Welcome to our comprehensive Super Pillar Hub! You're here because you're curious about a fan-favorite character's age, and we're ready to dive deep. However, let's clear up a common mix-up right from the start: while A Silent Voice is a deeply moving and beautiful anime film, the character Gohan is actually a central figure in the iconic Dragon Ball universe, created by Akira Toriyama. It's a frequent point of confusion, but rest assured, we're here to explain Gohan's age across his entire heroic journey.
This guide will serve as your ultimate resource, connecting you to every crucial detail about Gohan's chronological progression, his significant milestones, and even the talented individuals who've brought him to life. From his earliest appearances as a shy toddler to his most powerful adult forms, understanding Gohan's age provides invaluable context to his character development and the epic sagas he's part of. Let's unravel the timeline of Earth's greatest Saiyan-human hybrid.
Unpacking Gohan's Age Throughout Dragon Ball Z: From Toddler to Teen Savior
Gohan's journey in Dragon Ball Z is where most fans first encounter him, beginning as a timid child and evolving into a powerful warrior. His age isn't just a number; it marks pivotal moments in the series where he overcomes incredible odds and often surpasses his father, Goku.
When we first meet Gohan at the very beginning of Dragon Ball Z, in Age 761, he is merely 4 years old. This tender age makes his abduction by Raditz and subsequent training with Piccolo even more impactful. By the time of the intense Namek and Frieza sagas in Age 762, Gohan has just turned 5 years old, already displaying immense potential against galactic tyrants. The significant leap in his power, and his age, comes during the Android and Cell Sagas (Age 767), where Gohan is a formidable 10 years old when he achieves Super Saiyan 2 and defeats Cell. His growth during this period is monumental, defining him as a protector of Earth. To truly grasp how Gohan matured through these formative battles, you'll want to explore .
Following the Cell Games, Dragon Ball Z introduces a seven-year time skip. By the start of the Majin Buu saga in Age 774, Gohan is a 17-year-old high school student, embracing a more academic life while still capable of incredible feats. This period showcases his struggle to balance his human desires with his Saiyan heritage.
Gohan's Age in Dragon Ball Super and Beyond: Adult Responsibilities and Power
The story continues with Dragon Ball Super, which primarily takes place between Age 778 and Age 780, bridging the gap between the defeat of Majin Buu and the End of Z. Here, we see Gohan navigate adulthood, fatherhood, and his renewed commitment to training.
At the onset of Dragon Ball Super in Age 778, Gohan is 21 years old. His focus shifts from intense martial arts training to his family and academic career, a decision that initially sees a dip in his power level. However, as new threats emerge, Gohan finds his fighting spirit once more. By the time of the Tournament of Power in Age 780, he is 23 years old, having undergone rigorous training to regain much of his former strength and even unlock new potential. Furthermore, a unique aspect of Saiyan training means that his physical body ages differently during intense sessions. For a detailed breakdown of his age and power progression in the current series, dive into . It's fascinating to see how time, and even alternate dimensions, can affect his chronology.
An interesting point to consider is how Gohan's age is impacted by special training environments. For instance, spending time in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber (Room of Spirit and Time) accelerates physical aging relative to the outside world. Gohan experiences this on multiple occasions. If you're curious about the specifics of how this affects his physical age versus his chronological age, our guide on offers a fascinating look into this unique aspect of Dragon Ball lore.
The Tragic Tale of Future Gohan's Timeline
While our main timeline Gohan thrives, the series also introduces us to a darker, alternate reality with Future Gohan. This version of the character provides a stark contrast, offering a glimpse into a world ravaged by Androids and highlighting the dire consequences of a different past.
Future Gohan is depicted as the sole surviving Z-Fighter after the Androids decimate Earth. He takes on the role of mentor to Future Trunks, training him to become a warrior capable of defending their desolate future. In Age 780, when he makes his final stand against Androids 17 and 18, Future Gohan is 23 years old. His sacrifice is one of the most poignant moments in Dragon Ball history, underscoring the importance of Trunks's journey back in time. To understand the full scope of his heroic but tragic life, explore . It's a testament to his enduring spirit, even in a timeline doomed to despair.
Exploring Gohan's Age in Dragon Ball GT: A Non-Canon Continuation
While not considered canon to the main Dragon Ball story, Dragon Ball GT offers a glimpse into Gohan's life much further into the future. It’s a distinct take on the characters we know and love, continuing their adventures in a unique, albeit debated, storyline.
At the beginning of Dragon Ball GT in Age 794, Gohan is depicted as 37 years old. By this point, he is a fully established adult, focused primarily on his family and career as a scholar, though still capable of fighting when necessary. His role in GT often sees him as a supportive figure, reflecting his journey into mature adulthood. For fans curious about this particular, non-canonical iteration, you can learn more about .
The Voices Behind the Power: Who Brought Gohan to Life
A character's age isn't just about the years they've lived in their universe; it's also about how they're portrayed and perceived by audiences, often largely thanks to their voice actors. Gohan, with his vast age range from a toddler to an adult, has been voiced by an impressive roster of talent across different languages and media.
Across 49 appearances, Gohan has been voiced by a total of 16 actors. In Japan, the iconic Masako Nozawa has lent her voice to Gohan in 44 titles, a remarkable feat that truly defines the character's sound for many. For English-speaking audiences, Stephanie Nadolny is the most frequent English voice actor, appearing in 26 titles during the earlier Dragon Ball Z and GT eras. More recent media, including Dragon Ball Kai, Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2, features Colleen Clinkenbeard as the English voice for adult Gohan. This change reflects the different stages of Gohan's life and the evolution of voice acting direction. Other talented individuals like Karina Altamirano and Laura Torres (Spanish), Sebastian Fitzner (German), Brigitte Lecordier (French), and Patrizia Scianca (Italian) have also contributed to his global recognition. Discover the full list of these incredible talents and how their performances shaped our perception of the character's age and maturity by reading our dedicated guide to .
Understanding Gohan's age across Dragon Ball isn't just about trivia; it's about appreciating the depth of his character, his evolution from a frightened child to a powerful scholar and warrior, and the impact he's had on countless fans worldwide. As the Dragon Ball universe continues to expand, Gohan's journey, in all its iterations, remains a cornerstone of its enduring appeal.