Artists, animators, musicians and creators pay tribute to Dragon Ball’s Akira Toriyama

It will take decades for the world to unravel all the ways in which Akira Toriyama shaped our culture. The legendary artist and author, whose death was publicly announced Thursday, was a pioneer in the fields of manga, comics, anime and video games, and his work provided a foundation for everyone in those industries who followed him.

But Toriyama’s presence and importance can be felt much more broadly than just in the areas in which he excelled. It is difficult to think of any work that has been so important in the lives of growing children Dragon Ball, which has left its mark on every generation since Toriyama started writing it in the 1980s. Thanks to that fact, rappers, actors, journalists, directors, and just about every creative person you can think of have had their work or thinking shaped by Toriyama in some way.

Below we’ve collected just a few of the incredible tributes to the life, legacy and work of Akira Toriyama, one of the most important creative thinkers of his generation.

“Honestly, I don’t know what to write or how to write about something so sudden.

But for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he would have asked me someday.

I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of primary school and Dragon Ball in the higher grades, and it was normal for me to have his manga next to me as part of my daily life. Even though I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing. Because Dragon Ball was really fun! It was when I was a university student. Suddenly, the Dragon Ball that had been part of my life for so many years came to an end. I felt an incredible sense of loss and didn’t know what to look forward to. But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created Dragon Ball. I also want to create works like yours! I want to be like my teacher! When I followed in my teacher’s footsteps and wanted to become a manga artist, that sense of loss began to disappear. Because making comics was fun. I was able to discover new joy by following my teacher.

My teacher has always been my guide. I admired it. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher.

To me he was the god of redemption and the god of manga.

When we first met, I was so nervous I couldn’t say a word. But after meeting him many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we were able to talk.

As Dragon Ball kids, me and Mr. Oda became kids again, and when we excitedly talked about how fun Dragon Ball was, as if we were competing with each other, I forgot that it looked like he was smiling a little. shy. I can not do it.

I just received the news of my teacher’s death.

I feel an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart.

Now I can’t even read my favorite Dragon Ball. I don’t feel like I was able to properly write this sentence that I want to convey to my teacher.

Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work. If a Dragon Ball wish actually comes true… I’m sorry… Maybe that’s selfish, but it’s sad, sensei.

Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all the great work you’ve done over the past 45 years.

And thank you very much for your hard work.

We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt. Please take care of yourself.

I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama may rest in peace.”

“It’s too early. The gap is too big.

The thought of never seeing you again fills me with sadness.

I have admired you so much since I was a child, and I even remember the day you first called me by my name. I also miss the day I had a great time with Mr. Kishimoto on the way home from the day he used the word “friend” to us.

I also remember the last conversation we had. He is one of the people who took the baton from the era where reading manga made you stupid and created an era where both adults and children read and enjoy manga. He showed us the dream that manga can do this kind of thing and that we can go out into the world. He gave it to me. It was like seeing a hero emerge. Not just manga artists, but creators active in all industries, the thrill and excitement of its Dragon Ball serialization is likely rooted in their childhood. That existence is a big tree. For manga artists of my generation who have shared the same stage, the closer I got to Toriyama’s works, the more I realized they had a greater presence. Almost scary. But I’m just happy to see the laid-back man himself again. Because we love Toriyama-sensei on a blood level.

I would like to express my respect and gratitude for the world of creativity that Professor Toriyama left behind, and pray for his rest in peace. I hope that heaven will be a pleasant world, just as you envisioned it.”

Yusuke Murata (Artist for One-man man)

“Toriyama-san taught me what it means to be a ‘professional’ and what ‘work’ is. I respected him deeply from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely pray that his soul may rest in peace.”

Yuji Horii (creator of Dragon Quest)

“I am still in disbelief at the news of Mr. Toriyama’s death, which was so sudden.

I’ve known Toriyama-san since I was a writer for Shonen Jump, and upon the recommendation of Toriyama-san, the editor in charge, I decided to ask him to draw the game when we launched Dragon Quest.

In the 37 years since then, I’ve been involved with character designs, monster designs, and countless charming characters.

The history of Dragon Quest is based on Toriyama’s character designs. Toriyama-san, the late Sugiyama-sensei, were friends who worked on Dragon Quest for a long time.

That he would die… I don’t know what else to say. I’m really, really disappointed.”

Masako Nozawa (Japanese voice actress of Goku)

“I don’t want to believe it. My mind is blank and I feel like I don’t want to think about it. Still, every time I see Goku, I remember what Toriyama-sensei said to me, “Please take care of Goku for me,” and that helps me keep my mind clear.

“I promise to stay by Goku’s side until my life is over.”

Sensei, please watch over us from heaven. May you depart in peace.”

Jason DeMarco (co-creator of Toonami)

Jackie Chan (martial artist, actor, director)

Ben Schwartz (actor, comedian)

Thundercat (musician, songwriter)

Adam Deats (director at Powerhouse Animation, co-creator of Netflix l and Castlevania Nocturne)

Henry Thurlow (animator — A piece)

BAHI JD (Animator – Space Dandy, Carole and Tuesday, Ping pong)

Toei animation (Animation studio behind Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GTAnd Dragonball great)