Renowned Japanese Manga Artist of Dragon Ball Series, Akira Toriyama, Passes Away at 68

Akira Toriyama, the creator of the widely loved Dragon Ball series, passed away last week at the age of 68 due to a brain condition, as confirmed by his production studio on Friday.

Toriyama was the mastermind behind the popular fantasy martial arts saga, which follows Son Goku, a powerful boy from another planet with incredible abilities and a tail resembling that of a monkey, on his journey to collect the seven dragon balls.

The Dragon Ball universe has been a huge success globally, winning over the hearts of manga fans worldwide since it first came out in the 1980s.

Toriyama’s passing was confirmed on Friday through a joint announcement from Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo on Dragon Ball’s official website.

We are saddened to share that he had several projects in progress that he was very excited about.

Although he had many more goals to accomplish, he has left behind numerous manga titles and artworks for the world to enjoy. Thank you to all the fans for their support on Toriyama's behalf.

The artist died of acute subdural hematoma, a form of brain bleeding, the statement said.

Born on April 5, 1955 in Kiyosu City, Aichi prefecture, Toriyama began drawing manga at the age of 23.

He started his career as a cartoonist in 1978 by sending a short story to the manga magazine "Weekly Shonen Jump."

In 1984, his series "Dragon Ball" was published in the same magazine, marking the beginning of a creative journey that lasted over four decades.

The franchise is inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West and has been adapted into anime and the 2009 Hollywood action movie “Dragon Ball Evolution.”

Son Goku embarks on a journey to find the seven dragon balls, battling villains and defending the Earth. As time passes, the focus shifts to his descendants and companions.

When the dragon balls are collected, they have the power to summon Shen Long, a mystical dragon capable of granting any wish. In the series focused on themes of courage, friendship, and kinship, Son often used his wishes to help his friends or restore a heavily damaged Earth.

A close friend of Toriyama, renowned Japanese author and game designer Yuji Horii collaborated with him on the beloved game Dragon Quest.

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” he wrote on social media platform X.

Editor's P/S:

The loss of Akira Toriyama, the visionary behind the iconic Dragon Ball series, is a profound blow to the world of manga and anime. His creations have captivated generations, inspiring countless fans and leaving an enduring legacy. Toriyama's untimely passing at the age of 68 due to a brain condition is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life.

Toriyama's Dragon Ball universe has become a global phenomenon, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Through the enduring adventures of Son Goku and his companions, he explored themes of courage, friendship, and the indomitable spirit. The series' popularity has spawned numerous anime adaptations, video games, and even a Hollywood movie. Toriyama's artistic vision and storytelling prowess have left an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape, and his absence will be deeply felt by fans around the world.