Akira Toriyama, the creator of the ‘Dragon Ball‘ manga, has died at 64.
Akira Toriyama, the creator of the renowned “Dragon Ball” manga and anime franchise, has passed away at the age of 68. On March 1, he tragically died due to a blood clot in his brain, as confirmed on the official website of the franchise. While a funeral service has already taken place with his immediate family, dates for official farewell events have yet to be determined.
The website post expressed deep sadness and regret at Toriyama’s sudden demise, highlighting his unwavering dedication to numerous ongoing projects. The post also conveyed gratitude to Toriyama’s fans for their unwavering support throughout his 45-year career, expressing hope that his unique works would continue to be cherished for years to come.
Toriyama made his debut in the manga industry in 1978 with “Wonder Island” after capturing the attention of Kazuhiko Torishima, who became his editor. He went on to create popular works such as “Dr. Slump” and “Dragon Ball” for Weekly Shonen Jump. “Dragon Ball” gained worldwide acclaim upon its serialization in 1984, selling over 260 million copies globally and inspiring anime adaptations like “Dragon Ball Z” and “Dragon Ball Super.”
Beyond “Dragon Ball,” Toriyama’s influence extended to his work as an illustrator and character designer for video games such as the “Dragon Ball” series, Chrono Trigger, and Dragon Quest. His impact on the industry was profound, with many esteemed creators citing him as a significant source of inspiration for their own work. Following the announcement of his passing, tributes poured in from around the world, including a statement from Eiichiro Oda, the author of “One Piece,” on Shonen Jump’s official website, mourning the loss of one of the industry’s greats. In the statement, Oda expressed, “It’s too soon… sadness washes over me when I think about how I will never see him again. May heaven be the joyous world he envisioned.”
Toriyama’s influence transcended Japan’s creative realm. French director Pierre Perifel drew inspiration from “Dragon Ball” for his work on the DreamWorks Animation film “The Bad Guys.” Ian Jones-Quartey, a producer of the popular American animated series “Steven Universe,” also expressed admiration for both “Dragon Ball” and “Dr. Slump,” utilizing Toriyama’s vehicle designs as a reference for his own creations.
During a news conference on Friday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged Toriyama’s passing and remarked, “Toriyama’s works were cherished not only in Japan but also by people overseas. We extend our heartfelt condolences on this day of mourning.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Toriyama received numerous accolades, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters decoration from the French government in 2019. He was scheduled to be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Tokyo Anime Awards Festival, which commenced on Friday.
Akira Toriyama Legacy and accolades
Akira Toriyama, the mastermind behind ‘Dragon Ball,’ has left an indelible mark on entertainment. Despite his own modesty, his manga has inspired numerous artists and brought joy to fans around the world. Many renowned creators, such as Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto, cite him as a major influence.
Toriyama’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He has received various awards and accolades recognizing his impact on manga. Additionally, his video game designs have earned him a place among the top game creators of all time.
Although false rumors of his death caused some confusion, fans continue to celebrate Toriyama’s enduring legacy, demonstrating the profound impact of his work.
Akira Toriyama Early Life
Akira Toriyama, born in Nagoya, Japan, had a passion for drawing since childhood. He drew inspiration from cartoons and manga, particularly Osamu Tezuka’s creations. In elementary school, he gained attention for drawing pictures of his friends.
During high school, Toriyama attended a school focused on creative design but preferred spending time with friends. Despite his parents’ objections, he chose to work after graduation. He spent three years at an advertising agency in Nagoya, designing posters. However, he found the job stressful and eventually decided to quit.