Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama Passes Away at 68

Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama died on March 1 due to an acute subdural hematoma, Toriyama's Bird Studio & Capsule Corporation Tokyo announced.

In addition to the Dragon Ball series, Toriyama was also the creator of various other series such as Dr. Slump, SAND LAND, and has been handled the character designs for various games like Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon, and the entirety of the Dragon Quest series.

The following is the full press release statement from Bird Studio & Capsule Corporation Tokyo in regards to Toriyama’s passing:

Dear friends and partners,

We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68.

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 around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to time.

We inform you this sad news, with gratefulness for your kindness during his lifetime.

Funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives, Following his wishes for tranquility, we respectfully inform you that we would not accept flowers, condolences gifts, visiting, offerings, and others. Also, we ask you to refrain from conducting interviews with his family.

Future plan for commemorate gathering is not decided, we will let you know when it’s confirmed. We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always.

March 8, 2024
Bird Studio
Capsule Corporation Tokyo

 

Since Toriyama’s passing, may people from all over from his collogues, business partners, seiyuu whom voiced characters created by him to Youtubers/Vtubers, & many more over the social media plain, have come out to show their gratitude to Toriyama for all the joy his creations have brought them along with being an inspiration during many parts in their lives.


The following are comments and responses from various people upon hearing the news of Akira Toriyama’s passing:

Toshio Furukawa (voice of Piccolo from the Dragon Ball series)

“The manager brought the news of Akira Toriyama’s passing, saying, ‘Mako-san has been informed already, now I would like to inform Toshio-san of his passing…’

The first thing that came to my mind was, ‘How must Mako-san have felt?’

Dragon Ball is her life’s work, and Goku is her alter-ego. Goku means much more to her than Piccolo for me! We last met at the screening of Dragon Ball Super: SUPER HERO just before the release…

I extend my deepest condolences to his family.

Note: Mako-san is Masako Nozawa (voice of Goku & others from the Dragon Ball series). That’s what Furukawa calls her.


Masako Nozawa (Voice of Goku & others from the Dragon Ball series)

“I’m not in a state to comment.”


Eiichiro Oda (Creator & Author of One Piece)

“It’s too soon. The void left behind is too large.

The sadness overwhelms me when I realize I’ll never meet you again. From my childhood, I’ve admired you. I remember the day I was first called by name. On the way home after the day you used the word “friends” for us, I remember the joyous moment with Kishimoto-san. I remember our last conversation.

Taking the baton from an era where reading manga was considered foolish, you helped create an era where both adults and children enjoy manga. You showed us that manga can do this, that it can take us to other worlds. It felt like watching a hero charging forward.

Not just for manga artists, but for all the creators who were children during the serialization of Dragon Ball, the excitement and inspiration remains rooted. Your presence is like a giant tree.

For manga artists of our generation who stood on the same stage, Toriyama’s works became an even greater presence the closer we got. Almost scary. But meeting the laid-back you always made me happy. We love Toriyama-sensei to the core.

With respect and gratitude for Akira Toriyama-sensei’s rich creative world, I sincerely pray for his peaceful rest.

May heaven be the delightful world you envisioned, Sensei.


Masashi Kishimoto (Creator & Author of Naruto)

I honestly don’t know what to write in such a sudden situation. But I want to convey what I’ve always wanted to express about Toriyama-sensei, my thoughts.

From early elementary school with Dr. Slump to later years with Dragon Ball, Sensei’s manga has always been with me, becoming a part of my life. Even when things were tough, Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was salvation for a rural boy like me. Because Dragon Ball was just too much fun! It was during my university days when suddenly, Dragon Ball, which had been a part of my life for so long, ended. I felt an overwhelming sense of loss and didn’t know what to look forward to anymore. But at the same time, it was an opportunity to truly understand Sensei’s greatness, the one who created Dragon Ball.

I want to create works like Sensei! I want to be like Sensei! Pursuing manga artist, I gradually overcame that sense of loss. Because making manga was fun. Sensei was always my guiding star. I admired him. Sensei might find it bothersome, but I’m grateful anyway. He was truly a god of salvation and manga to me.

The first time I met him, I was so nervous I couldn’t speak. But after meeting him several times at the Tezuka Awards judging committee, I got used to talking to him. As Dragon Ball children, Oda-san and I talked excitedly about how fun Dragon Ball was, almost competing, and I’ll never forget the slightly embarrassed smile Sensei gave us.

I’ve just received news of Sensei’s passing. I’m overwhelmed with a sense of loss even greater than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart. I can’t even read Dragon Ball, my beloved manga, now. I don’t feel like I can write this message to Sensei properly. People around the world were still looking forward to Sensei’s works. If there’s one wish from Dragon Ball that could come true… I’m sorry… It may be selfish, but I’m sad, Sensei.

Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for your many enjoyable works over 45 years. And thank you very much for your hard work.

To the remaining family, you must still be deeply saddened. Please take care of yourselves. I pray for the peaceful rest of Akira Toriyama-sensei.


Zentreya (Vtuber talent from VShojo)

Incredibly saddening.
I’ve been recently watching DB as well.
Many memorable characters and worlds created.
Thank you for helping others imagination’s and for giving other’s strength. Rest in peace.


Lucius Merryweather (CEO & Vtuber from Astraline)

He was a truly legendary creator that brought so much joy to countless people. Rest in peace, Akira Toriyama.


HYTE (PC Brand Company)

Thank you Akira Toriyama for inspiring so many of us and bring many people together with your work. Rest in peace


More can be found on the official post made on X (Formally known as Twitter) on the official Dragon Ball account (This is the official EN account….there is an official JP account as well).

 

Source: Official Dragon Ball EN, Gematsu

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