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The Anime/Manga World Offers Condolences After Dragon Ball Creator Akira Toriyama's Death

Akira Toriyama, whose many works were published in Shonen Jump magazine, has passed away.
The entire Shueisha Editorial Department is deeply saddened by the news of his sudden passing.
Dr. Slump, DRAGON BALL, SAND LAND…The manga drawn by him have transcended national borders and have been read and loved all over the world.
In addition, the charming characters he created and his overwhelming design sense have greatly influenced many manga authors and creators. We would like to express our gratitude to him for his great achievements and pray for his soul to rest in peace.

I am still in disbelief at the news of Toriyama-san's death, which was so sudden.
I've known Toriyama-san since I was a writer for Shonen Jump, and with the recommendation of Torishima-san, the editor in charge of Toriyama's works, I decided to ask him to draw the art for Dragon Quest when I began developing the game.
In the 37 years since then, he has been involved in the character and monster designs and the creation of countless charming characters.
The history of Dragon Quest walked hand-in-hand with Toriyama's character designs.
Toriyama-san and the late Sugiyama-sensei were friends of mine who worked on Dragon Quest with me for a long time.
That he would die… I don't know what else to say. I'm really, really disappointed.

It's too soon. The hole he left is too large.
The thought of never seeing him again fills me with sadness. I've admired him so much since I was a child and even remember the day when he called me by name for the first time.
I also fondly remember the days when Kishimoto-san and I were giddy on our way home when he called us “friends.”
I also remember the last conversation we had.
He is one of the people who took the baton from an era when it was said reading manga would make you stupid and created an era where both adults and children could read and enjoy manga. He showed me, “You can do things like this with manga. You can go around the world.”
It was like watching a hero push forward.

The wonder and excitement when Dragon Ball was first published is probably rooted in the childhoods of not only manga authors but also creatives in all industries.
His presence is that of a great tree.
For manga authors of my generation who have stood on the same stage, the closer we got to Toriyama's works, the more I realized how great his presence was.
It was awe-inspiring.
But I was just happy to see the easy-going man time and time again.
Because we love Toriyama-sensei to our bones.
I would like to express my respect and gratitude to the richly creative world Toriyama-sensei left behind and pray for his soul to rest in peace from the bottom of my heart.
I hope heaven will be the pleasant world as you envisioned it.

To be honest, it was so sudden I don't know what or how to write about this.
However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, which I wish I could have told him someday.

I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the higher grades, and it was natural for his manga to be a part of my life. Even if something bad happened, every week Dragon Ball made me forget about it. It was a solace for me, a country boy with nothing to do. It was because I enjoyed Dragon Ball so much!
It was when I was a university student. Suddenly, Dragon Ball, which had been a part of my life for so many years, ended. I felt an incredible sense of loss and didn't know what to look forward to. But at the same time, it was an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the author who created Dragon Ball.
I thought, “I also want to create works like yours!” and “I want to be like you!” And as I aspired to become a manga author, following in your footsteps, that feeling of loss began to disappear.
It was because making comics was fun. I was able to find new enjoyment by following you in your footsteps. You have always been my guide.
I admired you.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience this may cause you, but I am grateful to you.
For me, you are the god of salvation and the god of manga.

When we met for the first time, I was so nervous I couldn't say a word.
However, after meeting you many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, I became able to talk to you.
I will never forget the embarrassed smile you gave when Oda and I, two "Dragon Ball children," became children again. And as if we were competing, we talked excitedly about how much fun Dragon Ball is.

I have just received the news of your passing. I felt 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. I can't even read my favorite, Dragon Ball. I don't feel like I've been able to properly write what I want to say to you in this statement.
Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work.
If I could make one wish with the Dragon Balls…I'm sorry… Maybe that's selfish of me, but I'm sad, [Toriyama-sensei].

Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all your enjoyable works over the past 45 years.
And thank you very much for your hard work.

I am sure your remaining family members are still deeply hurt.
Please take care of yourselves.
I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei will rest in peace.

I feel weak and have no energy.
I don't want to comment on things like this.
But I'll write something. If I start writing it out, it will probably end up being quite long since there are so many things I want to say, but I will try to keep it as concise as possible. However, I'm not in the right mood, so please forgive my ramblings.
Even if I think back - I'm not exaggerating - I have nothing but happy memories of when I went to visit his house, when he stayed at my house, when we went out together, and every time I called him, I laughed until I was tired.
He was an amusing person.
Lewd, cute, with a sharp tongue, and humble.

As professionals in the manga field, we did some collaborative work, but that was fun too. But 99% of the time, we never talked about manga.
As a manga author, the scenery we saw and our level as artists were so different I never really thought about his greatness. I understand. However, whenever I met him, I didn't feel that in the slightest. It's his personality. That's why I still think of him more as a friend than a great manga author.
Last summer, before I had surgery, he seemed to have heard about it somewhere and sent me a message. Honestly, it was rare for him to send a message, especially one where he seemed concerned about my health. We've known each other for 40 years, but that may have been the first time I've been treated so kindly by Toriyama-san. I thought it was going to snow. Usually, we only joke or talk nonsense. It was like, “this isn't the time to worry about other people at all."
When I called him a little while ago, I was feeling unwell and said, “I might pass away first, so please have a farewell party for me, and you'll be in charge Toriyama-san! Also, give a speech since it'll come with prestige!” But he couldn't keep his promise.
I really regret not calling him after he messaged me. It's a shame we can't call each other anymore to talk nonsense for a long time. I have a lot of things I want to talk about. There are many things to say. I want to talk to you again, even if you're listening blankly to something you're not interested in, like you did. It's no good that the last time you replied to my message asking you to get a hold of me you wrote a light “OK.” It hurts from the bottom of my heart.

Last year's book, Dr. Mashirito Saikyo Manga-jutsu, was the last project we worked on together. And it was the last manga the “Torishima and Toriyama from back then” pair created. Thank you very much for the past 45 years. Toriyama-san, you were the best manga author.

I drew manga because I wanted to be praised by Toriyama-sensei. He was everything to me.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Toriyama-sensei.
We would like to express our deepest condolences.

Our company has many staff members who respect Toriyama-sensei, who worked on masterpieces such as Dr. Slump & Arale-chan and the Dragon Ball series, and we are truly grateful for his guidance regarding production.

Toei Animation was very honored to animate the work of a manga author who is loved all over the world.
We pray for his soul to rest in peace.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences of the sudden passing of Akira Toriyama-sensei.
The worlds and loveable characters Toriyama-sensei created have always excited our hearts and given us courage.
I truly wish I could have continued to see the worlds overflowing with love and adventure created by Toriyama-sensei.
Toriyama-sensei has left many treasures in our hearts.
Thank you so very much.

I humbly pray for your soul to rest in peace.

"I don't want to believe it. My head feels empty because I don't want to think about it. Still, I remember the words Toriyama-sensei said to me, 'Take care of Goku, please.' It makes me think, "I will stay near Goku's side until my energy runs out.'' Sensei, please watch over us from the heavens. I hope you depart in peace.''

It was like a bolt out of the blue and I still can't believe it.
A new chapter of the series had just begun, too.
Just as more and more thrilling stories were going to be told.
It's too sudden.
It's such a shame.
Thank you very much for creating such a wonderful work.
Please rest in peace.

Now, from Vegeta.

You!
It's too soon to die!!
Join your hands in prayer.

My manager brought me the news of Akira Toriyama's passing… “After Mako-san [Masako Nozawa], you're the second person I've told Toshio-san…” The first thing I thought was “I wonder how Mako-san felt? For Mako-san, Dragon Ball is her life work and Goku is her alter ego. More than how I feel about Piccolo!” …The last time I met [Toriyama] was at the preview screening of Dragon Ball Super Heroes. I would like to express my deepest condolences.

I would like to offer my deepest respects and condolences to Akira Toriyama, the great creator and source of all things. As someone who is at the far seat of the table for his works, I hope to continue sharing his greatness with fans all over the world who love Dragon Ball. I will do my best to convey that message. Please rest in peace.

I'd like to think it's a lie.
But it's reality.

Toriyama-sensei,
Thank you for sharing so many fun works with the world.

I would like to send my condolences from the bottom of my heart.

To everyone involved
Notice of temporary closure of CyberConnect2
Although I was shocked by the news of Akira Toriyama-sensei's death, I always live by advocating “no despair.” So, I thought “Let's turn this sadness into strength and work harder at our creative endeavors!” But it was impossible.
Just a moment ago I cried during an online meeting with another team and the meeting couldn't be held. (I'm very sorry about that)
Tragic things are tragic.

As a game company that is entrusted with Dragon Ball, CyberConnect2 will be temporarily closed today as a form of mourning.

All staff members please go home.

When you're sad, please grieve properly.

If possible, let's work together again starting next Monday.

I will complete the work that I can do alone.

I'm planning on having some guests and a dinner party today, but I'll be the only one, so it's okay. (Sorry if I cry)

The CyberConnect2 staff will be off today in mourning.

We sincerely pray Akira Toriyama-sensei will rest in peace.