Legendary ‘Dragon Ball’ Creator Akira Toriyama Passes Away at 68
The world of manga and anime is mourning the loss of a true legend. Akira Toriyama, the influential creator of the beloved “Dragon Ball” franchise, has passed away at the age of 68. The news was announced on Friday, leaving fans around the world devastated.
According to the franchise’s official website, Toriyama died on March 1 due to a blood clot in his brain. A funeral service has already been held with his immediate family, but dates for official farewell events have yet to be announced. The post on the website expressed deep sadness and regret at Toriyama’s sudden death, stating that he had been passionately working on many projects and had so much more he wanted to accomplish.
Toriyama’s impact on the world of manga and anime cannot be overstated. His first entry into the industry came when he entered a competition for up-and-coming writers in the Weekly Shonen Jump comic magazine. Although he did not win, his submissions caught the attention of Kazuhiko Torishima, who worked at the manga giant and would later become Toriyama’s editor. This led to his debut in 1978 with “Wonder Island.” From there, he went on to create popular works such as “Dr. Slump” and, of course, “Dragon Ball.”
“Dragon Ball,” which began serialization in 1984, quickly became an international phenomenon. It is now one of the best-selling and highest-grossing manga series of all time, with over 260 million copies sold worldwide in more than 20 countries. The anime adaptations of “Dragon Ball,” including “Dragon Ball Z” and “Dragon Ball Super,” also gained immense popularity overseas and have been broadcast in over 40 countries.
The success of “Dragon Ball” spawned a massive franchise that extended far beyond the pages of manga and the screens of televisions. Action figures, trading cards, clothing, and video games flooded the market, making it a true cultural phenomenon. The video game titles based on the franchise also reached widespread popularity, with Toriyama himself serving as the illustrator and character designer for the series.
Toriyama’s influence extended far beyond his own creations. He was credited with inspiring numerous renowned creators in the industry. Eiichiro Oda, the author of “One Piece,” expressed his grief over Toriyama’s passing, stating that he had a significant influence on his work. Other creators from around the world also paid tribute to Toriyama, including French director Pierre Perifel, who cited “Dragon Ball” as inspiration for his work on the DreamWorks Animation film “The Bad Guys.”
At a news conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged Toriyama’s impact not only in Japan but also overseas. He stated, “Toriyama created works that were loved not only by people in Japan but those overseas. We offer our heartfelt condolences on this day of mourning.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Toriyama received numerous accolades, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and a decoration for a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 2019. He was set to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Tokyo Anime Awards Festival.
The world has lost a creative genius, but Akira Toriyama’s legacy will live on forever. His unique works will continue to be loved by fans around the world for generations to come. As we say goodbye to a true legend, let us remember the joy and inspiration he brought to millions of people through his art. May he rest in peace.