Matodog Corporation

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Matodog Corporation
MATODOG CORPORATION
Manga Anime
Manga Debut	Dragon Ball Chapter 134
Anime Debut	Dragon Ball Episode 101
Locational Data
Area	Universe 7
Planet	Earth

Matodog Corporation is a fictional corporation that appears in the Dragon Ball franchise, debuting in Chapter 134 of Akira Toriyama's manga in the 1987 #34 issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump.

General Overview

During the final match of the 22nd Tenka'ichi Budōkai, Son Goku and Tenshinhan find themselves high up in the air above Papaya Island. Neither of them have much energy left, and Goku gambles on a Kamehameha to launch himself into Tenshinhan, sending the both of them hurtling towards the town surrounding the Tenka'ichi Budōkai grounds.

Whoever hits the ground first will lose by ring-out, so Goku uses his last remaining strength to fire off one more tiny Kamehameha and slightly increase his altitude. He and his friends breathe a sigh of relief, but then a van drives into his path. Goku crashes into it and hits the street before Tenshinhan does, making the latter the victor of the 22nd Tenka'ichi Budōkai.

The van in question bears the words "Matodog Corporation" on its side, and a logo resembling that of Volkswagen on its front. The driver can be seen wearing a cap with "Matodog" written on it. Nothing else is known about the corporation, though it can be assumed that they engage in some kind of business on Papaya Island at the very least.

Matodog Corporation makes no other appearance throughout the Dragon Ball franchise, but the words "Matodog Corp." can be seen on the side of a truck in the first chapter of Savings Soldier Cashman, another manga by Akira Toriyama.

Name

Matodog Corporation's name is written exclusively in the Latin alphabet, with no corresponding katakana approximation or native Japanese reading present.

It is highly likely that "Matodog" is a reference to Akira Toriyama's family dog Matryoshka (マトリョーシカ Matoryōshika), nicknamed "Mato" (マト Mato). He mentions her in the introductory text to several tankōbon volumes:

Author Introduction in Dragon Ball Tankōbon Volume 11:

This is the first time I've put up my photo in this section of a volume. This is me with my son, Sasuke. In putting up a picture of my son like this, it is of course true that I'm quite the doting parent, but it's also a lifesaver, because it's a bother always having to draw an illustration for this column. Maybe I'll start doing this from now on, is my lazy idea. Next time, maybe I'll use a photo of my cat Koge, or my dog Mato. Hmmm... This is nice and easy...

— Akira Toriyama

Author Introduction in Dragon Ball Tankōbon Volume 13:

Akira Toriyama's family dog, Mato.

This is our family dog, Matryoshka. We took her name from the traditional Russian dolls. It's a pain to call her "Matryoshka" all the time, though, so her nickname is "Mato". Being a Siberian Husky, she's quite good against the cold, so as someone sensitive to the cold, I absolutely envy her. Even though she's female, she's got lots and lots of energy, so my son is always crying from her pushing him around. No matter how busy I am, I play with her every day.

— Akira Toriyama

Author Introduction in Dragon Ball Tankōbon Volume 40:

Akira Toriyama's tribute to Mato's passing.

Our nearly ten-year-old family dog Mato, whose photo was published in volume 13, has died. She had had kidney problems starting about half a year ago. Since then, I had continued taking her to the vet for her IV treatments, even on the day of my deadline, and even when I was miserable with a cold. Mato put up a good fight too, but in the end, there was really nothing we could do. Our saving grace was the kindly neighborhood vet, who devoted himself with such compassion. Thank you so very much.

— Akira Toriyama

Appearances

The words "Matodog Corporation" (written in all caps) appear on the side of a van in Dragon Ball Chapter 134 and Dragon Ball Episode 101.

The words "Matodog Corp." (written in all caps) appear on the side of a truck in the first chapter of Savings Soldier Cashman, another manga by Akira Toriyama.