Tokyo (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) – The world mourns the loss of Akira Toriyama, the visionary mind behind the beloved “Dragon Ball” manga and anime series, who passed away at the age of 68, as announced on Friday (08/03/2024).
According to the franchise’s official website, Toriyama succumbed to a brain blood clot on March 1, leaving behind a legacy cherished by millions worldwide.
A private funeral service has been held for Toriyama’s immediate family, while plans for public farewell events are yet to be finalized.
In a heartfelt post on the website, Toriyama’s sudden demise was mourned, with sentiments expressing his dedication to numerous ongoing projects and his desire to achieve much more. The post also conveyed gratitude towards Toriyama’s global fan base for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious career spanning over 45 years.
Toriyama’s journey in the manga industry commenced with his debut in 1978, marked by works like “Wonder Island,” followed by iconic creations such as “Dr. Slump” and the internationally acclaimed “Dragon Ball” series, which debuted in 1984 and soared to unprecedented heights, selling over 260 million copies worldwide across 20 countries.
The impact of “Dragon Ball” extended far beyond its manga and anime realms, spurring a multitude of merchandise and video games, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Tributes poured in from across the globe following Toriyama’s passing, with Eiichiro Oda, the renowned creator of “One Piece,” acknowledging Toriyama’s profound influence on his own work.
Toriyama’s legacy also resonated with creators outside Japan, with French director Pierre Perifel citing “Dragon Ball” as inspiration for his work on the DreamWorks Animation film “The Bad Guys,” and Ian Jones-Quartey, a producer of “Steven Universe,” expressing admiration for Toriyama’s creative genius.
At a press conference on Friday (08/03/2024), Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi acknowledged Toriyama’s global impact, extending heartfelt condolences on behalf of Japan.
Toriyama’s contributions were celebrated with numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award and the French government’s Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters decoration in 2019.
The 2024 Tokyo Anime Awards Festival, which commenced on Friday, was set to honor Toriyama with a Lifetime Achievement Award, commemorating his indelible mark on the world of manga and anime.
Source: The Japan Times
