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3,747 Posts & 2,348 Pages Documenting Dragon Ball, since 1998. We've got you covered!
Published by 16 March 2024, 6:30 PM EDTComment

Kentarō Yabuki — now a modern mangaka legend in his own right — took to Twitter to reflect on the passing of Akira Toriyama, and in the process shared his original design for “Gohanks”: a fan contest submission that was later reimagined into a “real” character.

Yabuki initially shared:

This is going to be a bit long, but just for the sake of sorting out my feelings, allow me to write down some personal thoughts.

Back when I was a young boy, I used to change schools a lot, and so, being by myself was a common occurrence, but by using Dragon Ball as a talking point, I was able to make new friends wherever I went.

I copied a lot of Toriyama-sensei‘s illustrations, and through that, I was able to discover the enjoyment of drawing comics. I was also super addicted to both Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger.

The first time a picture of mine was ever published in Jump was with a fan-made character that I had mailed in by postcard. I think that became my source of confidence to, several years later, send a submission to a manga contest.

I was never blessed with the chance to meet him, but even if I had, I think I would have been so awestruck that I wouldn’t have been able to even approach him. That’s how much I admired him.

The picture I received from him for To Love-Ru‘s 10th Anniversary also came bundled with a comment that was filled with so much kindness that I will treasure it for the rest of my life.

Toriyama-sensei, I truly thank you for giving me… no, for giving all of us fun memories throughout all of our lives.

I pray that I might one day meet you, clad with a halo on top of your head.

From the bottom of my heart, I pray that your soul may rest in peace.

The image in question for To Love-Ru‘s 10th anniversary does indeed include a message from Toriyama, which states:

Yabuki-sensei, Hasemi-sensei,

Good afternoon! I have never drawn a young girl character that had this kind of feel to it, so this was a pretty fresh and fun experience!

– Akira Toriyama

Beyond the celebratory image from Toriyama, however, Yabuki refers here to his submission to a bona fide contest that Shueisha held, announced in the 1995 No. 13 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (published 28 February 1995 in Japan alongside chapter 508 of the original Dragon Ball manga): their first-ever reader-participation project soliciting fan designs for new fusions, with the potential to win a 500-card Carddass Dragon Ball Super Battle Series set and an autograph from Akira Toriyama himself! The original contest announcement is notable for its design concept from Toriyama: a fusion of Piccolo and Kuririn named “Piririn”.

After receiving 12,792 (!!!) entries, Shueisha was ready to reveal the winner(s). The Anime J-Wing column on pages 34-35 in the 1995 No. 19 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (published 11 April 1995 alongside chapter 514 of the original manga) showcased the grand-prize winner along with seven runners-up, each receiving their own specially-named prize title. In choosing the winners, the editorial team looked at both the combinations and the quality of the illustrations.

The “Cool Prize” [Kakko ii de Shō] was awarded to “Gohanks” (ゴハンクス Gohankusu) — a fusion of Son Gohan and the teenage Trunks — by Kentarō Yabuki (age 15) of Okayama prefecture:

[caption] GOTENKS: “Whoa! I wanna fight him!”

Although it’s Gohan and Trunks, the use of teenage Trunks in this one caught our eye. The costume, a fusion of both of their outfits, is also well-thought out. We have no complaints about his coolness!!

The same Kentarō Yabuki that won the fusion contest “Cool Prize” in 1995 at the young age of 15 would go on to publish manga in the same pages of Jump as his childhood idol, Akira Toriyama. Following his professional debut a few years earlier, Yabuki hit it big in 2000 with the series Black Cat (which ran until 2004 and received a television series adaptation). Yabuki continues working in manga illustration to this day, from 2006’s To Love-Ru to the ongoing manga adaptation of the 2018 animated series Darling in the Franxx.

Over the course of 2002-2004, Shueisha released the kanzenban edition of the Dragon Ball manga: a larger-format print of the series on higher-quality paper, packing more chapters per volume resulting in a 34-volume run (down from the original 42), and with new cover artwork from Akira Toriyama. Every-other volume also came packed with a special pamphlet promoting various Shueisha series and products, as well as an original illustration from a popular Jump artist expressing their love for Dragon Ball. For the seventh volume in June 2003, Yabuki was selected to provide this illustration and comment:

“Do you remember me?”
“Of course I remember you! You’re Vegeta-Yabuki!!”

That was a conversation in my third year of junior high, between me and an elementary-school friend I hadn’t heard from in a few years. During elementary school and junior high, I changed schools three times due to my parents’ work, from Okayama to Kōchi, from there to Kita-Kyūshū, and then back to Okayama. He was a friend from when I was in Kōchi, and for whatever reason, his strongest impression of me was apparently that I was good at drawing Vegeta.

Ever since I was in elementary school, if I had free time, I’d spend it doing nothing but drawing. And, the things I’d draw would always be Goku, or Vegeta, or Freeza… Characters from Dragon Ball, which I loved. Once I was able to draw characters off the top of my head to an extent, I’d then draw an original Tenka’ichi Budōkai manga, and make Goku fight against a character of my own design. And, the winner would always be Goku. Come to think of it, everything I learned about how to draw manga, from the expressive techniques, to dividing up the panels, I learned from Dragon Ball. If not for Dragon Ball, I might never have wanted to become a manga artist. More than anything, Dragon Ball taught me “the joy of drawing manga”.

Speaking of which, my debut in Jump wasn’t with my own manga, but with Dragon Ball. Around the end of my third year in junior high, there was a “Fusion Contest” promotion in Jump, where you had to create an original character by making any two characters from Dragon Ball do Fusion. I fused together my favorite characters at the time, teenage Gohan and teenage Trunks, to create a character called “Gohanks”; I drew an illustration and sent it in. Then, I got an award called the “Cool Prize” (heh), and it ran, relatively large, in the color pages of Jump. That experience really moved me.

It’s been about eight years since then, but even now, where I work, I still have a bunch of figures of Goku and company that I collected back then on display. When I get tired from drawing my own manga, I’ll draw things like Cell and Freeza in Toriyama-style in the margins of my notebook. Doing that, I feel strangely excited, and I get more energy. Nothing has changed since elementary school. I believe I’ll keep on drawing manga.

This brings us to present day, with Yabuki continuing to reflect on the work of Toriyama. In a follow-up post on Twitter, Yabuki shared additional thoughts… as well as his original contest ideas:

Back in middle school, I submitted a postcard for the Dragon Ball Fusion Contest. You can certainly tell a lot from the ideas that I ultimately decided not to send out, but I will submit myself to public humiliation so that you can all laugh a bit at my expense.

I completely forgot that this embarrassing thing – which, somehow, does not have a single crease on it, even after 30 years – was not at my parents’ house, but actually in the archive at my own place.

At first I thought about submitting “Kameseroli.” but since Broli was a movie-only character, I gave up on it.

And given that Boo’s dog has since been named “Bee,” I would maybe rename him “Beoo” instead of “Boonu.”

Gohanks — though not exactly as originally designed by Yabuki — made a surprise appearance many years later.

The March 2016 issue of Shueisha’s V-Jump magazine revealed a new video game in development: code-named “Project Fusion” and developed by Ganbarion, the game would see different islands and cities merging together. The game — later revealed to be named Dragon Ball Fusions — included several references to the 1995 contest, including Piririn. Additionally, though not with his original design, a certain fusion would return twice over: as a cross-promotion for both Dragon Ball Fusions as well as the card-based arcade game Dragon Ball Heroes, the July 2016 issue of Shueisha’s V-Jump magazine introduced two new versions of “Gohanks”:

Learn more about the new versions of Gohanks — as well as a wealth of other fan fusion designs from the original 1995 contest and beyond — in our “Official Fan Fusion Designs: Part 1 (1995)” article!

Published by 15 March 2024, 12:58 PM EDTComment

Last week, the Chunichi Shimbun published an interview/article (both on the front page of the morning print issue on March 9, as well as paywalled on their website) with Hisashi Tanaka, Akira Toriyama’s first assistant, reflecting on the creator’s passing this month.

His First Assistant Bids Farewell

“The fact that I was able to continue as a cartoonist while living so far out here is largely thanks to him.” Hisashi Tanaka-san (age 66, of Ichinomiya, Aichi), a cartoonist who worked as Akira Toriyama-san‘s first assistant, and who now heads the Department of Art and Design at Ōgaki Women’s College in Gifu Prefecture, laments the sudden parting.

In 1980, he was working a company job while pursuing a career as a cartoonist, when he received a shock from Dr. Slump, which had started running in Weekly Shōnen Jump. “From facial expressions to movement, the human depictions were really solid. It wasn’t the kind of art you’d expect from an artist on his very first serial,” he reflects. Then, several weeks later in the same magazine, he learned that Toriyama-san was seeking an assistant in the vicinity of Nagoya. “I had thought you had to move to Tokyo if you wanted to become a cartoonist. I jumped at the opportunity without a second thought.” After sending in two test illustrations to the editorial department, he was hired without issue.

Work as an assistant started the morning before deadline, once Toriyama-san had finished penciling. As they worked, “We were constantly shooting the breeze about music, comics, current events, hobbies, you name it,” but Toriyama-san‘s hand would never stop moving. By the time they finished, it would already be night. They typically sent the manuscript out to Tokyo via plane from Nagoya Airport.

In the two years that Tanaka-san worked as an assistant, he says he was never once reprimanded. Even as Toriyama-san found himself busier than ever with the worldwide popularity of Dragon Ball and the megahit status of the Dragon Quest video games (for which he did the character designs), he would always entertain an idle conversation with a smile. That impression of him never changed, from the very first time they met. “He was like a good-natured big brother, four years my senior.”

(Article by Hiroshi Ōyama)

An interview with Toriyama’s second editor, Takashi Matsuyama, was published on page 32 of the same issue; the Matsuyama piece was previously translated and shared here on Kanzenshuu.

Both this Tanaka piece and the Matsuyama piece have been formally archived in our “Translations” section.

Toriyama’s search for an assistant was noted in his weekly author comment alongside the third chapter of Dr. Slump in the 1980 #7 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (released 14 January 1980) — only the second time the series had been printed thus far, as the first two chapters ran alongside each other for its series debut the prior issue:

Urgently seeking an assistant! Limited to persons living in the vicinity of Nagoya. Those interested, please contact my editor, Torishima.

The call was echoed two weeks later alongside the fifth chapter in the 1980 #9 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (released 29 January 1980):

Persons living in the vicinity of Nagoya, and capable of being my assistant. Please draw a cut of buildings and cars, and contact my editor Torishima!

Alongside the 10th chapter of Dr. Slump in the 1980 #14 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (released 04 March 1980), Toriyama announced the arrival of and camaraderie with Tanaka:

My assistant Tanaka-kun‘s skill at conversation is the greatest! He’s more interesting than a radio DJ!

In an interview with Monthly Starlog for the magazine’s 1980 #11 issue (released 01 October 1980), Toriyama touches on his reasons for submitting to Shueisha and his early work with Tanaka:

In that case, why did you choose Jump?
Because I could apply to them every month.

What about what weekly magazine your comics were suited for, that sort of thing?
I didn’t give it any thought at all. …Or rather, I didn’t know.

I think about that immediately. (laughs) Judging by those illustrations, you draw by yourself, don’t you, Toriyama-san?
Yes. My kid assistant only does the blacking. Really, I just want to draw my own things by myself.

Tanaka worked with Toriyama through the first phase of the Dr. Slump series under the pen-name “Hiswashi,” and even made cameo appearances by way of Toriyama’s end-of-chapter bonus comics:

Alongside chapter 162 of Dr. Slump in the 1983 #15 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (released 15 March 1983), Toriyama congratulated Hisashi on the launch of his own manga series (CAN☆Can Everyday, which debuted in Shueisha’s Fresh Jump in 1982, had a brief serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1983, and then moved back to Fresh Jump through to its completion in 1985):

My former assistant Hiswashi has started his own series. You won’t beat me that easy!!

Alongside chapter 301 of Dragon Ball in the 1990 #51 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (released 20 November 1990), Toriyama congratulated Tanaka on his marriage:

The other day, Hiswashi-kun, who was my assistant way back, got married. That’s great news. Congratulations!!

Published by 12 March 2024, 8:39 PM EDTComment

On the evening of Saturday, March 9, 2024, we kept up our usual weekly tradition of streaming Mario Kart… except this time we had something important on our mind that we needed to talk about.

You’ll see and hear us working out our feelings and thoughts on the passing of Akira Toriyama, just mere days after learning the terrible news. It’s a bit of decompression and group therapy all at the same time.

There’s a bit of humor (some of it even quite dark at times!), there’s some friendly razzing, and there’s a lot of genuine love and appreciation, particularly as the night goes on later and later and we start to come to grips with the reality of things.

It’s a really weird format. Totally. Yes, there will absolutely be a “real” podcast in the future. In the meantime, this is just the beginning of us working through the grief and feelings and how to approach it “more formally” going forward. Sit back, hang out, and soak in the conversation.

Thank you, Toriyama!

Published by 11 March 2024, 8:58 PM EDTComment

Earlier this week, the Chunichi Shimbun published an article/interview with Takashi Matsuyama, Akira Toriyama’s second assistant, reflecting on the creator’s passing this month. The article corroborates other reports of Toriyama apparently undergoing surgery for a brain tumor.

“Never gave an inch with his creations” — former assistant

Illustrator Takashi Matsuyama (66, pictured, of Seki, Gifu), who worked as an assistant on Dragon Ball, continued his close relationship with its creator even after the serialization ended. “His competitive streak was really something else,” he says.

Matsuyama-san, who was a master of military model-making, was scouted without warning by Toriyama-san, who had similar hobbies: “I want you to help me with the serial.” The next day, he quit his job at a design agency and moved near Toriyama-san‘s home, where he worked.

He would go to the studio in the evening, and leave the next day. Listening to programs they had recorded off the radio, the two laughed as they worked. In their free time, they would play video games for a breather. It was in that sort of free-spirited, at-home atmosphere that an adventure tale full of dreams was spun.

Toriyama-san never acted high-and-mighty, but he wouldn’t give an inch. He would go all-in against his tough editors when it came to his creations. He would face his desk with pride on full display. Matsuyama respected his professionalism, and was inspired by it. “Starting when I was a kid, I would draw pictures of all the things I wanted, like pets.” Through such statements by Toriyama-san, Matsuyama really felt his sheer power.

When Matsuyama-san, who remarried last fall, asked Toriyama-san to be his witness, he happily accepted. At that time, Toriyama told him that he would be undergoing surgery for a brain tumor in the new year: “It’s on the outside, so it’s not such a big deal.” He was nonchalant about it, but Matsuyama recalls him struggling with quitting smoking: “I need a cigarette,” he had groused.

Having promised to pay him a get-well visit once he was discharged from the hospital, the sudden news of his death came as an understandable shock to Matsuyama. “The experience of working with Toriyama-san was like a dream come true. I’m struck all over again by the fact that I had the privilege of doing something amazing. Everything I know, I learned from him.”

(Article by Atsushi Okamura)

This article has also been formally archived in our “Translations” section.

Akira Toriyama’s first assistant, Hisashi Tanaka, left working with Toriyama on Dr. Slump to work as a full-time cartoonist. Toriyama’s new assistant was Takashi Matsuyama, an illustrator and fellow model-builder who got to know Toriyama after he submitted a Dr. Slump-based piece to the Tamiya figure-modification contest.

Toriyama announced the arrival of Matsuyama in his author comment alongside chapter 155 of Dr. Slump in the 1983 #8 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (released 25 January 1983):

I’ve decided on Matsuyama-kun as my new assistant! He’s a country bumpkin from Gifu who’s a lot like me.

Matsuyama stayed with Toriyama through almost the very end of Dragon Ball. In his author comment for chapter 517 in the 1995 #23 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump (released 09 May 1995), Toriyama noted:

I’m drawing without an assistant right now, so I’m really feeling the deadline crunch. Yeeeargh!

Toriyama drew at least the last three chapters of the series alone. Matsuyama was reunited with Toriyama once more in 2009 when he was tapped to assist Toriyama for the special comic published in the pamphlet “Biosphere”: Mr. U of the Delicious Island. Toriyama said at the time that he was contractually obligated not to draw comics or illustrations for entities other than Shueisha, had to receive special permission for this project, and that he was grateful both for the editorial team at Shueisha as well as Matsuyama for stepping in during such a busy time.

Published by 11 March 2024, 1:18 PM EDT1 Comment

Originally announced back in December, Akira Toriyama was selected for a Lifetime Achievement Award in conjunction with the 2024 Tokyo Anime Award Festival. Toriyama was honored with the award at the event held in Tokyo over the weekend, where volumes of his various manga as well as character designs were on display.

Though he unfortunately passed earlier this month and prior to the event, Toriyama had prepared a comment reflecting on the award, which has since been shared posthumously:

To give my honest thoughts about receiving this award, I had never had an especially great interest in animation, and even when my own work was animated — with apologies to the people on the staff — I didn’t watch it that much out of embarrassment.

About 10 years ago, I was unexpectedly asked to make revisions to an animated Dragon Ball film, and I suppose it was after doing some simple designs for characters and backgrounds that I found, to my surprise, that this work might actually be pretty fun and worthwhile — being able to leave the hard parts to the staff, of course (laughs).

For me, of all people, to be receiving a Lifetime Achievement award at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival is frankly embarrassing. Thank you so much.

What I remember most of my work in animation — and I doubt most people will know about it — is having met the late animator Toyo’o Ashida-san through the Shōnen Jump original animated production Kosuke & Rikimaru. This work wasn’t based on a comic, so it required consultation. He was quite an amiable guy, and we hit it off immediately. And every time I saw Ashida-san‘s art style, my heart was moved at his artistic touch, which was careful yet had a sense of speed.

“I see. If I use that kind of touch, I could give a sense of speed to Dragon Ball, and it’ll also increase the speed of my drawing.” And as things would have it, my pursuit of this art style was a huge success! The time it took me to draw was reduced to about two-thirds of what it had been, I suppose. I believe that time truly enriched my understanding. May Ashida-san rest in peace.

Apparently, Dragon Ball Daima, which will unfold starting in 2024, was originally supposed to be made as an anime-original series without my input, but as I gave advice here and there, I ended up getting majorly-involved. This time, I’ve created not only the story, but the world, the characters, the mechs, all sorts of things. It will be a smorgasbord of different things, and not just intense action, so I’ll be pleased if you can enjoy watching it.

Finally, thank you so much to all you fans who have supported me up until now!

Perhaps because of my lifestyle when I was younger, I have no real confidence in my health, and I don’t know how much more I’ll be able to do. But I’ll do my best aiming to make even more enjoyable work, so please keep supporting me from here on out!

— AKIRA TORIYAMA

The English translation of this comment from Akira Toriyama has been formally archived within our “Translations” section, as well.

Published by 11 March 2024, 10:11 AM EDT1 Comment

Though first announced back in October 2023, up to this point there had been no formal declaration of a distribution or broadcast medium for the forthcoming animated series Dragon Ball Daima.

This morning, the official Dragon Ball Twitter account announced that Dragon Ball Daima will in fact be broadcast on Fuji TV when it debuts in Japan this fall.

Following the Dr. Slump television series adaptation before it (and in the same timeslot), the original Dragon Ball television series debuted on Fuji TV on 26 February 1986. The series ran through to both Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT, and was then followed — appropriately enough! — by the Dr. Slump television series reboot in November 1997. Due to programming shifts after this time, when the franchise returned to the airwaves with Dragon Ball Kai in 2009, it aired on Fuji TV alongside One Piece on Saturday mornings. With a break therein for the broadcast of the Toriko series from 2011 to 2014, Kai returned to the same timeslot for “The Final Chapters” and then ran directly into Dragon Ball Super through to 2018.

No information about corresponding international broadcasts or distribution of Dragon Ball Daima was released alongside this announcement.

Dragon Ball Daima was first revealed at New York Comic Con in October 2023 by way of a trailer and comment from original franchise creator Akira Toriyama. The “Daima” in the series’ title is a made-up term, though the individual kanji that make up its spelling would be 大魔; in Toriyama’s own words, …”in English would be something like ‘Evil.'” The forthcoming series will feature an original story by series creator Akira Toriyama, character designs by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, script/composition by Yūko Kakihara, and series co-direction by Yoshitaka Yashima and Aya Komaki.

Published by 08 March 2024, 2:32 PM EST2 Comments

Akira Toriyama — original author/illustrator of Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, and creator of countless other works and various contributions to other franchises and our culture as a whole — passed away on March 1, 2024 at age 68.

The announcements initially came by way of the “Dragon Ball Official Site” and Shueisha (on the official V-Jump website).

Akira Toriyama-sensei, who brought a plethora of works into the world in the pages of Jump, has passed away.

We at Shueisha and the Jump editorial departments are together enveloped in grief at this sudden news.

Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, Sand Land… the comics he drew have transcended borders, and been read and loved around the world. Plus, the irresistible characters he created and his overwhelming design sense have made a profound impact on numerous cartoonists and creators.

We express our praise for his great achievements and our gratitude, along with our deepest condolences. May he rest in peace.

Weekly Shōnen Jump Editorial Department
V-Jump Editorial Department
Jump SQ. Editorial Department
Saikyō Jump Editorial Department
ShōnenJump+ Editorial Department

To our fans and all those concerned,

We are sorry for the suddenness of this announcement, but the cartoonist Akira Toriyama went to his eternal rest on March 1st, 2024, of an acute subdural hematoma. He was 68 years old.

As he was enthusiastically involved in numerous undertakings, with so many things he still wanted to do, we are filled with regret.

That said, as a cartoonist, the deceased has left behind a large body of work. With the support of many people from around the world, he was able continue his creative endeavors for over 45 years. It is our fervent wish that the inimitable world of Akira Toriyama’s work will be loved by you all for many years to come.

With gratitude for the kindness and friendship he showed us in life, we respectfully share this news.

Further, funeral services were held with only close family members in attendance. In accordance with his own wish to keep things quiet, we ask that you not pay condolence visits or give condolence money, funerary offerings, or floral tributes. We also request that the media avoid such activities as interviewing family members. A remembrance ceremony at a later date is yet to be determined, but we will inform you as soon as a decision is made. We humbly ask for your understanding at this difficult time.

March 8th, 2024
Bird Studio, Inc.
Capsule Corporation Tokyo, Inc.

Following the initial announcements, an overwhelming number of tributes and comments were shared by the international professional and fan communities. This post will be regularly updated with a running list of comments (translated where appropriate) from these individuals.


Yūji Horii (Dragon Quest creator / game designer)

(Source: V-Jump Official Website)

Honestly, I’m still filled with a sense of disbelief at this all-too-sudden news of Toriyama-san‘s passing.

Toriyama-san was an acquaintance of mine from when I was a writer for Shōnen Jump, and at the behest of his editor, Torishima-san, I decided to ask him to do the art for Dragon Quest when I started work on that game.

More than 37 years later, he’s drawn so many charming designs for characters and monsters that I could hardly count them all.

The history of Dragon Quest is of a piece with Toriyama-san‘s character designs.

Toriyama-san, along with the late Sugiyama-sensei, was a longtime partner in making Dragon Quest.

To think that he would die….

As for what else I could say, I can’t put anything more into words than this. It’s really, truly heartbreaking.

Masakazu Katsura (Fellow manga artist, personal friend of Toriyama)

(Source: V-Jump Official Website)

My strength fails me, and I can’t find the will to do anything.

This isn’t the kind of thing I want to be commenting on, you know? But I will write something. Once I get started, I’ve got a million things to say, so it might get extremely long, but I’ll try and summarize it as compactly as possible. Still, I haven’t processed my feelings, so please forgive my rambling.

Even looking back, it’s no exaggeration — when I visited him at home, or had him come stay over at my place, or when we went out together for fun, I have nothing but good memories, and every time we talked on the phone, I got tired from all the laughter. He was so much fun. So dirty-minded, so adorable, so sharp-tongued, and so humble.

In my principal occupation of drawing comics, we did some work together, and that was fun, too. But we spent 99% of our relationship not even talking about comics. As a cartoonist, the things we were looking at, and our levels as authors, were so different that I never paid attention to his greatness. I did know about it, of course. But when I came into contact with him, I never felt that in the slightest. It’s his personality. That’s why, even now, I can only think of him as a friend, rather than as a great cartoonist.

Last summer, before I had surgery, he got word of it from somewhere, and sent me an email. It was reeeeeally rare to get an email from him, and the contents were all regarding my health — he seemed to be worried about me. We had known each other for over 40 years, but I think it was the first time Toriyama-san had ever treated me that kindly. I thought Hell had frozen over. Normally, there wouldn’t have been anything but jokes or dumb stories. What’s up with that? This isn’t any time to be worrying about somebody else. Geeze. I think it was a little bit before that, but when I called him feeling all kinds of ill, I told him, “I’ll probably die first, so make sure you hold a memorial for me, MC’d by you, Toriyama-san! Also, it’ll really burnish my legacy if you give a speech, so do that, too!” He promised me, and yet I couldn’t hold him to it.

Why, oh why didn’t I just call him after he sent me that email? I seriously regret it. The thought of not being able to share any more dumb stories on long phone calls with him is just too terrible to fathom. I have so many things saved up that I want to tell him. All sorts of things to say. If only I could talk to him, one more time, just like always — even if he was only half listening.

It’s not fair to let that casual “OK” you sent, in response to my reply saying to contact me later, be the last thing I ever hear from you. I ache from the bottom of my heart.

Eiichirō Oda (One Piece manga)

(Source: V-Jump Official Website)

It’s just too soon. The hole that he’s left is just too big.

A wave of sadness washes over me at the thought that I’ll never see him again. I idolized him from childhood, and I still remember the day he first called me by my name. I fondly recall positively jumping for joy with Kishimoto-san on the way home the day he first used the word “friends” to describe us. I also remember the last conversation we ever had.

He was one of those who was passed the baton in an era where it was thought you’d rot your brain if you read comics, and created an era where children and adults alike could enjoy reading them. So, this is what you can do with comics. So you can get into that world. That’s the dream he gave us. It was like watching a hero bravely charging ahead.

I think the excitement and the emotion at the time of Dragon Ball‘s original serialization must have really taken root in not just cartoonists, but also creators active in all sorts of industries, when they were young boys. His presence was like a great, sheltering tree.

For the cartoonists of our generation, who got to stand on the same stage, the closer we got to the Toriyama oeuvre, the more we became aware of just how large that presence was. To a frightening degree. But even so, it was simply a pleasure to get to meet the carefree man himself. After all, our love for Toriyama-sensei is in our very blood.

With respect and gratitude for the world filled with creativity that Toriyama-sensei left us, I express my sincere condolences. Rest in peace.

May Heaven be the kind of joyful world you envisioned, Sensei.

Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto manga)

(Source: V-Jump Official Website)

It was so sudden that, to be honest, I have no idea what to write, or how.

For now, I’d like to take the liberty of talking about my feelings, and what I had wanted to tell Toriyama-sensei someday.

I grew up alongside his work, first in the lower grades of elementary school with Dr. Slump, then in the upper grades with Dragon Ball. It was simply natural that Sensei‘s work should be by my side, as a part of my life. Even if something unpleasant happened, Dragon Ball allowed me to forget about it every week. That was a saving grace for a country boy like me who didn’t have anything else. That’s honestly because Dragon Ball was just so much fun!

I was a university student when the unthinkable happened: Dragon Ball, which had been a natural part of my life for so many years, suddenly came to an end. Wracked by a tremendous sense of loss, I no longer knew where I should turn for enjoyment. But, at the same time, that allowed me to realize the greatness of the master who brought Dragon Ball into the world.

“I want to create work like Sensei‘s, too!”
“I want to be like Sensei!”

Thinking this, I set my sights on becoming a cartoonist, and as I followed in Sensei‘s footsteps, that sense of loss disappeared as well. That’s because making comics was fun. Chasing after Sensei allowed me to find a new source of enjoyment. Sensei was always my guiding light. The man I admired. He might find it a nuisance, but I’m thankful whether he’d appreciate it or not. To me, he was the god of my salvation, and a god of manga.

The first time I met him, I was so nervous that I couldn’t say anything. But as we met time after time as panelists for the Tezuka Award, I got to be able to talk to him. I’ll never forget the slightly-bashful-but-not-actually-displeased smile he gave as both Oda-san and I, the Dragon Ball children, reverted to a couple of kids seemingly competing over how much we could gush about our enjoyment of the series.

Now, I’ve just received the news about his passing.
I’m wracked with a tremendous sense of loss even greater than when Dragon Ball ended….
I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart.
I can’t even bring myself to read my beloved Dragon Ball.
I don’t think I’ve really been able to properly convey in writing what I wanted to tell him.
Everyone around the world was still looking forward to Sensei’s work.
If only I could really have one wish granted with the Dragon Balls… I’m sorry…
It might be selfish, but I’m grieving, Sensei.

Akira Toriyama-sensei, thank you for so many enjoyable works over these 45 years. And also, thank you for all your hard work. You’ve truly earned your rest.

As for his surviving family members, who I suspect are still deeply mourning his loss, please don’t forget to take care of yourselves. I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei will rest in peace.

Toyotarō (Dragon Ball Super manga)

(Source: Twitter)

I drew manga because I wanted to be praised by Toriyama-sensei. It was everything to me.

Kazuhiko Torishima (Toriyama’s original editor)

(Source: Denfamico Gamer)

Dr. Mashirito’s Ultimate Manga Techniques, which came out last year, was the last time we both worked together. Torishima and Toriyama From Back Then, which is included inside, was the last comic we both worked on together. Thank you for these 45 years. Toriyama-san, you were the greatest mangaka.

Takashi Matsuyama (Toriyama’s second assistant)

(Source: ARTFRONT WORLD)

R.I.P. Akira Toriyama-san

It was more than 40 years ago that I became Toriyama’s second assistant, taking over for his first assistant, Hiswashi-kun, but it was an honor having gotten the chance to help out a manga great.

Back when Dr. Slump was running in Shōnen Jump, I was shocked at his artistic ability and became a huge fan.

Not long after, through a friend at Nippon Designers School, I ended up getting the chance to meet the man himself, visiting him at home with a few others.

At the time, I had won a few awards in the Tamiya Figure Remodeling Contest, and Toriyama-san, who was a lover of plastic models, said, “Whoa! That was you?” I was extremely moved.

Later on, when I had started visiting him on my own, he told me, “Hisashi Tanaka-kun (Hiswashi) is quitting to make his debut as a cartoonist, so do you want to come work with me?” I had been chosen. Naturally, I accepted on the spot.

Cars, motorbikes, movies, model kits — we had lots of hobbies in common, so I remember we had a lot of fun together even outside of work.

At any rate, his art was so good that I respected him enough to receive a shock every time he drew something new, so getting to witness him in action from right by his side was a priceless experience.

I sometimes wonder if Toriyama-san was really able to enjoy life, owing to his big break. I had even promised just this March that I’d try to do more fun things together with him — only for it to end in an abrupt farewell.

Please, rest in peace.

Masako Nozawa (Voice of Son Goku, et al.)

(Source: livedoor)

I don’t want to believe it. My head is completely empty, save for the feeling of not even wanting to think about it. Still, when I remember that every time we met, he would always say to me: “I’m leaving Goku in your hands, okay?” I feel that I could be by Goku’s side until the end of my days. Sensei, please watch over us from up there in the sky. May you make a peaceful departure.

Toshio Furukawa (Voice of Piccolo)

(Source: Twitter)

My manager brought the news of Akira Toriyama-sensei‘s passing to me by saying: “you’re only the second one I’m telling this to, right after Mako-san [ed. note: Masako Nozawa], but…” The very first thought that popped into my head was “I wonder how Mako-san must be feeling right now?!” Dragon Ball is Mako-san‘s life work, to the point that Goku is practically a part of her. Even more than Piccolo is a part of me!

The advance screening of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero just before the general opening was the last time I ever saw him. I hereby express my deepest condolences.

Ryō Horikawa (Voice of Vegeta)

(Source: Twitter)

This was completely unexpected, so the only thing I can say right now is that I just cannot believe it. And right as his new series had just started development. Right as he was about to spin this thrilling, exciting tale. It’s just too sudden, and truly regrettable. Thank you for providing us with such beautiful works of art. Please rest in peace.

“Vegeta” (Ryō Horikawa in-character)

(Source: Twitter)

Hey, you bastard! It’s way too early for you to die yet!

Ryūsei Nakao (Voice of Freeza)

(Source: Yahoo)

I was incredibly surprised by the sudden news of his passing. The only reason I can still keep working as a voice actor today is because I came into contact with Sensei‘s Dragon Ball and was given the chance to play the deliciously evil Freeza, the most representative of all the roles in my career. I am truly thankful from the bottom of my heart. Thank you so, so much.

Having learned of the passing of Toriyama-sensei, I would like to express my deepest condolences. I would also like to both extend my sympathies to his family members and to pray that he may rest in peace.

Mami Koyama (Voice of Arale/Lunch)

(Source: TBS)

I’ve known Toriyama-sensei ever since the days of Dr. Slump – Arale-chan. He would never show his face on the mass media, but he would always make sure to appear as a guest on my radio shows and my live concerts to give me his support. He was a second Senbei Norimaki to me. His grand achievement of giving this world love, dreams and strength is so great that I would say is outright unparalleled. I offer both my most heartfelt gratitude and my deepest condolences, and pray that you might rest in peace.

Aya Hirano (Current Voice of Dende)

(Source: Twitter)

I have been involved with Dragon Ball since 2009. Akira Toriyama-sensei, thank you for allowing me to meet Dende. I was also given the opportunity to breathe life into the live-action version of Bulma. I remember that when I found out that the very busy Sensei mixed in some of his true feelings when creating the Namekian language, I felt a real sense of closeness to him. I will keep on playing him with all my heart.

Tarako-san, the last time was met was during Anpanman… Being able to star together with you gave me lots of encouragement. We laughed together a lot, and we were moved together a lot. She was always such a warm person. They were characters so dear to me ever since I was a child… I can barely believe it.

May you rest in peace.

Masakazu Morita (Voice of Tarble and Whis)

(Source: Twitter / Twitter)

Ever since I found out about the news of Sensei‘s passing, I have been besides myself with grief. That excitement I had when I first read Sensei‘s works back when I was a young boy. That excitement I had when I got the chance to play some of his characters when I became an adult. I will continue playing and cherishing these roles, while never forgetting these two big excitements. I pray that you may rest in peace.

I was unable to sleep tonight. I kept thinking about Whis. About the time I was first given the role. About the first time I played him and all the times I’ve played him since. About so many things. But I was getting nowhere, so to get my mind off of things, I turned on the computer and tried to distract myself. And then… I don’t even know what’s what anymore…

Naoko Watanabe (Voice of Pu’er, Chi-Chi)

(Source: Twitter)

May Toriyama-sensei rest in peace. I’m really happy that I was able to take part in the Dragon Ball series. Thank you so very much.

Eiko Yamada (Voice of Mai)

(Source: Twitter)

Akira Toriyama-sensei

The shock was so great, I think I’m still in a daze…

Thank you so much for Mai.

Akihito Tokunaga (Dragon Ball GT music composer)

(Source: Twitter)

May the memories of Akira Toriyama-san continue to live on in the world forever

Back when I was in charge of composing the background music for Dragon Ball GT, I remember that I composed about 120 tracks, and I took it upon myself to imbue them all with the feeling of “somewhere that’s not in this world, but that is reminiscent of this world”.

Takashi Shimada (Kinnikuman manga)

(Source: Twitter)

I heard of Akira Toriyama-san‘s passing during the day. He was five years older, but Yudetamago was a year his senior job-wise. We were gag mangaka and when I first saw Dr. Slump, I found myself threatened by someone fearsome enough to pull off such polished gags with an American comic art style. It got an anime during its first year in serialization and sparked some jealously in me, like, “Argh, damn him.” We really had a tense, sour relationship. Kinnikuman got an anime adaptation during its fourth year in serialization and I started viewing him more and more like my rival and stopped talking to him. But in the early days, we were friendly and would play games and exchange shikishi boards with each other at mangaka dinner parties. But Toriyama-san, 68 is too young. It’s so sad… My deepest condolences.

Kentarō Yabuki (Black Cat manga, To Love Ru illustrations)

(Source: Twitter)

This is going to be a bit long, but just for the sake of sorting out my feelings, allow me to write down some personal thoughts.

Back when I was a young boy, I used to change schools a lot, and so, being by myself was a common occurrence, but by using Dragon Ball as a talking point, I was able to make new friends wherever I went.

I copied a lot of Toriyama-sensei‘s illustrations, and through that, I was able to discover the enjoyment of drawing comics. I was also super addicted to both Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger.

The first time a picture of mine was ever published in Jump was with a fan-made character that I had mailed in by postcard. I think that became my source of confidence to, several years later, send a submission to a manga contest.

I was never blessed with the chance to meet him, but even if I had, I think I would have been so awestruck that I wouldn’t have been able to even approach him. That’s how much I admired him.

The picture I received from him for To Love-Ru‘s 10th Anniversary also came bundled with a comment that was filled with so much kindness that I will treasure it for the rest of my life.

Toriyama-sensei, I truly thank you for giving me… no, for giving all of us fun memories throughout all of our lives.

I pray that I might one day meet you, clad with a halo on top of your head.

From the bottom of my heart, I pray that your soul may rest in peace.

Hiroshi Matsuyama (CEO, CyberConnect2)

(Source: Twitter)

To all those concerned:

I hereby announce that CyberConnect2 will close for the day.

Despite being shocked at the news of Akira Toriyama-sensei‘s passing, I generally try to keep any sort of discouragement from taking over me, so I thought about just turning this sadness into strength to keep on creating new things! But it was just impossible.

Just a moment ago, I was having an online meeting with another team, and I started crying right in the middle of it, so we had to cancel it. (I’m so sorry.)

There’s no two ways about it: sometimes, things are just sad and there’s nothing you can do about it.

As a company that was allowed to make a Dragon Ball video game, CyberConnect2 will close for the day in mourning.

I ask that every staff member goes back home.

In sad times, please allow yourselves to be sad.

If possible, let’s all work hard together come next Monday.

I will do all the work that I can by myself.

We were supposed to have people coming over and even meetings over lunch scheduled for today, but I’m still going to be here, so it should be okay. (Please forgive me if I start crying partway through.)

The CyberConnect2 staff will go back home for the day in mourning.

I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei‘s soul may rest in peace.

Hironobu Sakaguchi (Final Fantasy video game series creator)

(Source: Twitter)

I think Toriyama-san was the one that taught me what true work was and what being a true professional was. I truly respected him from the bottom of my heart. May you rest in peace.

Masahiro Sakurai (Sora Ltd.)

(Source: Twitter)

This was the biggest shock of the year. May he rest in peace.

When developing Smash Bros., I tried to model the moves of the Hero on Toriyama action. Eleven is somewhat stylish, so I ended up straying a bit from what I originally intended, but there is still a great deal of that influence. Thank you so much.

On a more personal level, it doesn’t seem like my sorrow will go away any time soon…

Yūzō Koshiro (Video game music composer)

(Source: Twitter)

[Translation of post originally made in Japanese]
Back in my 6th year of primary school, the one manga that completely tossed aside Ring ni Kakero at the height of its popularity among my friends was Dr. Slump. It was a complete revolution on our sensibilities as children, and no one was able to stop talking about it.

[Text from post originally made in English]
I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama may rest in peace. Anyone around my age definitely knows about Akira Toriyama. I still remember being twelve when ‘Dr. Slump’ debuted in Shonen Jump – it was a complete game-changer. Toriyama’s work, with its unique art style, captivating characters, and warm, comforting stories, really made an impact on us kids. His creations have not only stood the test of time but were also way ahead of their era from the very beginning. ‘Dragon Ball’ might be his global claim to fame, but I’d encourage you to check out ‘Dr. Slump’. It’s packed with his early essence and truly shows his genius.

Toei Animation

(Source: Twitter)

We are deeply saddened upon hearing of the passing of Akira Toriyama. We offer our sincere condolences to his family.

Within our company, we have many staff members who worked and contributed to masterpieces such as “Dr. Slump -Arale-” and the “Dragon Ball” series and who all deeply respect Toriyama-sensei. We are truly grateful for his guidance and contributions to our productions.

It was such a great honor for us to be able to adapt the works of such a beloved creator, cherished around the world.

We offer our prayers for Akira Toriyama’s eternal peace. We thank him for all the joy he brought to us all.

Mayor of Kiyosu City

(Source: Official City Website PDF)

I would hereby like to express my deepest condolences regarding the passing of Akira Toriyama-sensei.

Akira Toriyama-sensei had a long career as the de facto flag-bearing mangaka of Japan, having worked on numerous things, such as Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. His works were beloved by all, transcending national borders and even generations.

In fact, just the other day, Toriyama-sensei designed the logo commemorating the 20th anniversary of our city.

In the name of Kiyosu City and its citizens, I would hereby like to acknowledge Toriyama-sensei‘s contributions, express my deepest condolences, and pray from the bottom of my heart that he may rest in peace.

March 8th 2024
Sumio Nagata
Mayor of Kiyosu City

Emmanuel Macron (President of the French Republic)

(Source: Twitter)

To Akira Toriyama and the millions of passionate fans that grew up with him.

El Salvadoran Government (Press Release)

(Source: Twitter)

El Salvador would like to extend its deepest condolences to Japan on the occasion of the passing of Akira Toriyama.

It is with deep sadness that the Government of El Salvador, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, would like to join the mourning related to the passing of renowned artist Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball.

Before this immitigable loss, our nation acknowledges Toriyama’s priceless contribution to the world of manga and popular culture as a whole. His iconic works have influenced several generations of El Salvadorans and inspired artists, captivating millions of readers and viewers around the globe.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and in manga history. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to the people and government of Japan.

Published by 25 February 2024, 7:36 AM ESTComment

Show Description

Episode #0509! Mike, Ken, and Randy return once again to “Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot” to review its sixth paid downloadable content pack, this time covering the 28th Tenka’ichi Budōkai… and beyond! For once in this franchise’s storied history, we finally hit “End of Z” in another medium… but what does this time period hold for us in terms of gameplay and storytelling, and what does “Kakarot” offer us here in a now-seemingly-complete package?

How to Listen

Our podcast is available via Apple Podcasts and/or Google Podcasts, or you can pop the direct RSS feed into the program of your choice. You can also listen to this episode by directly downloading the MP3 or by streaming it on Spotify, or YouTube. We invite you to discuss this episode on our forum.

 

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Published by 20 February 2024, 11:07 AM ESTComment

Following up on previous chapters, Shueisha and Viz have added the official English translation of the Dragon Ball Super manga’s 102nd chapter to their respective Manga Plus and Shonen Jump services, continuing onward into the brand-new “Super Hero arc”.

After three chapters worth of original prologue material, the manga version of the arc covered the full events of the respective film, and has now transitioned into even more original story content.

Alongside other initiatives including free chapters and a larger archive for paid subscribers, this release continues the companies’ schedule of not simply simultaneously publishing the series’ chapter alongside its Japanese debut to the release date, but to its local time in Japan alongside its serialization in today’s April 2024 issue of Shueisha’s V-Jump magazine.

The Dragon Ball Super “comicalization” began in June 2015, initially just ahead of the television series, and running both ahead and behind the series at various points. The manga runs in Shueisha’s V-Jump magazine, with the series’ one-hundred-second chapter hitting today in the magazine’s April 2024 issue.

Illustrated by “Toyotarō” (in all likelihood, a second pen-name used by Dragon Ball AF fan manga author and illustrator “Toyble”), the Dragon Ball Super manga covered the Battle of Gods re-telling, skipped the Resurrection ‘F’ re-telling, and “charged ahead” to the Champa arc, “speeding up the excitement of the TV anime even more”. Though the television series has completed its run, the manga continues onward, moving into its own original “Galactic Patrol Prisoner”, “Granolla the Survivor”, and now “Super Hero” arcs.

Viz is currently releasing free digital chapters of the series, and began their own collected print edition back in 2017. The company’s twentieth collected volume was released this month.

The Dragon Ball Super television series concluded in March 2018 with 131 total episodes. Crunchyroll (by way of the merger with FUNimation) owns the American distribution license for the series, with the English dub having wrapped its broadcast on Cartoon Network, and the home video release reaching its tenth and final box set in 2020. A complete steelbook “Limited Edition” was released by Crunchyroll in 2022.

Published by 20 February 2024, 9:18 AM ESTComment

First teased last month, Bandai Namco has announced that the paid downloadable content pack for Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot featuring the 28th Tenka’ichi Budōkai will release on 21 February 2024.

The downloadable content pack’s title in Japanese is “And So, After 10 Years” (そして10年後 Soshite Jūnengo); as with the previous packs this season, its title is a direct nod to a prior work’s title, in this case being the exact same title as Dragon Ball manga chapter 518. The English localization will sport a title of “Goku’s Next Journey“.

Set at the very end of the original manga and television series, the 28th Tenka’ichi Budōkai takes place ten years after the defeat of Majin Boo, and sees Goku face off against Boo’s own reincarnation, Oob.

The three entries in this second “season pass” are all “story arcs” rather than “story episodes”; in the first season pass, the Battle of Gods and Resurrection ‘F’ DLC entries were much shorter with a focus on boss fights and level increases, while the third entry — that of Trunks’ future timeline — told a comprehensive, multi-part story. Alongside this 28th Tenka’ichi Budōkai pack in “season two” are a pack for the original 1990 Bardock television special, as well as one for the 23rd Tenka’ichi Budōkai.

Developed by CyberConnect2 for Bandai Namco, the action role-playing game released 16 January 2020 in Japan and 17 January 2020 internationally on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (via Steam). A Nintendo Switch edition came later in September 2021.

Reviews of the base game, Trunks DLC, Bardock DLC, and 23rd Tenka’ichi Budōkai DLC can be found on episodes #0481, #0490, #0497, and #0505, respectively, of our podcast.