Toriyama WJ Comments (now with 1987)

[Herms]

So, as mentioned in my last thread, I've started translating all of Toriyama's little comments featured in each issue of Weekly Jump during DB's serialization. These are taken from DB collector extraordinaire Pekindaq's Twitter bot dedicated to them. I may set up a similar Twitter account for these English translations, but for now I'm just going to post them up all at once here, bit by bit. I'll probably just post up each year as I get done with them.

The issue number of Weekly Jump the quote appeared in is listed after each quote. I've added in the DB chapter number that ran in that issue, and noted where each story arc begins, to help make it easier to keep track of where each quote falls in the progress of the series.

[1984]

December

<Search for the Dragon Balls story arc>
Here I am back again, without having had any time to rest! I’m happy, but sad too. Still, I’ll do my best!! (1984, No.51, c1)

Work is really killing me all of a sudden. Somebody, hit the pressure point that’ll give me more zip! (1984, No.52, c2)

[1985]

January
There’s tons of movies I want to see, but my dear sweet editor spoils the story for me before they even open…(1985, No.1-2, c3)

I recently saw that masterpiece “Future Boy Conan”, and it really impressed me. I want to make something like that. (1985, No.3, c4)

During New Year’s I’m much busier with motorbikes, plastic models, and parties than I am with work. (1985, No.4-5, c5)

Uh, it’ so cold. I hate winter. Hopefully we’ll cruise through spring and get on into summer pretty soon here. (1985, No.6, c6)

Don’t think I’m a pervert just because I write perverted stories! Though everyone around me says I am!! (1985, No.7, c7)

February
My buddies and I visited a hot spring, like the old farts that we are. But the water was way too hot, so we ended up like boiled eggs. (1985, No.8, c8)

I’ve just now started writing New Year’s cards for all my friends and family. Hopefully they’ll receive them before the year is out. (1985, No.9, c9)

Lately I’ve taken up drinking sake! But it makes my face red as a tomato!! (1985, No.10, c10)

There aren’t that many good TV shows anymore…But as a result, I’m getting lots of work done! (1985, No.11, c11)

March
Every day I take my dog out for a walk in the cold. It’s cold in Tokyo too, but hang in there Yasushi Tao. (1985, No.12, c12)

Lately I’ve been getting tons of fan letters asking me for stuff. How about saying “thank you” every now and then?! (1985, No.13, c13)

I’ll be 30 in just a month. I wanna say I’m still young, but it’s probably time I start watching my hairline. (1985, No.14, c14)

There’s tons of movies I want to see. Can I possibly see them all?! It really bugs me…(1985, No.15, c15)

April
I can’t cook, but I still love watching cooking shows. I start drooling before I know it. (1985, No.16, c16)

Spring is finally here! I love spring! I’m jumping for joy…but still stuck at my desk. I wanna go ride my motorbike. (1985, No.17, c17)

It’s spring! I should be zooming around town on my motorbike…Yeah, this sucks…(1985, No.18, c18)

I’m too stingy to pay the barber, so I had my wife cut my hair, and now it looks awful! The weather’s great, but I can’t go outside like this! (1985, No.19. c19)

My room was so messy, it took me 3 whole days to clean it! (1985, No.20, c20)

May
Right now I’m having fun taking my motorbike apart and repainting it. What great craftsmanship! (1985, No.21, c21)

The final volume of Dr. Slump comes out on May 10th. Take this opportunity to collect the whole series!! (1985, No.22, c22)

If I had the spare time I’d go down to the motorbike mod shop. It’s so fascinating watching them work! (1985, No.23, c23)

<Kame-sennin's Training story arc>
I finally get a break for the first time in who knows how long, but instead of relaxing I’m busy running all over the place. (1985, No.24, c24)

June
When my parents go on a trip, it’s my job to water their 500 Bonzai plants. Pathetic. (1985, No.25, c25)

Whenever I draw Kame-sennin, people tell me I’m just like him: a big pervert. How rude!! (1985, No.26, c26)

One of my readers sent me some panties. I’ve happily hung them up on my wall. (1985, No.27, c27)

Next week I’m going to Bali. I bet it’ll feel great to zoom along the beach on my motorbike. (1985, No.28, c28)

July
I’m so old, I can’t even work through the night anymore. I wake up and find drool all over my manuscript…(1985, No.29, c29)

The quail chick I bought from the shop stand is growing up nicely. When he gets big I’ll eat him. (1985, No.30, c30)

I ought to know better, but whenever the weather’s nice I’ll go outside. I get more work done in the rainy season. (1985, No.31, c31)

The movie “Witness”, my trip to Bali, the lifestyle of simple people, for some reason all this moves me to tears. (1985, No.32, c32)

<21st Tenkaichi Budokai begins>
My house is by the river. From now on, whenever there’s a typhoon I have to worry about flooding! (1985, No.33, c33)

August
The area around my house is infested with pit vipers, so if I’m careless it could cost me my life. Just the other day I barely got away from one. (1985, No.34, c34)

I’m naturally afraid of lightning! Whenever I hear it, I instinctively take off my glasses and can’t go on working. (1985, No.35, c35)

My phone’s been outfitted with a Fax, for sending copies of my manuscripts. Now I’ll never miss a deadline again! (1985, No.36, c36)

Summer in Nagoya is hot!! Going to the pool and eating yaki-soba and shaved ice is sheer bliss! (1985, No.37, c37)

Missing (1985, No.38, c38)

September
I want to get a cat, but my assistant hates them. So unless I’m OK with him not showing up for work anymore, I guess I’m out of luck!! (1985, No.39, c39)

I’m finally buying an NES, to help me understand the way children think. That’s the excuse, anyway. (1985, No.40, c40)

For my first break in a while, I took a road trip to Nagano. Autumn on the highlands felt great!! (1985, No.41, c41)

I got a letter from Wayan-kun, a friend I made in Bali. That was really fun!! (1985, No.42, c42)

October
I only bought that NES on a whim, but now I’m totally addicted and my fingers hurt. (1985, No.43, c43)

People keep asking me who’ll win the tournament, and what will happen after that, but it’s really all I can do just to think up the story for next week. (1985, No.44, c44)

For my first break in a while, my family and I got a free road trip to the Shinshuu hot springs. The open-air bath felt real good! (1985, No.45, c45)

Even when I just go someplace nearby, I still take the car or my motorbike. I’d better work out my legs more. (1985, No.46, c46)

November
I finally went to Disney Land! Even my editor came with me and raised some hell! It was a good experience! (1985, No.47, c47)

It’s thrilling to goof off while my editor has his back turned, but also exhausting…(1985, No.48, c48)

I’ve had unusually few physically exams this year, but they told me to cut down on tobacco! Ack!! (1985, No.49, c49)

Now that it’s gotten cold, I sit at the kotatsu while I work. It’s nice and warm, but I keep falling asleep. (1985, No.50, c50)

December
I got to be one of the judges for the Akatsuka Award. Seeing these young people’s work has really inspired me. (1985, No.51, c51)

I’m thinking up the plot developments for after the tournament. It should be interesting, so look forward to it!! (1985, No.52, c52)

[1986]

January
I’m having a very busy year’s end. I just gotta hang in there a little longer to get to my New Year’s break. (1986, No.1-2, c53)

Saw Jackie Chan's “Police Story”. It’s just as great as “Project A”!! (1986, No.3-4, c54)

<Red Ribbon Army arc begins>
My cat-hating assistant Matsuyama-kun has discovered that I’ve been secretly keeping one!! I…I’m sorry…Please forgive me. (1986, No.5, c55)

Went to Chita Peninsula to eat some fresh fish! Though I wish I could have taken my cat along…(1986, No.6, c56)

Driving all over the place, making lots of plastic models, and of course keeping up with work…Man, what a hard New Year’s it’s been! (1986, No.7, c57)

February
For some reason I love going to the super market. It really makes my wife happy. (1986, No.8. c58)

Drove to Izu. Relaxed in the hot springs and looked at Mount Fuji: just another day in the life of an old geezer. (1986, No.9, c59)

The deadline for the plastic model making contest is coming up, so I’m super busy! I plan to sink my whole vacation into it!! (1986, No.10, c60)

Thanks for all the New Year’s cards!! Let’s all do our best to get through the Year of the Tiger!! (1986, No.11, c61)

March
Things are ridiculously hectic, what with my work and plastic model contest deadlines, my younger brother’s wedding, and my friend’s wedding. But I’ll definitely watch the anime’s premiere, no matter what! (1986, No.12, c62)

The Dragon Ball anime begins on the 26th! Even I’m excited. (1986, No.13, c63)

I’m currently thinking up what the next setting will be after the Muscle Tower climax wraps up. Doing an adventure manga is tough, but fun! (1986, No.14, c64)

I’m so busy lately I don’t have time for my NES or motorbike! Uck…I can’t stand it!! (1986, No.15, c65)

Since I’m so busy, I usually can only watch movies on video, but nothing really compares to seeing them in an actual theater. (1986, No.16, c66)

April
I like spring, but thanks to my pollen allergy I sneeze up a storm! It really sucks…(1986, No.17, c67)

I actually won some prize money in that plastic model contest. I’m so happy. (1986, No.18, c68)

Recently I’ve been noticing all the No Smoking signs around. As a smoking aficionado it really bugs me!! (1986, No.19, c69)

In Kyoto I went to Uzumasa Film Studios, and dressed up as a feudal lord. It felt great! (1986, No.20, c70)

May
I’ll be going to the Grand Anime Parade in Shizuoka. I’m starting to feel really pumped for it. Come too if you want! (1986, No.21, c71)

Golden Week is finally here!! From the corner of my eye I can see the smiling faces of people going out to have fun, while I sit here inside, working…(1986, No.22, c72)

Coconut trees stretching out between a blue ocean and blue sky. Southern islands sure are swell…I wanna go! (1986, No.23, c73)

Dragon Quest is dangerous! It got to the point where I couldn’t get any work done, so my wife finally took it away. (1986, No.24, c74)

June
The 3rd volume of the comics comes out June 10th! You’ve got plenty of allowance money: go out and buy it. (1986, No.25, c75)

Sitting in the movie theater, popcorn and soda in hand, waiting for the film to start: that’s the moment I love! (1986, No.26, c76)

I’ll be appearing with Shinzawa-sensei at the Grand Anime Parade convention in Nagoya. Everyone in the Tokai region, please apply!! (1986, No.27, c77)

I practically killed myself doing the full-color chapter for issue 31. I took a drive after finishing up to boost my morale. (1986, No.28, c78)

For my latest vacation, I planned on living it up on some southern island…but my cat’s pregnancy has scuttled those plans…(1986, No.29, c79)

July
Yes! I’ve got a 9-day vacation! But my cat’s about to give birth, so I can’t really go anyway! (1986, No.30, c80)

While out on a drive I dropped by the world folk museum, and checked out various different lifestyles. It’ll make good reference material for my manga. (1986, No.31, c81)

My cat Koge is about to give birth. I’m really excited and can’t settle down. Which, honestly, is kinda pathetic. (1986, No.32, c82)

My cat Koge has finally given birth to 4 kittens. They’re cute, and I look forward to watching them grow each day. (1986, No.33, c83)

August
My parents are on vacation, so it’s up to me to water their 300 Bonsai trees. This is really pathetic! (1986, No.34, c84)

I went out bike-riding for the first time in a really, really long time. When I got back my body was aching. I’m at that age. (1986, No.35, c85)

Early in the morning, I went with someone from Tamiya Plastic Models to research an American military base. I was blown away, it was just that impressive. (1986, No.36, c86)

Nagoya’s heat is deadly!! But it’s probably better than India…so I guess I’ll just put up with it. (1986, No.37, c87)

September
I wanna get my strength back, so I should probably start riding my bike or something. I wonder if I can keep it up? (1986, No.38, c88)

I don’t have time to go to the pool. Instead I’m stuck taking a bath with my dog. Pathetic. (1986, No.39, c89)

I don’t watch anime too much, but even I really got a thrill out of Laputa: Castle in the Sky! (1986, No.40, c90)

I wanna try raising a goat, but it would probably eat my dad’s Bonsai trees, so I guess that’s a no-go. It’s too bad. (1986, No.41, c91)

Riding around my neighborhood on a bike is different than with my motorbike, but interesting in its own way. It’s more fun! (1986, No.42, c92)

October
3 of Koge’s 4 kittens have gone missing…I’m so shocked I can hardly focus on work! Please come back soon!! (1986, No.43, c93)

I can’t produce quality material if I do nothing but work every day!! Even when I’m busy, I’ll always take breaks!! (1986, No.44, c94)

Between the deadline for issue No.49 and my upcoming trip to Okinawa, every day is unbelievably busy. (1986, No.45, c95)

I’m drawing a one-shot for issue No.49, so my schedule is really packed. Every day is crunch time! Waah…(1986, No.46, c96)

November

<Uranai Baba arc begins>
Once I get out to Kohama Island in Okinawa and relax out in the sea, I’ll probably lose all desire to ever come back…(1986, No.47, c97)

I got a boil on my butt, so I had surgery. Now I’m drawing my manuscript standing up…(1986, No.48, c98)

Between my regular serialization schedule, my one-shot, and the boil on my butt, I can’t remember the last time things were this hellish! It took all I had to draw Mister Ho, so please read it! (1986, No.49, c99)

As I stare at my schedule calendar, I’m making the calendar picture for next year! (1986, No.50, c100)

December
I’m drawing a 4-panel manga for the next issue of Super Jump, on sale the 19th, so please check it out. (1986, No.51, c101)

I compulsively clean my ears. If I can’t find my favorite earpick, I can’t get any work done!! (1986, No.52, c102)

[1987]

January
I bought some stilts recently. Once I started clattering around on them, I instantly remembered my days as a little brat. (1987, No.1-2, c103)

My assistant Matsuyama-kun’s getting married. She’d better make sure he’s on time for work. (1987, No.3-4, c104)

How’s the calendar? It was a real pain drawing it. Please keep it up on your wall all through the year. (1987, No.5, c105)

Happy New Year’s. As the old year wraps up and a new one begins, I keep on drinking sake…sake I really shouldn’t be drinking. I feel groggy. (1987, No.6, c106)

First, my cat Koge was pregnant. Now, my wife is. Thinking about how hard it will be for me to just relax and goof off from now on…I’m happy of course, but sad too…(1987, No.7, c107)

February
Dragon Quest II on the NES is too fun! Now I can’t get any work done! (1987, No.8, c108)

I’m drawing a short one-shot for the next Super Jump. There are so many things I want to draw, I can’t make up my mind. (1987, No.9, c109)

I’m a bit late, but thanks for all the New Year’s cards!! I’m moved by how much effort you all put into them. (1987, No.10, c110)

Koge is always fighting with a stray cat that sneaks into our home. They’re noisy, but I let them be. (1987, No.11, c111)

March
I’ve got work deadlines and plastic model contest deadlines. I’m starting to think I’m not masochistic enough for this. (1987, No.12, c112)

<22nd Tenkaichi Budokai begins>
Like I thought, I can’t get any work done except at night. But then I’m always falling asleep. What a pain! (1987, No.13, c113)

My wife will be giving birth soon. I try to look calm, but inside I’m a ball of nerves. Pathetic!! (1987, No.14, c114)

This week I goofed up and drew an extra page of story, so now there’s no title page. But you can all enjoy the extra page, so please forgive me. (1987, No.15, c115)

I’m desperately trying to think up a name for my child. It’s way worse than coming up with manga storyboards, and is giving me a killer headache. (1987, No.16, c116)

April
People keep telling me I’m getting fat, and it’s really starting to get to me. When the weather’s good, I plan on going out for a moderately-lengthy walk. (1987, No.17, c117)

One of my relative’s kids thinks that I’m just this old guy who’s really good at Dragon Ball fanart. (1987, No.18, c118)

I’m so busy that just about the only time I’m really active is when playing with my dog in the yard. When the weather’s nice and I go outside, my body feels really sluggish. (1987, No.19, c119)

On March 23rd, my baby boy was born. His name is Sasuke. He cries so loud, he seems like a promising lad. (1987, No.20, c120)

May
I get the feeling that lately the number of good TV shows has dropped off. But thanks to that, I can get more work done…I guess? (1987, No.21, c121)

I went drinking for the first time in who knows how many months, and after just one cup my head was reeling. I didn’t think I was this weak! (1987, No.22, c122)

My wife and child still aren’t back from the hospital. It’s kinda lonesome here in this empty room. (1987, No.23, c123)

I’m remodeling the room right now before the baby gets here. It used to be tinted yellow from tobacco, but it’s all pretty now. (1987, No.24, c124)

June
My friend Wayan has come from Bali. Every day we all have a big laugh at his various antics…(1987, No.25, c125)

Since lately I’ve only been paying attention to my baby son Sasuke, my cat Koge has been acting jealous. I don’t know what to do. (1987, No.26, c126)

Taking applications for an assistant. Anyone around 20 who’s fun, cheerful, and loves manga, please telephone my editor Torishima . (1987, No.27, c127)

Looking for a fun, cheerful, manga-loving assistant. Please phone my editor, Torishima. (1987, No.28, c128)

Recently I’ve been too busy to go to the supermarket, so when I finally managed to get down there I was so happy that I bought tons of stuff…(1987, No.29, c129)

July
It’s hot. But I’ve got my baby here with me, so I can’t use the air conditioner. So I opened the window, and now tons of mosquitoes are flying in…! (1987, No.30, c130)

Going from hot weather to cold weather has given me a cold. Now I’m all groggy, and I messed up the number of pages. Boo-hoo. (1987, No.31, c131)

My assistant Matsuyama-kun has gotten over his hatred of cats, so now Koge can walk around the house freely. (1987, No.32, c132)

During work breaks I’ll change my baby’s diapers, bathe him, and whatnot. Boy, I really am a father. (1987, No.33, c133)

August
I’m going to Tokyo on August 9th to give a seminar. Anyone who wants to participate should send their postcards in right away. (1987, No.34, c134)

<Piccolo Daimao arc begins>
I’m thinking of moving even further out into the boonies. Of course, I’m keeping this a secret from my family. I want to make this a reality sometime. (1987, No.35, c135)

A snake has eaten our oldest sparrow, and now all the other sparrows inside the birdcage are petrified. It’s so sad to see them like that. (1987, No.36, c136)

I saw a movie for the first time in a while: A.S. (Amazing Stories). It was pretty interesting. Next time, I want to see Project A2. (1987, No.37, c137)

Doing both the one-shot “Kennosuke-sama” and a Dragon Ball chapter really wore me out. I’m waiting to hear what you all think about this one-shot. (1987, No.38, c138)

September
My dog was barking out in the yard, so I went to see what was up and there was this gigantic turtle. I let it go free, so maybe I’ll get a Tama-Tebako? (1987, No.39, c139)

I’ve been so busy my kid’s forgotten my face, but it looks like I’ll finally have more time to spend with him. (1987, No.40, c140)

I’ve finally finished drawing all the monsters for Dragon Quest III. The game looks really fun! (1987, No.41, c141)

I can’t smoke in front of my son, so instead I smoke under the fan in the kitchen. It really sucks. (1987, No.42, c142)

October
I’ve been desperately working round the clock, all so that I can take my summer vacation, which is still way later than most peoples’…(1987, No.43, c143)

I’ve been watching the relay broadcasts of the F-1 Gran Prix without missing a moment. My favorite racer is the powerful Nigel Mansell. (1987, No.44, c144)

I finally got to take a 6 day vacation. I spent it relaxing with my son Sasuke, basking in the salty breeze. (1987, No.45, c145)

I spent my precious vacation sprinkling water over the Bonsai trees in my parents’ garden. All because my dad had to take a trip. (1987, No.46, c146)

November
My son’s gotten big, and looks like he’s able to go outside now…So I’m looking for a powerful 4-wheeler. (1987, No.47, c147)

I may be the author, but even I don’t know what’s going to happen next week. That way, as I draw the story each week I stay excited, wondering how things will turn out. (1987, No.48, c148)

Since it’s warm out I thought it’d be good to wear short sleeves. Now I’ve caught a cold. Ha-chew! I’m chilly…(1987, No.49, c149)

I was all raring to do some work, but then I came down with this awful cold and feel sluggish. Everyone, please take good care of yourselves…(1987, No.50, c150)

The DB Adventure Special goes on sale on the 18th tomorrow. It’s an awesome special issue, with fun and games from the cover all the way to the table of contents in the back. Please enjoy. (1987, No.51, c151)

December
I’m working round-the-clock so that I can draw a fun one-shot for the end-of-year issue. I’ll give it my best! (1987, No.52, c152)

[Herms]

Oh yeah, the "Wayan-kun" mentioned in Chapter 42's comment is Wayan Budhiyasa, who Toriyama included a caricature of in Chapter 32, as detailed in 10 Things You Didn't Know About Dragon Ball, item #5. So, that's pretty much further confirmation of this Easter Egg, if we needed any.

[Insertclevername]

Wow, these are great! I love how he mentioned his trip to Bali, since we all know that his instructor would make a cameo shortly after. Also his addiction to the NES is great!

[Michsi]

Thank you so much for these! It was really fun reading them and some even had me laughing.

[Storm101]

Awesome stuff, thanks for posting it. I liked the part about the NES as well. I wonder if it had any influence on him being the artist for games like Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest later. I also wonder if he's actually beaten any of them and if he still games today.

[JulieYBM]

Good Lord, he talks about the dumbest things ever. I love it. That mentioning of the NES was great, but it's the disgruntled comments thats really get me. I suppose it helps that I read them in Herms' voice.

[Chuquita]

These are fantastic. XD I also read them in Herms' voice the same way I end up reading Oda's comments in Greg's voice.

[Son_Gohan]

Excellent, now we can observe just how long it takes for the weekly deadlines to finally start taking its toll on one's sanity.

[TheDevilsCorpse]

I’m thinking up the plot developments for after the tournament. It should be interesting, so look forward to it!! (1985, No.52, c52)

Hmm, judging from that comment, Toriyama actually had about a month to plan the Red Ribbon plot (or at least the beginning) thanks to the December break. Probably was lazy and slacked off till the last minute though. =P

[Jawdrahb]

Shout-outs to Pekindaq and thank you Herms! Your time and efforts are highly appreciated. Although a Twitter bot sounds ideal (these are probably as close as we're ever going to get to Toriyama tweets, right?), this thread will certainly suffice. It's excitingly enlightening to gain a personal insight into his thought process during the production of the series.

[StarRot]

These are great! Thank you for sharing this.

Don’t think I’m a pervert just because I write perverted stories! Though everyone around me says I am!! (1985, No.7, c7)

I know this feeling.

One of my readers sent me some panties. I’ve happily hung them up on my wall. (1985, No.27, c27)

Fantastic.

[Herms]

Here's 1986. I'll put these into the initial post as well, just so I'll eventually have all of the comments in one place. I should note that, though I'm breaking these up by year, technically the first two or so Jump issues for each year come out in December of the previous year. So here, Jump issues No.1-2 and No.3-4 for 1986 (a pair of double issues) came out in December 1985, which probably explains Toriyama's reference to his upcoming New Year's break.

Anyway, I'll shoot for another two years' worth next weekend.

[1986]

January
I’m having a very busy year’s end. I just gotta hang in there a little longer to get to my New Year’s break. (1986, No.1-2, c53)

Saw Jackie Chan's “Police Story”. It’s just as great as “Project A”!! (1986, No.3-4, c54)

<Red Ribbon Army arc begins>
My cat-hating assistant Matsuyama-kun has discovered that I’ve been secretly keeping one!! I…I’m sorry…Please forgive me. (1986, No.5, c55)

Went to Chita Peninsula to eat some fresh fish! Though I wish I could have taken my cat along…(1986, No.6, c56)

Driving all over the place, making lots of plastic models, and of course keeping up with work…Man, what a hard New Year’s it’s been! (1986, No.7, c57)

February
For some reason I love going to the super market. It really makes my wife happy. (1986, No.8. c58)

Drove to Izu. Relaxed in the hot springs and looked at Mount Fuji: just another day in the life of an old geezer. (1986, No.9, c59)

The deadline for the plastic model making contest is coming up, so I’m super busy! I plan to sink my whole vacation into it!! (1986, No.10, c60)

Thanks for all the New Year’s cards!! Let’s all do our best to get through the Year of the Tiger!! (1986, No.11, c61)

March
Things are ridiculously hectic, what with my work and plastic model contest deadlines, my younger brother’s wedding, and my friend’s wedding. But I’ll definitely watch the anime’s premiere, no matter what! (1986, No.12, c62)

The Dragon Ball anime begins on the 26th! Even I’m excited. (1986, No.13, c63)

I’m currently thinking up what the next setting will be after the Muscle Tower climax wraps up. Doing an adventure manga is tough, but fun! (1986, No.14, c64)

I’m so busy lately I don’t have time for my NES or motorbike! Uck…I can’t stand it!! (1986, No.15, c65)

Since I’m so busy, I usually can only watch movies on video, but nothing really compares to seeing them in an actual theater. (1986, No.16, c66)

April
I like spring, but thanks to my pollen allergy I sneeze up a storm! It really sucks…(1986, No.17, c67)

I actually won some prize money in that plastic model contest. I’m so happy. (1986, No.18, c68)

Recently I’ve been noticing all the No Smoking signs around. As a smoking aficionado it really bugs me!! (1986, No.19, c69)

In Kyoto I went to Uzumasa Film Studios, and dressed up as a feudal lord. It felt great! (1986, No.20, c70)

May
I’ll be going to the Grand Anime Parade in Shizuoka. I’m starting to feel really pumped for it. Come too if you want! (1986, No.21, c71)

Golden Week is finally here!! From the corner of my eye I can see the smiling faces of people going out to have fun, while I sit here inside, working…(1986, No.22, c72)

Coconut trees stretching out between a blue ocean and blue sky. Southern islands sure are swell…I wanna go! (1986, No.23, c73)

Dragon Quest is dangerous! It got to the point where I couldn’t get any work done, so my wife finally took it away. (1986, No.24, c74)

June
The 3rd volume of the comics comes out June 10th! You’ve got plenty of allowance money: go out and buy it. (1986, No.25, c75)

Sitting in the movie theater, popcorn and soda in hand, waiting for the film to start: that’s the moment I love! (1986, No.26, c76)

I’ll be appearing with Shinzawa-sensei at the Grand Anime Parade convention in Nagoya. Everyone in the Tokai region, please apply!! (1986, No.27, c77)

I practically killed myself doing the full-color chapter for issue 31. I took a drive after finishing up to boost my morale. (1986, No.28, c78)

For my latest vacation, I planned on living it up on some southern island…but my cat’s pregnancy has scuttled those plans…(1986, No.29, c79)

July
Yes! I’ve got a 9-day vacation! But my cat’s about to give birth, so I can’t really go anyway! (1986, No.30, c80)

While out on a drive I dropped by the world folk museum, and checked out various different lifestyles. It’ll make good reference material for my manga. (1986, No.31, c81)

My cat Koge is about to give birth. I’m really excited and can’t settle down. Which, honestly, is kinda pathetic. (1986, No.32, c82)

My cat Koge has finally given birth to 4 kittens. They’re cute, and I look forward to watching them grow each day. (1986, No.33, c83)

August
My parents are on vacation, so it’s up to me to water their 300 Bonsai trees. This is really pathetic! (1986, No.34, c84)

I went out bike-riding for the first time in a really, really long time. When I got back my body was aching. I’m at that age. (1986, No.35, c85)

Early in the morning, I went with someone from Tamiya Plastic Models to research an American military base. I was blown away, it was just that impressive. (1986, No.36, c86)

Nagoya’s heat is deadly!! But it’s probably better than India…so I guess I’ll just put up with it. (1986, No.37, c87)

September
I wanna get my strength back, so I should probably start riding my bike or something. I wonder if I can keep it up? (1986, No.38, c88)

I don’t have time to go to the pool. Instead I’m stuck taking a bath with my dog. Pathetic. (1986, No.39, c89)

I don’t watch anime too much, but even I really got a thrill out of Laputa: Castle in the Sky! (1986, No.40, c90)

I wanna try raising a goat, but it would probably eat my dad’s Bonsai trees, so I guess that’s a no-go. It’s too bad. (1986, No.41, c91)

Riding around my neighborhood on a bike is different than with my motorbike, but interesting in its own way. It’s more fun! (1986, No.42, c92)

October
3 of Koge’s 4 kittens have gone missing…I’m so shocked I can hardly focus on work! Please come back soon!! (1986, No.43, c93)

I can’t produce quality material if I do nothing but work every day!! Even when I’m busy, I’ll always take breaks!! (1986, No.44, c94)

Between the deadline for issue No.49 and my upcoming trip to Okinawa, every day is unbelievably busy. (1986, No.45, c95)

I’m drawing a one-shot for issue No.49, so my schedule is really packed. Every day is crunch time! Waah…(1986, No.46, c96)

November

<Uranai Baba arc begins>
Once I get out to Kohama Island in Okinawa and relax out in the sea, I’ll probably lose all desire to ever come back…(1986, No.47, c97)

I got a boil on my butt, so I had surgery. Now I’m drawing my manuscript standing up…(1986, No.48, c98)

Between my regular serialization schedule, my one-shot, and the boil on my butt, I can’t remember the last time things were this hellish! It took all I had to draw Mister Ho, so please read it! (1986, No.49, c99)

As I stare at my schedule calendar, I’m making the calendar picture for next year! (1986, No.50, c100)

December
I’m drawing a 4-panel manga for the next issue of Super Jump, on sale the 19th, so please check it out. (1986, No.51, c101)

I compulsively clean my ears. If I can’t find my favorite earpick, I can’t get any work done!! (1986, No.52, c102)

[Gyt Kaliba]

These are AWESOME to read, keep em' coming. I had no idea that the weekly magazine issues had author comments as well. Was this something all or most authors did, or just Toriyama?

[TheDevilsCorpse]

Saw Jackie Chun’s “Police Story”. It’s just as great as “Project A”!! (1986, No.3-4, c54)

Chan?

[Chuquita]

The pet-related author notes cracked me up especially; the whole thing with hiding a cat from his editor (how do you go about hiding a cat?) to wanting to own to a goat to having the dog in the bathtub with him. XD

I wish I knew what happened to the missing kittens; that feels unresolved.

I hope you continue with updates; these are a lot of fun to read.

[StarRot]

I wish I knew what happened to the missing kittens; that feels unresolved.

Yeah, it's like a cliffhanger!
Thanks again for translating these, these are fun.

[Kingdom Heartless]

I love that he was hooked on Dragon Quest.

[medama_oyaji]

Oh man, just saw this thread for the first time and it is totally great. Thanks Herms!

I recently saw that masterpiece “Future Boy Conan”, and it really impressed me. I want to make something like that. (1985, No.3, c4)

This is one of my all-time favorite anime. Conan and Goku have a lot in common!

[Herms]

In this year, Toriyama's son was born. Toriyama also advertised for another assistant, but apparently nothing ever came of this. As far as we know, Matsuyama was Toriyama's only assistant over the course of DB, as Toriyama himself mentions in Super Exciting Guide: Story Volume.

The movie "Amazing Stories" Toriyama mentions seeing in August is (I'm pretty sure, after some research) a reference to the TV show Amazing Stories. In Japan, three episodes of this series ("Mummy Daddy", "The Mission", and "Go to the Head of the Class") were bundled together and released in theaters as a movie, in July of 1987.

[1987]

January
I bought some stilts recently. Once I started clattering around on them, I instantly remembered my days as a little brat. (1987, No.1-2, c103)

My assistant Matsuyama-kun’s getting married. She’d better make sure he’s on time for work. (1987, No.3-4, c104)

How’s the calendar? It was a real pain drawing it. Please keep it up on your wall all through the year. (1987, No.5, c105)

Happy New Year’s. As the old year wraps up and a new one begins, I keep on drinking sake…sake I really shouldn’t be drinking. I feel groggy. (1987, No.6, c106)

First, my cat Koge was pregnant. Now, my wife is. Thinking about how hard it will be for me to just relax and goof off from now on…I’m happy of course, but sad too…(1987, No.7, c107)

February
Dragon Quest II on the NES is too fun! Now I can’t get any work done! (1987, No.8, c108)

I’m drawing a short one-shot for the next Super Jump. There are so many things I want to draw, I can’t make up my mind. (1987, No.9, c109)

I’m a bit late, but thanks for all the New Year’s cards!! I’m moved by how much effort you all put into them. (1987, No.10, c110)

Koge is always fighting with a stray cat that sneaks into our home. They’re noisy, but I let them be. (1987, No.11, c111)

March
I’ve got work deadlines and plastic model contest deadlines. I’m starting to think I’m not masochistic enough for this. (1987, No.12, c112)

<22nd Tenkaichi Budokai begins>
Like I thought, I can’t get any work done except at night. But then I’m always falling asleep. What a pain! (1987, No.13, c113)

My wife will be giving birth soon. I try to look calm, but inside I’m a ball of nerves. Pathetic!! (1987, No.14, c114)

This week I goofed up and drew an extra page of story, so now there’s no title page. But you can all enjoy the extra page, so please forgive me. (1987, No.15, c115)

I’m desperately trying to think up a name for my child. It’s way worse than coming up with manga storyboards, and is giving me a killer headache. (1987, No.16, c116)

April
People keep telling me I’m getting fat, and it’s really starting to get to me. When the weather’s good, I plan on going out for a moderately-lengthy walk. (1987, No.17, c117)

One of my relative’s kids thinks that I’m just this old guy who’s really good at Dragon Ball fanart. (1987, No.18, c118)

I’m so busy that just about the only time I’m really active is when playing with my dog in the yard. When the weather’s nice and I go outside, my body feels really sluggish. (1987, No.19, c119)

On March 23rd, my baby boy was born. His name is Sasuke. He cries so loud, he seems like a promising lad. (1987, No.20, c120)

May
I get the feeling that lately the number of good TV shows has dropped off. But thanks to that, I can get more work done…I guess? (1987, No.21, c121)

I went drinking for the first time in who knows how many months, and after just one cup my head was reeling. I didn’t think I was this weak! (1987, No.22, c122)

My wife and child still aren’t back from the hospital. It’s kinda lonesome here in this empty room. (1987, No.23, c123)

I’m remodeling the room right now before the baby gets here. It used to be tinted yellow from tobacco, but it’s all pretty now. (1987, No.24, c124)

June
My friend Wayan has come from Bali. Every day we all have a big laugh at his various antics…(1987, No.25, c125)

Since lately I’ve only been paying attention to my baby son Sasuke, my cat Koge has been acting jealous. I don’t know what to do. (1987, No.26, c126)

Taking applications for an assistant. Anyone around 20 who’s fun, cheerful, and loves manga, please telephone my editor Torishima . (1987, No.27, c127)

Looking for a fun, cheerful, manga-loving assistant. Please phone my editor, Torishima. (1987, No.28, c128)

Recently I’ve been too busy to go to the supermarket, so when I finally managed to get down there I was so happy that I bought tons of stuff…(1987, No.29, c129)

July
It’s hot. But I’ve got my baby here with me, so I can’t use the air conditioner. So I opened the window, and now tons of mosquitoes are flying in…! (1987, No.30, c130)

Going from hot weather to cold weather has given me a cold. Now I’m all groggy, and I messed up the number of pages. Boo-hoo. (1987, No.31, c131)

My assistant Matsuyama-kun has gotten over his hatred of cats, so now Koge can walk around the house freely. (1987, No.32, c132)

During work breaks I’ll change my baby’s diapers, bathe him, and whatnot. Boy, I really am a father. (1987, No.33, c133)

August
I’m going to Tokyo on August 9th to give a seminar. Anyone who wants to participate should send their postcards in right away. (1987, No.34, c134)

<Piccolo Daimao arc begins>
I’m thinking of moving even further out into the boonies. Of course, I’m keeping this a secret from my family. I want to make this a reality sometime. (1987, No.35, c135)

A snake has eaten our oldest sparrow, and now all the other sparrows inside the birdcage are petrified. It’s so sad to see them like that. (1987, No.36, c136)

I saw a movie for the first time in a while: A.S. (Amazing Stories). It was pretty interesting. Next time, I want to see Project A2. (1987, No.37, c137)

Doing both the one-shot “Kennosuke-sama” and a Dragon Ball chapter really wore me out. I’m waiting to hear what you all think about this one-shot. (1987, No.38, c138)

September
My dog was barking out in the yard, so I went to see what was up and there was this gigantic turtle. I let it go free, so maybe I’ll get a Tama-Tebako? (1987, No.39, c139)

I’ve been so busy my kid’s forgotten my face, but it looks like I’ll finally have more time to spend with him. (1987, No.40, c140)

I’ve finally finished drawing all the monsters for Dragon Quest III. The game looks really fun! (1987, No.41, c141)

I can’t smoke in front of my son, so instead I smoke under the fan in the kitchen. It really sucks. (1987, No.42, c142)

October
I’ve been desperately working round the clock, all so that I can take my summer vacation, which is still way later than most peoples’…(1987, No.43, c143)

I’ve been watching the relay broadcasts of the F-1 Gran Prix without missing a moment. My favorite racer is the powerful Nigel Mansell. (1987, No.44, c144)

I finally got to take a 6 day vacation. I spent it relaxing with my son Sasuke, basking in the salty breeze. (1987, No.45, c145)

I spent my precious vacation sprinkling water over the Bonsai trees in my parents’ garden. All because my dad had to take a trip. (1987, No.46, c146)

November
My son’s gotten big, and looks like he’s able to go outside now…So I’m looking for a powerful 4-wheeler. (1987, No.47, c147)

I may be the author, but even I don’t know what’s going to happen next week. That way, as I draw the story each week I stay excited, wondering how things will turn out. (1987, No.48, c148)

Since it’s warm out I thought it’d be good to wear short sleeves. Now I’ve caught a cold. Ha-chew! I’m chilly…(1987, No.49, c149)

I was all raring to do some work, but then I came down with this awful cold and feel sluggish. Everyone, please take good care of yourselves…(1987, No.50, c150)

The DB Adventure Special goes on sale on the 18th tomorrow. It’s an awesome special issue, with fun and games from the cover all the way to the table of contents in the back. Please enjoy. (1987, No.51, c151)

December
I’m working round-the-clock so that I can draw a fun one-shot for the end-of-year issue. I’ll give it my best! (1987, No.52, c152)

[linkdude20002001]

[1987]

January
I bought some stilts recently. Once I started clattering around on them, I instantly remembered by days as a little brat. (1987, No.1-2, c103)

Should be "...I instantly remembered MY days as a little brat.".

July
It’s hot. But I’ve got my baby here with me, so I can’t use the air conditioner. So I opened the winder, and now tons of mosquitoes are flying in…! (1987, No.30, c130)

Should be, I think, "So I opened the WINDOW...".