Famed manga creator and the originator of the Dragon Ball franchise, Akira Toriyama, has sadly passed away on March 1st at the age of 68, due to acute subdural hematoma.
Toriyama-san is not only known in the world of anime and manga but has also had a massive hand in many video games over his 45-year career, including the Dragon Quest series, Chrono Trigger, Tobal, Blue Dragon and more. His Sand Land manga is being adapted into a game launching soon this year.
The official Dragon Ball website shared the devastating news along with a heartfelt message which you can read below:
“Dear Friends and Partners.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March Ist due to acute subdural hematoma, He was in age of 68.
“It’s our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve.
“However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world. Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.
“We inform you this sad news, with gratefulness for your kindness during his lifetime.
“Funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives. Following his wishes for tranquility, we respectfully inform you that we would not accept flowers, condolences gifts, visiting, offerings and others. Also, we ask you to refrain from conducting interviews with his family.
“Future plan for commemorate gathering is not decided, we will let you know when it’s confirmed, We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always.”
Online, tributes are already pouring in for the industry icon, whose work has inspired decades of artists and creators.
Dragon Ball Super illustrator, Toyotarou, wrote “I drew manga because I wanted to be praised by Toriyama-sensei. It was everything to me.”
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— ????? (@TOYOTARO_Vjump) March 8, 2024
Dragon Quest creator also shared a lengthy sentiment (translation via Gematsu):
Yuji Horii (Dragon Quest creator) on Akira Toriyama's death: https://t.co/JO47czK8qI pic.twitter.com/00Qso9uHPZ
— Gematsu (@gematsu) March 8, 2024
One Piece creator, Eiichiro Oda, perhaps wrote the most heartbreaking line of all, ending his statement on Toriyama’s passing with, “May heaven be the joyous world he envisioned.”
