I'm incredibly sorry to hear the news about Akira Toriyama's passing. Akira Toriyama, the creator of the widely popular Japanese animated series Dragon Ball Z, has reportedly died at the age of 68. The official X (formerly known as Twitter) account for Dragon Ball Z confirmed this unfortunate news in a post on Thursday. He died from Subdural Hematoma.
According to the account, Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to a condition called acute subdural hematoma, which occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and the surface of the brain. The announcement expressed deep sadness and conveyed Toriyama's ongoing enthusiasm and multiple works that were still in progress at the time of his death. The post also expressed gratitude to the countless people around the world who had supported Toriyama throughout his career, enabling him to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. The hope was expressed that Toriyama's unique creations would continue to be cherished by fans for years to come.
The account also shared that a funeral service for Toriyama had already taken place in the presence of his family and a small number of relatives. The family has requested privacy during their time of mourning, asking people to refrain from sending flowers or other gifts. Visitors will not be received at this time, as stated in the announcement on X.
Furthermore, Toriyama's loved ones have expressed that they will not be conducting any interviews currently. While there is a possibility of a commemorative gathering in his honor in the future, no plans have been made as of now. If any such event is arranged, details will be shared at a later date. The announcement concluded by expressing deep appreciation for the understanding and support of fans and well-wishers.
Dragon Ball Z originally debuted in Japan during the 1980s and later gained significant popularity in the United States as well. Apart from Dragon Ball Z, Akira Toriyama has also worked on other notable projects. He contributed to video game projects such as Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, which showcased his distinctive anime style.
It is worth noting that Toriyama's career took off when he entered an amateur manga creator contest in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine at the age of 23. This contest served as a significant opportunity for him to showcase his talent and kickstart his successful journey as a manga artist.
One of Toriyama's last rumored projects was the Dragon Ball Z spin-off series, Dragon Ball Daima. This series was said to follow the well-known characters Goku and Vegeta. During a panel at New York Comic Con 2023, Daima's executive producer Akio Iyoku reportedly mentioned Toriyama's deep involvement in overseeing the story, character design, and other aspects of the project, going beyond his usual capacity.
Akira Toriyama is a renowned manga artist and the creator of the popular Japanese animated series Dragon Ball Z. Dragon Ball Z originally premiered in Japan in the 1980s and gained significant popularity both in Japan and internationally, including in the United States. Toriyama's distinctive anime style and storytelling captivated audiences and made Dragon Ball Z a beloved franchise.
While Akira Toriyama is known for his work on Dragon Ball Z, he has also been involved in other projects. He worked on video game projects such as Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, where his unique anime style was showcased.
It is worth noting that Toriyama began his career as a manga artist after winning an amateur manga creator contest in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine when he was 23 years old. This contest served as a launching pad for his successful career.
Who is Akira Toriyama?
Akira Toriyama was born on April 5, 1955, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He developed an interest in drawing at a young age and would often copy his favorite manga and anime characters. Toriyama attended Aichi Prefectural Hikone Higashi High School, where he continued to nurture his passion for art.
After graduating from high school, Toriyama pursued a manga career and began submitting his work to various publishers. In 1978, he made his professional debut with the manga series "Wonder Island," which was published in Weekly Shonen Jump. However, it was his next series, "Dr. Slump," that gained him widespread recognition and success.
"Dr. Slump" ran from 1980 to 1984 and showcased Toriyama's comedic storytelling and distinctive art style. The series follows the adventures of a young genius inventor named Senbei Norimaki and an android girl named Arale.
Following the success of "Dr. Slump," Toriyama embarked on his most iconic work, "Dragon Ball." Serialized from 1984 to 1995, "Dragon Ball" became a global phenomenon, blending martial arts, fantasy, and adventure. The story revolves around Goku, a young martial artist with a monkey tail, as he embarks on a quest to find the seven Dragon Balls, which can grant any wish.
"Dragon Ball" was adapted into several anime series, including the widely popular "Dragon Ball Z" (1989-1996), which further propelled Toriyama's fame and influence. The series continued the story, focusing on Goku's adult life and introducing powerful new villains and epic battles. It became one of the most successful and influential anime franchises of all time.
Aside from "Dragon Ball," Toriyama also worked on other manga series, such as "Cowa!" and "Sand Land." He also dabbled in character design for video games, including the highly acclaimed "Dragon Quest" series and "Chrono Trigger."
Throughout his career, Toriyama received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the manga and anime industry. His art style, characterized by expressive characters, dynamic action scenes, and a distinct sense of humor, has inspired countless artists and fans worldwide.
While Toriyama's involvement in the entertainment industry made him a prominent figure, he has maintained a relatively private personal life. Information about his family and personal endeavors has been kept out of the public eye.
Akira Toriyama's impact on popular culture is immeasurable. His creative genius and contributions to the manga and anime medium have left an indelible mark, and his works continue to be celebrated and cherished by fans around the world.
Akira Toriyama's Best works
Akira Toriyama is best known for his work on the following manga and anime series:
1. Dragon Ball:
This is undoubtedly Toriyama's most famous and influential work. The series follows the adventures of Goku, a martial artist with incredible strength, as he searches for the Dragon Balls. Dragon Ball combines elements of martial arts, fantasy, and humor, and it has had a significant impact on the anime and manga industry.
2. Dr. Slump:
Before Dragon Ball, Toriyama created Dr. Slump, a comedic manga series that ran from 1980 to 1984. It tells the story of a wacky inventor named Senbei Norimaki and his android creation, Arale. Dr. Slump showcases Toriyama's unique humor and art style.
3. Dragon Ball Z:
Serving as a sequel to Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z focuses on Goku's adult life and introduces more intense battles and powerful enemies. The series ran from 1989 to 1996 and became a global phenomenon, solidifying Toriyama's legacy in the world of anime and manga.
4. Dragon Quest:
While primarily known for his manga, Toriyama has also made significant contributions to the world of video games. He is the character designer for the Dragon Quest series, a popular RPG franchise known for its charming art style and engaging gameplay.
5. Chrono Trigger:
Another notable video game project featuring Toriyama's character designs is Chrono Trigger. Released in 1995, this critically acclaimed RPG is recognized as one of the greatest video games of all time. Toriyama's character designs helped bring the game's diverse cast of characters to life.
These works have not only achieved commercial success but have also garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Toriyama's art style, storytelling, and ability to create memorable characters have made his works beloved by millions of fans worldwide.
The new anime series is also scheduled to be launched this year.
