Masako Nozawa and the Future of Anime Voice Acting with AI

By Elizabeth Webb for The J-Pop Exchange

Few voices in anime are as iconic as that of Masako Nozawa, the legendary seiyuu behind Son Goku in Dragon Ball. Since the anime’s debut in 1986, Nozawa has been the voice of the Saiyan hero for nearly four decades, bringing boundless energy and charisma to the role. Now, at 88 years old, she has no plans of stepping away from the character that has defined her career and shaped generations of fans.

However, even if she were to retire, her voice may continue to echo throughout time - thanks to artificial intelligence.

Aoni Production, one of Japan’s most esteemed talent agencies for anime voice actors, recently announced a partnership with Tokyo-based tech company CoeFont, a leader in AI-generated voice technology. Together, they plan to create AI versions of the voices of some of Aoni’s most notable talents, with Nozawa among the first.

This AI initiative isn’t just about preserving Nozawa’s voice in Japanese. The technology also aims to generate multilingual versions, with English and Chinese among the first languages targeted. CoeFont envisions these AI voices being used for technological applications, including virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, interactive robots, and even medical equipment.

Given the implications of AI-generated voices, one immediate concern is whether this technology could eventually replace human actors in anime productions. Aoni Production and CoeFont have been quick to address these concerns, stating that they have no intention of using AI generated voices for anime, video games, or dubbing purposes. Instead, their focus is on non-acting projects, making a clear distinction between AI-generated voices and the work of professional voice actors.

Still, reality remains: Nozawa’s tenure as Goku will eventually come to an end. In the past, such a transition would require casting a new voice actor - something Dragon Ball has never had to do for its main character.

With AI, however, the possibility of preserving Nozawa’s voice for future Dragon Ball projects, even without her direct involvement, could prove tempting to producers, despite their current assurances.

As technology evolves, so too does the entertainment industry. AI voice replication raises questions about artistic integrity, ethical considerations, and the role of voice actors in an increasingly digital world. While Nozawa’s AI-assisted legacy could ensure Goku’s voice remains unchanged for generations, it also challenges the fundamental nature of anime voice acting. Will audiences embrace an AI-generated Goku, or will they demand a human touch? Only time will tell.

Recently, during the presentation ceremony for the Mainichi Art Award Special Prize, Nozawa humorously stated that she hopes to voice Goku until she reaches exactly 182 years old, an arbitrary number that highlights her enduring passion for the role. While clearly a joke, her message is clear: she intends to continue voicing Goku for as long as she is physically able, with no plans to retire anytime soon. At 88, she remains in good health, proving that her dedication to the character is as strong as ever.

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