If you are a fan of Manga, particularly Dragon Ball, then Akira Toriyama is one of the names that you will hold dear to your heart. Sadly, it was announced today March 8, 2024, that the Manga creator has passed away. According to the announcement from Bird Studio, the Manga creator died on March 1 from “acute subdural hematoma” at the age of 68.
“Dear Friends and Partners,” the official message that was shared on Dragon Ball’s website began. “We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68.”
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Bird Studio said that one of their biggest regrets is that the Dragon Ball creator left several works uncompleted. The studio recalled his enthusiasm and said he had “many more things to achieve” before his death.
“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 come”.
The official announcement also mentioned that a very private funeral service was held for Akira Toriyama which involved his family and very close 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.”
Fans of Dragon Balls and Akira Toriyama pour out eulogies
Akira Toriyama was shot into the limelight after creating the highly successful manga series Dr. Slump—which went ahead to sell more than 35 million copies in Japan. He followed that success with the creation of the Dragon Ball franchise—which remains his most famous work to date.
Dragon Ball became the most successful manga series in the world, selling 260 million copies. It was particularly fingered as the series that spearheaded the manga boom era around the mid-1980s and mid-1990s.
Outside Japan, the Dragon Balls adaptation was even more successful compared to the manga and was credited as the series that drew Western interest to anime. He also played the role of character designer in several popular video game franchises including Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest series.
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Akira Toriyama is still revered as one of the authors that changed the face of manga. His works were very popular and highly influential. Many manga artists today continue to cite his works as a source of inspiration.
During his lifetime, Toriyama was highly decorated with awards and accolades. In 2019, he received the Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contribution to the field of arts.
There has been an outpouring of emotion since the announcement of his passing away. Many have pointed out how they were inspired by the manga creator and how many memories they created with his works.
Thank You Akira Toriyama.
You have touched so many lives and inspired millions throughout the entire world. May you rest in peace, you will NEVER be forgotten pic.twitter.com/QBrpHaFbEV
— BrotherE (@TheBrotherE) March 8, 2024
“Incredibly saddening,” wrote another anime artist Zentreya. “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.”
YouTuber Bebop wrote, “Worst news this year. He was everyone’s hero. Thank you Akira Toriyama. This hurts. What a legend.”
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“This is incredibly heart-shattering to read,” wrote voice actor ToonRami. “He was a generational genius who influenced my childhood and so many others in such a meaningful way. His legacy will never fade and with that he will continue to inspire generations more 🙏”
What are your fondest memories of Akira Toriyama’s works? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
