the manga world bid farewell to one of its most influential and best-selling authors, Akira Toriyama, who succumbed to a fatal blood clot in his brain at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by his production company, Bird Studio, leaving fans across the globe in mourning for the creator of the iconic Dragon Ball series.
Toriyama’s journey in the world of manga began in 1984 when he introduced the world to the captivating tale of Son Goku and his quest to collect magical dragon balls to protect Earth from the threat of alien humanoids known as Saiyans. This groundbreaking manga soon evolved into a globally recognized phenomenon, spawning an anime adaptation in 1989 and becoming a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture. To date, the Dragon Ball series has sold an astounding 260 million copies worldwide, solidifying Toriyama’s legacy as a master storyteller.
Despite his passing, Toriyama’s impact on the manga and anime industry remains immeasurable. With a career spanning 45 years, the prolific creator had several unfinished works at the time of his death. Bird Studio expressed regret at the loss, stating, “It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. While there were numerous accomplishments still ahead of him, he left behind a substantial legacy of manga titles and works of art for the world to cherish.
Toriyama’s creative genius not only captivated fans but also served as a wellspring of inspiration for fellow manga artists. Renowned figures such as Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of ‘Naruto,’ and Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind ‘One Piece,’ credit Toriyama as a major influence on their own artistic journeys. Bird Studio conveyed their hope that Toriyama’s “unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.”
The news of Toriyama’s passing reverberated far beyond Japan, with tributes pouring in from fans, industry professionals, and even government officials. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressed the government’s deep sadness and extended condolences to Toriyama’s family. During a news briefing, he recognized Toriyama’s contribution to enhancing the global presence of Japanese content, expressing, “Mr. Toriyama’s work has played an extremely important role in demonstrating Japan’s soft power.”
Acknowledging Toriyama’s global impact, famous Japanese actors Yuki Kaji and Toshio Furukawa shared their gratitude on social media platforms. The outpouring of condolences also extended to neighboring China, where Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series drew inspiration from the Chinese literary classic, “Journey to the West Weibo social media platform in China recorded 40 million views and initiated thousands of discussions related to Toriyama’s passing, emphasizing the profound impact of his work on Chinese fans.
China’s Foreign Ministry officially expressed condolences, recognizing Toriyama as a “famous cartoonist” whose works were well-received in the country. Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the foreign ministry, expressed hope for continued cultural exchanges between China and Japan, stating, “We expect and believe that there will be more knowledgeable people in Japan who will actively devote themselves to Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges and the cause of friendship between the two countries.”
As fans, colleagues, and world leaders unite in paying tribute to Akira Toriyama, his legacy lives on through the pages of Dragon Ball and the countless hearts he touched with his creative brilliance. Though he may no longer be with us, the impact of his work ensures that Akira Toriyama’s name will forever be synonymous with the golden age of manga and anime.
