The Japanese visionary responsible for the immensely popular Dragon Ball series has passed away at the age of 68.

March 08, 2024

The Japanese visionary responsible for the immensely popular Dragon Ball series has passed away at the age of 68.

Akira Toriyama, the renowned Japanese manga artist credited with creating the immensely popular and influential Dragon Ball series, passed away last week at the age of 68 due to a brain condition, as confirmed by his production studio on Friday.

Toriyama, the creative mind behind the fantasy martial arts saga featuring Son Goku, a extraterrestrial boy endowed with superhuman strength and a monkey tail on a quest for the seven dragon balls, leaves behind a legacy that has captivated manga enthusiasts globally since its introduction in the 1980s.

The news of Toriyama's death was shared on Friday through a joint statement from Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo on Dragon Ball's official website. The statement expressed deep regret that the artist, who had several ongoing projects filled with enthusiasm, had more to accomplish. Despite this, Toriyama's impact endures through numerous manga titles and artistic creations, with gratitude expressed to fans for their unwavering support.

According to the official announcement, Toriyama succumbed to acute subdural hematoma, a type of brain bleeding. Born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu City, Aichi prefecture, Toriyama embarked on his manga career at the age of 23, making his debut as a cartoonist in 1978 by contributing a short story to the manga enthusiasts' magazine Weekly Shonen Jump.

His iconic "Dragon Ball" series found its place in the same magazine in 1984, marking the focal point of a creative journey that spanned over four decades. Inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the franchise expanded its reach through anime adaptations and the 2009 Hollywood action film "Dragon Ball Evolution."

The narrative follows Son Goku on his quest for the seven dragon balls, engaging in battles with adversaries to protect Earth. As the storyline progresses, it shifts to Goku's descendants and companions. The dragon balls, when gathered, summon Shen Long, a divine dragon capable of granting any wish. Throughout the series, Goku often utilizes the wishes for the well-being of his friends or to restore a heavily damaged Earth, embodying themes of courage, friendship, and kinship.

Yuji Horii, a prominent Japanese author and game designer who shared a longstanding friendship with Toriyama, revealed their collaboration on the popular game Dragon Quest. Horii expressed disbelief and sorrow over Toriyama's passing on the social media platform X.

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the manga series "One Piece," mourned the loss of his friend Toriyama, stating on the Shonen Jump website that Toriyama transitioned from an era where reading manga was considered detrimental to creating an era where both adults and children could enjoy manga together. Oda acknowledged Toriyama's contribution in demonstrating the transformative power of manga and expressed deep sadness at the prospect of never seeing his friend again.

Online, numerous fans paid heartfelt tributes to the manga maestro, with one admirer noting that "Dragon Ball" served as a life guide, teaching valuable lessons about overcoming challenges with a cheerful and enjoyable mindset.

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The Japanese visionary responsible for the immensely popular Dragon Ball series has passed away at the age of 68.

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