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.
Takao Koyama (Dragon Ball franchise scriptwriter)
(Source: Twitter (Thread))
Too many memories… You really never know what’s going to happen in life… I pray that you may rest in peace.
An acute subdural hematoma. Did he hit his head?
He was apparently already ill since last year. What a shame. That certainly must have been hard. Last year, I was also hospitalized, and for 100 days, so I can relate.
In my career as a scriptwriter, it was after I was assigned as one of the staff working on Dr. Slump – Arale-chan that I started getting a lot more work. Afterwards, it was also because of my involvement with Dragon Ball that I was able to turn Brother Noppo into its own entity. I owe a lot to Akira Toriyama-sensei. I really am truly indebted to him. Never in a million years did I think he’d pass away before I did. Last year, I also had to have the big toe in my right leg amputated due to gangrene. I barely survived, but had to stay hospitalized for 100 days. Even now, there’s still a spot where the wound won’t seal up, and so I can’t wear any shoes. It seems like Sensei also found himself dealing with a painful situation last year, so I don’t even have any words of solace. And to think it would actually claim his life… If I hadn’t come into contact with Sensei’s works, my pupils’ careers as scriptwriters, let alone my own, would be very different. I would like to offer my most heartfelt gratitude to Toriyama-sensei and also pray that he may rest in peace. Thank you very much.
I think that is it. Thank you.
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 / 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.
Akira Toriyama-sensei, thank you for creating the character Piccolo.
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.
Shigeru Chiba (Voice of Pilaf/Raditz)
(Source: Twitter)
Akira Toriyama-san has…
He was still so young, it really is such a shame. I pray with all my heart that you 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.
DragongarowLEE (That Time I Got Reincarnated as Yamcha manga)
(Source: Twitter)
Back when I was in elementary school, the trigger that led me to start drawing was being completely immersed in Dragon Ball and thinking “I really want to be able to make drawings as awesome as these.” To have been given the opportunity to make a side-story and work alongside Toriyama-sensei, even if just for a little bit, is something that I will treasure forever and that I will always be proud of. Thank you so very much.
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.
