In the saddest news today, Akira Toriyama, the acclaimed creator of Dragon Ball and the artist behind Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and numerous other works, has passed away at age 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma.
According to an X post from the official Dragon Ball account, Akira Toriyama died on March 1, with funeral services already held and attended by close relatives, due to the legendary figure’s wishes for tranquillity.
As a lasting tribute to Akira Toriyama, Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo wrote: “It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people round the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continue to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
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Akira Toriyama Leaves Behind a Cultural Phenomenon
Born on April 5, 1955, in Nagoya, Japan, Akira Toriyama showed early artistic talent and a love for manga. Despite initial setbacks, including rejection from several publishers, Toriyama persevered and eventually debuted as a professional manga artist with “Wonder Island” in 1978. His breakout success came with the serialised series “Dr. Slump,” which introduced his signature blend of humour, action, and fantastical elements.
However, Akira Toriyama’s crowning achievement came with the creation of “Dragon Ball,” a manga series that would become a global sensation. Debuting in 1984, “Dragon Ball” followed the adventures of Goku, a young martial artist with a pure heart, as he embarked on a quest for the mystical Dragon Balls. The series’ success spawned numerous anime adaptations such as DBZ, DBZ Super movies, video games, and merchandise, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Besides Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama lent his talents to other diverse projects. For example, his art was the basis for Dragon Quest — one of Japan’s first console RPGs. Toriyama also famously teamed with Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii and Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi to make Chrono Trigger, a game still considered one of the best ever.
With his distinctive art style and storytelling prowess to seamlessly blend science fiction, fantasy, and comedy, he has set a standard for storytelling in the manga and anime industry and influenced countless artists and creators across various mediums. As a salute to his contributions, he was nominated into the Eisner Award Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy for generations.
Fellow Manga Artists’ Tribute to Akira Toriyama
After hearing the passing of Akira Toriyama, the creators of two of the Big 3, synonymously agreed as Naruto, Bleach and One Piece, wrote heartful messages to mourn their inspirations passing.
One Piece Creator Eiichiro Oda
The One Piece creator heartfully wrote: “It is too early. The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again. I have admired him so much since I was a child, so I remember the day he called me by name for the first time. On the way home from the day you used the word “friend” for me and Kishimoto, I remember being overjoyed with Kishimoto. I also remember the last conversation we had.”
“I was one of those who took the baton from the days when reading manga made you a fool, and he also created an era when both adults and children could enjoy reading manga. He showed us the dream that manga can go worldwide. It was like watching a hero going forward.”
“For the manga artists of our generation who stood on the same stage, Toriyama’s works became more and more important to me as I got closer to the same stage. I even felt scared. But I am just happy to see the aloof man himself again because we love him on a blood level.”
“With respect and gratitude for the creative world he has left behind. I pray for his soulful rest in peace. May heaven be the joyous world he envisioned.”
Naruto Creator Masashi Kishimoto
In an equally tear-spilling post, Naruto creator Kishimoto wrote: “Honestly, I don’t know what to write or how to write about something so sudden. However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he would have asked me someday. I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the upper grades, and it was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my life.”
“Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing because Dragon Ball was really fun! It was when I was a university student that suddenly, the Dragon Ball that had been a part of my life for so many years ended. I felt an incredible sense of loss and didn’t know what to look forward to.”
“But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created Dragon Ball. I also want to create works like yours and wanted to be like my teacher! I was able to find new fun by following my teacher. My teacher has always been my guide. I admired it.”
“I apologise for the inconvenience. But, I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher. For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga. I have just received the news of the death of my teacher. I feel an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended and I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart. If Dragon Ball’s one wish really comes true. Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all your enjoyable work over the past 45 years. Please take care of yourself. I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace.”
Akira Toriyama Saiyan’s Pride Continues to Live On In New Games and Anime Sequels
Besides the two above, many other manga artists also mourn the loss of their leader, Akira Toriyama. While we reflect on the tapestry of Toriyama’s achievements, let us pause to celebrate the man behind the myth.
Despite his passing, his spirit continues living on with the upcoming Dragon Ball Z spin-off series, Dragon Ball Daima, a chibi-stylised Goku and Vegeta’s adventures. Furthermore, Sand Land and Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, two works based on his are due for release, as we can expect some tribute to their inspiration.
Thus, from everyone here at the website and our Twitter crew, may your Saiyan spirit and pride continue to inspire us all to reach for the stars and forge our own destinies in the boundless cosmos of our imagination.