This is a reprint of an article originally published by ORICON NEWS in June 2022.

The new Dragon Ball movie, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, will be released on June 11. This 21st theatrical film in the Dragon Ball series is based on a story, script, and character designs by the original creator, Akira Toriyama, and depicts a fierce battle with the resurrected Red Ribbon Army, the most notorious military force. We spoke to Masako Nozawa, who voices Son Goku, Gohan, and Goten, and Toshio Furukawa, who voices Piccolo, about why the series continues to be beloved, memories from the recording sessions, and how the series has influenced them.

Dragon Ball has sold approximately 260 million copies worldwide, and 38 years have passed since the manga’s serialization began, with 36 years since its first anime adaptation. It remains hugely popular not only in Japan but around the globe.

Most Battle Scenes Are Improvised: The Many Shouts of the Great Masako Nozawa

Although Goku and Piccolo are now rivals and allies, Piccolo was originally feared as a great demon when he was introduced, and the two have fought many intense battles. Regarding the heated exchanges in these battles, Nozawa explained, "I don’t think about how to act; I just immerse myself in the emotions. I naturally adjust to Goku’s movements and emotions, becoming one with him during the recording."

However, she admitted that some of the fast-moving scenes confuse her. "When they move so quickly, it’s just a blur. I have to confirm, 'Is that Goku coming from this side?' and then record with that in mind."

Furukawa revealed that most battle cries are left up to the actors’ improvisation: "The script often says, 'Ad-lib the battle cries,' and that's it—just a blank page (laughs)." He added with a wry smile, "The variations run out after a while. In scenes like the World Martial Arts Tournament, where we fight for 30 minutes, I have to keep changing the shouts. If I miss a line, it becomes an NG take, and I feel terrible for troubling Nozawa-san, so I give it my all."

Furukawa praised Nozawa, calling her a "master of shouts": "She instinctively comes up with original, spontaneous sounds. It's not easy to keep up with the animation without repeating the same thing, but Nozawa-san does it so naturally. Her ability to follow the fast-paced visuals is amazing, and her range of shouts is vast. It's something not everyone can do."

Piccolo’s Goods as a Good Luck Charm & Nozawa’s “Senzu Beans”

Furukawa revealed that he carries Piccolo merchandise with him as a good luck charm when heading to the recording studio. "I really like Piccolo, so I put some of his goods in my bag, thinking, 'Today, I’ll bring this.' When I have them with me, I feel like things go smoothly."

He explained that he mostly brings figurines, adding with a laugh, "My wife attached a character patch to my pencil case, but people might think it’s an elementary school pencil box." He also shared that his habit of collecting figurines was influenced by Nozawa: "I once watched a TV show that visited Nozawa’s home, and I saw that she had plush toys displayed all over. I thought it was wonderful and decided to start collecting, too."

Nozawa responded, "Instead of fancy liquor, my shelves are filled with figurines. Everyone who sees it is always surprised." Furukawa also revealed, "She sometimes brings bitter melons to the recording studio." Nozawa smiled and said, "I have a vegetable garden at home, and I’m happy to share what I grow."

Furukawa quipped, "These are vegetables grown by a Super Saiyan. I have to use them wisely, or I'll be cursed," drawing laughter from the audience. He continued, "I cook various dishes with them, take photos, and report back to her the next time we meet. I’ve become quite knowledgeable about bitter melon recipes and preservation techniques. It feels like receiving 'Senzu Beans' from Nozawa-san."

Toshio Furukawa Learns from Masako Nozawa’s Kindness

For both Furukawa and Nozawa, Dragon Ball is undoubtedly a special series, but what have they learned from it?

Furukawa began by saying, "I’ve learned a lot not only from the series but from Nozawa-san herself. There’s an old saying about being considerate of others, and Nozawa-san is always mindful of those around her. Despite being the lead role, she always looks after the newcomers. Watching her has made me realize that the 'kindness' of the characters in Dragon Ball is reflected in her as well."

He added, "When newcomers are nervous and stumble over their lines, she always reassures them, saying, 'I was much worse when I was younger,' while offering them snacks or coffee. Seeing that has made me want to be a senior like her. I've learned a lot from both the show and my interactions with Nozawa-san."

On the other hand, Nozawa said, "I’ve been deeply influenced in many ways. Even in my daily life, when I’m unsure of what to do, I think, 'What would Goku do in this situation?' Goku is always active, so when I have free time, I act from Goku’s perspective (laughs)."

When Furukawa mentioned, "It’s become your life’s work, hasn’t it, Nozawa-san?" she smiled and replied, "I’m living a good life. Meeting Dragon Ball and Goku has made me very happy."

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Source : ORICON NEWS