Legendary Voice Actress Nozawa Masako Joins as Guest Judge for Kohaku Uta Gassen
Voice actress Nozawa Masako is set to appear as a “guest judge” on the year-end staple music program The 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, broadcasting on NHK General and other channels from 7:20 PM on December 31, 2025. The announcement that Nozawa, a legend known to everyone and the first voice actress to be selected as a Person of Cultural Merit, will participate as a guest judge has sparked major reactions on social media.
About The 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen
This year’s Kohaku marks a milestone as it concludes 100 years of broadcasting, counting from 1925 when Japan’s first broadcast began with radio. It will be broadcast under the theme “Tsunagu, Tsunagaru, Oomisoka.” (Connecting, Connected, New Year’s Eve), carrying the wish that “wonderful music will continue to connect us for the next 100 years.”
How the Judging Works
The victory between the Red and White teams in this program is determined by votes from “viewer judges” (TV audiences), “venue judges” (audience at NHK Hall), and seven “guest judges” appearing on the show. In this format, each group—viewer judges, venue judges, and guest judges—awards one point to the team with more votes, and the team that secures two or more points is declared the “winner.” It has been revealed that Nozawa will be one of these illustrious guest judges.
Nozawa Masako’s Legendary Career
Nozawa was born in 1936 in Tokyo. She made her film debut as a child actor at age 3 and has been active as a voice actress since the earliest days of domestic anime. She is known for appearing in numerous works such as Gegege no Kitarou, Inakappe Taishou, Dokonjo Gaeru, and Ginga Tetsudou 999, supporting the history of 100 years of broadcasting.
Moreover, in the Dragon Ball series, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, she has voiced Son Goku, Son Gohan, and Son Goten. Adding to that, she also appears in the currently blockbuster-hit Zootopia 2, making her nothing short of a national voice actress. With her bright, sun-like smile that treats everyone equally, Nozawa radiates a huge presence and will now color Japan’s New Year’s Eve night.
Fan Reactions on Social Media
On social media, fans are celebrating and expressing joy over Nozawa’s appearance, which ties into her long career. Comments include: “Nozawa Masako-san as a guest judge for The 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen! Congratulations!”, “We’ll be watching!”, and “This is wonderful! Looking forward to New Year’s Eve!!”
On the other hand, there are also expectant messages wondering what kind of comments or impact Nozawa will leave, such as: “Please wrap up the year with a Kamehameha!”, “I thought I wouldn’t watch Kohaku this year either, but now I feel like I want to see Nozawa Masako-san in the judge’s seat!”, “This year’s Kohaku is getting me excited!”, and “Wonder if there will be any Dragon Ball references…”
Broadcast Information
The year-end staple music program The 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, featuring Nozawa Masako, will be broadcast on NHK General and other channels from 7:20 PM on December 31, 2025.
Writer: Murata Makoto
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