Manga and anime “Dragon Ball (ドラゴンボール)” has been a beloved piece of media since its conception, being one of the pioneers in introducing anime and manga to the world. As such, it is with great regret that it was announced that its creator Toriyama Akira (鳥山 明) reportedly passed away last Friday (1st March).
According to a post made by “Dragon Ball” official’s account on X (formerly Twitter), Toriyama Akira had passed away at age 68 due to an “acute subdural haematoma (blood clot on the brain)”. Fans have since gathered online to share their condolences and mourn his passing.
“Dragon Ball” has become Toriyama’s legacy since being serialised in 1984. But, as it turns out, there had been more to come. “It is 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,” the post reminisced.
Still, the famous and greatly popular manga is not all he’s left behind. “Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come,” they added.
Reportedly, a small funeral service had been held for Toriyama, with his family and a few relatives in attendance. His company, Birdy Studio under Capsule Corporation Tokyo has respectfully informed fans that they will not be accepting flowers, condolences gifts, visitations, offerings and the like. “We also ask you to refrain from conducting interviews with his family,” they said.
Fans have since gathered in the comments section to thank Toriyama for his legacy, with many attributing “Dragon Ball” to being an unforgettable part of their childhood. “Thank you for helping others imaginations and for giving others strength. Rest in peace,” one said. Another commented: “DBZ shaped my life. There will never be another author like him. RIP Akira.”
Creator of “Naruto”, Masashi Kishimoto thanked Toriyama for his guidance and for giving him confidence in creating his works. “For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga,” he shared in a quote to Shonen Jump.
For Eiichiro Oda, manga creator of “One Piece”, Toriyama’s loss had left a large hole behind. “The thought of never seeing you again fills me with sadness,” he said. “He showed us the dream that manga can (be enjoyed by all) and that we can go (out into) the world.”
Like many others, we too have much to thank Toriyama Akira for, most of all, for “Dragon Ball”. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans. We sincerely hope they will be able to find peace in his passing. We also hope they will not let his legacy die, even as time goes on.
Sources: Twitter, Shonen Jump
