On Friday, the studio of Akira Toriyama, acclaimed as one of the most influential and top-selling manga authors in history, announced his passing in Tokyo.
Toriyama passed away on March 1 due to a blood clot in his brain, as announced by his production company Bird Studio. A private funeral service was held with only his immediate family and a select few relatives in attendance.
Renowned as the creator of the immensely popular Dragon Ball manga series, Toriyama’s work has garnered a dedicated global following, inspiring an iconic anime series, video games, and films.
Debuting in 1984, Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Son Goku, a young boy on a mission to gather mystical dragon balls to safeguard Earth from extraterrestrial beings known as Saiyans.
The manga was adapted into an anime in 1989, swiftly becoming one of Japan’s most celebrated cultural exports. To date, the series has collectively sold 260 million copies, according to Toriyama’s studio.
Having devoted 45 years to his craft, Toriyama left behind unfinished projects at the time of his passing.
“It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge the loss of Akira Toriyama, who had several works in progress with great enthusiasm,” the statement expressed. “He possessed the potential for countless more achievements, leaving behind numerous manga titles and works of art that enrich our world.”
Renowned Japanese comic book artists, including Masashi Kishimoto, creator of ‘Naruto,’ and Eiichiro Oda, creator of ‘One Piece,’ found inspiration in Toriyama’s work.
“We trust that Akira Toriyama’s distinct creative universe will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come,” his studio remarked.
People from Japan and across the globe paid homage to Toriyama following his passing.
During a news briefing, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, expressed the government’s deep sorrow and extended condolences to the author’s family.
Hayashi emphasized Toriyama’s role in promoting Japanese culture globally, contributing significantly to Japan’s soft power.
Famous Japanese actors Yuki Kaji and Toshio Furukawa also expressed gratitude in their posts on X.
Toriyama’s passing also sparked tributes on China’s Weibo social media platform, with 40 million views and numerous discussions. His work, particularly ‘Dragon Ball,’ drew inspiration from the Chinese literary classic “Journey to the West,” resonating with many Chinese fans.
China’s Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences over Toriyama’s passing, expressing sympathy to his family.
“Toriyama’s influence as a renowned cartoonist extended to China, where his works were well-received,” remarked Mao Ning, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry. “We anticipate further cultural exchanges and strengthened friendship between Japan and China, with more individuals contributing to these causes.”
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