】: Complete Guide to Dragon Ball | All about Characters, Stories, Goods, and Anime Information
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