Akira Toriyama, the profoundly influential Japanese manga artist renowned for creating the iconic franchise “Dragon Ball” during the 1980s and nurturing its evolution into a global sensation, passed away on March 1 at the age of 68 due to complications from an acute subdural hematoma.
Confirmation of Toriyama’s passing came from the official “Dragon Ball” website, which released a statement paying tribute to the visionary creator. The statement, provided by Bird Studio and acknowledged as being machine-translated, expressed deep regret over Toriyama’s untimely departure, noting his ongoing passion for several works in progress and the unfulfilled potential he still held. Despite his departure, Toriyama leaves behind a rich legacy of manga titles and artistic contributions that have captivated audiences worldwide for over four decades, a testament to the enduring impact of his creative genius.
Toriyama’s journey in the manga industry began with the success of his early work, the beloved “Dr. Slump” series, which garnered critical acclaim and earned him a prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award in 1981. However, it was with the inception of “Dragon Ball,” an extension of his earlier one-shot “Dragon Boy” infused with kung fu movie influences, that Toriyama achieved unparalleled success. Debuting as a serialized manga in 1984, “Dragon Ball” swiftly ascended to become one of the highest-selling manga series of all time, playing a pivotal role in popularizing manga globally and securing a devoted following in Western countries through its animated adaptations.
Despite his preference for working away from the limelight, Toriyama’s creative endeavors extended far beyond the realm of “Dragon Ball” throughout his career, including various one-shot manga projects and character design contributions to acclaimed video games such as “Chrono Trigger” and the “Dragon Quest” series.
Toriyama’s involvement with “Dragon Ball” persisted into the 2010s, where he contributed to the screenplay of “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods,” marking the franchise’s return to feature films after a nearly two-decade hiatus. He remained engaged with subsequent film productions, including the latest installment, “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” released in 2022.
A private funeral service has already been conducted for Toriyama’s immediate family. He is survived by his wife, Yoshimi Katō, and their two children, leaving behind a profound legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.
