The manga community is in mourning following the untimely death of Akira Toriyama, the revered creator of the beloved Dragon Ball franchise. Toriyama passed away at the age of 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma on Friday, March 1. His departure has left a profound void in the hearts of fans worldwide, as well as among his peers in the manga industry. Tributes poured in swiftly from fellow manga creators and devoted fans, underscoring Toriyama’s enduring legacy as a visionary storyteller whose impact transcended generations.

In the wake of Toriyama’s passing, tributes from fellow manga luminaries flooded social media and online platforms. Eiichiro Oda, the acclaimed creator of One Piece, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Toriyama, whom he admired since childhood. Masashi Kishimoto, the mastermind behind Naruto, also penned a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on Toriyama’s profound influence on his own artistic journey. Their words serve as a poignant reminder of Toriyama’s lasting legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world of manga.

The Personal Life of Akira Toriyama

Akira Toriyama’s upbringing in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, shaped his early passion for drawing, inspired by Disney films and Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. Despite a wane in interest in comics, his fascination with live-action movies, particularly Westerns and sci-fi, grew. Pursuing his artistic inclination, Toriyama enrolled in a technical high school in Nagoya for design studies. Opting out of university against parental wishes, he delved into the workforce as a graphic designer. Despite initial setbacks, Toriyama’s persistence paid off when he caught the attention of Shueisha’s editor Kazuhiko Torishima, leading to his debut manga, Wonder Island, in Weekly Shōnen Jump.

He was known for his shy demeanor, expressed himself through autobiographical elements in his manga covers. Married to shojo artist Nachi Mikami, they had two children. Toriyama’s dedication to perfection led to countless redraws, sacrificing sleep for his craft. He preferred rural life for focus, indulging in hobbies like model assembly. A lover of animals, he cared for dogs, cats, and birds throughout his career. Toriyama found joy in video games, movies, and motorcycle rides, though his passion for manga waned in favor of cinema. Above all, his greatest happiness stemmed from cherished family moments.

Honoring Akira Toriyama: A Celebration of His Masterpieces

1. Dragon Ball series: Toriyama’s most iconic work, spanning from the original Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Z and beyond. It revolutionized the shonen genre with its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and epic battles, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture worldwide.
2. Chrono Trigger: A timeless classic in the realm of role-playing games, Toriyama’s character designs breathed life into this beloved title. Its captivating story, innovative gameplay mechanics, and memorable soundtrack continue to captivate gamers to this day.
3. Blue Dragon: Toriyama’s artistic flair shines in this RPG, where players embark on a fantastical journey with characters brought to life through his signature style. The game’s engaging storyline and vibrant visuals make it a standout in the genre.
4. Dragon Quest series: As the character designer for the Dragon Quest franchise, Toriyama’s influence is evident in its charming characters and enchanting world. His whimsical designs have contributed to the series’ enduring popularity and success.
5. Dr. Slump: Before Dragon Ball, Toriyama created Dr. Slump, a comedic manga series that showcased his talent for blending humor with heartwarming storytelling. Its quirky characters and hilarious antics laid the groundwork for Toriyama’s later masterpieces.

Akira Toriyama’s works have left an indelible legacy, shaping the worlds of manga, anime, and video games for generations to come. His imaginative storytelling, coupled with his distinctive artistic style, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring that his contributions to entertainment will be cherished for years to come.

Akira Toriyama’s Cause of Death

Akira Toriyama died due to acute subdural hematoma which is a severe condition where blood accumulates rapidly between the brain’s surface and its tough outer layer, the dura mater. It typically occurs due to head trauma, such as a fall or car accident, causing blood vessels to tear and bleed. This accumulation of blood exerts pressure on the brain, leading to symptoms like severe headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Without prompt medical intervention, it can result in permanent brain damage or even death. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the clot and relieve pressure on the brain.