Akira Toriyama who published several works in the Jump magazine has passed away.
We, at Shueisha and the editorial department are deeply saddened by the sudden news.
“Dr Slump,” “DRAGON BALL,” and “SAND LAND”... His manga titles were read and loved by many around the world.
Not only that, but the characters he created, and his creativity has impacted many manga artists and creators.
In honor of the great achievements of Akira Toriyama, we express our gratitude and respectfully offer our heartfelt condolences.
March 8th, 2024
Weekly Shonen Jump Editorial Department
V Jump Editorial Department
Jump SQ. Editorial Department
Saikyo Jump Editorial Department
Shonen Jump+ Editorial Department
Dear Friends and Partners,
We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st 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.
March 8th, 2024
BIRD STUDIO
CAPSULE CORPORATION TOKYO
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＜Yuji Horii＞
The news of Toriyama-san’s passing was so sudden, I still can’t believe it.
I've known Toriyama-san since my days as a writer for Shonen Jump. With the recommendation from my editor, Torishima, I approached him to create illustrations for the Dragon Quest game when we were launching it. 37 years have passed since then, and he’s created countless designs for characters and monsters, which are all very captivating.
You can say that the history of Dragon Quest exists with Toriyama-san’s character design.
Toriyama-san and the late Sugiyama-sensei were both important people who were part of creating Dragon Quest for many years.
I can’t believe they’re not here anymore…
I don’t know what to say, I’m at a loss of words. It’s truly, truly heartbreaking.
Dragon Quest Game Designer Yuji Horii
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＜Masakazu Katsura＞
I feel drained, and I can’t muster any energy.
This isn’t something I wanted to write about.
But, I’m going to write something. As I start writing, there are so many things I want to say, I believe this is going to become a long message, but I’ll try to keep it short.
However, my feelings are in disarray, I apologize for the disorganized thoughts.
Upon reflection, without any exaggeration, all the moments - be it visiting his house, his stay at mine, or our outings - are filled with nothing but happy memories. Whenever we were on a phone call, I laughed so much that it became tiring.
He was funny.
He was cheeky, cute, sharp-tongued, and humble.
Within manga, we did joint work, and that was fun as well.
But our relationship was something where 99% of the time we never talked about manga.
As a manga creator, the things he saw, and as an author, he was on a different level that I never felt the greatness. Of course, I know his greatness.
But, interacting with him, you never felt it a single bit. It’s just who he was. That’s why even now I see him more as a friend than a renowned manga creator.
Last summer, he had heard about my surgery and sent me an email before the operation.
An email from him was reeeally rare, and it was a message expressing concern and care about my well-being.
Although we’ve been friends for 40 years, it was the first time he had been so nice to me. I thought it was going to snow. Usually, he’d crack a joke or we’d talk about something insignificant.
What’s the deal? It’s not the time to be worrying about others. Seriously.
We spoke on the phone a bit before that, and as I was unwell, I said “I’m probably going to go before you, so you have to organize and do a farewell for me! Also, give a speech to add a special touch!” We made a promise, but he didn’t keep it.
I’m full of regret that I didn’t call him after receiving his email.
I’m deeply saddened that I won’t be able to have silly long phone calls anymore.
I have a mountain of things I want to talk about. There are a lot of things I want to share. If it doesn't interest you, as usual, you can listen with half an ear, but I want to talk to him once more.
You replied “OK” to my email that said, “Let’s talk again.” That can’t be your last message.
I’m truly heartbroken.
Masakazu Katsura
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＜Eiichiro Oda＞
It’s just too soon.
The void left is just too immense.
There is a huge wave of sadness at the thought of not being able to see him again.
I’ve admired him so much since I was a child,
I still remember the first time he called my name.
The way home on the day he referred to us as “friends,”
and the day we chatted with Kishimoto-san feels so nostalgic now.
I remember our last conversation as well.
He received the baton during times when we were told that reading manga would make you dumb.
He was a part of creating an era where both adults and kids read and enjoy manga.
He showed us the potential of manga, showing us the dream that it can lead to the world.
It felt like watching a hero charging forward.
Not only manga creators,
but the excitement and emotions felt with Dragon Ball are deeply rooted in the childhood of excelling creators in various industries,
His existence is like a mother tree.
For manga artists of our generation who stand on the same stage,
the more we approached Toriyama works, the more we realized what a larger-than-life presence they held.
Almost to a frightening extent.
But meeting the nonchalant creator in person would bring simple joy.
We love Toriyama-sensei to the core of our being.
With respect and gratitude for Toriyama-sensei's creatively rich world that he left behind,
I sincerely pray for his soul to rest in peace.
May heaven be a delightful world, just as you envisioned.
Eiichiro Oda
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＜Masashi Kishimoto＞
Honestly, I don't know what to write or how to express myself in the face of this sudden event.
But at this moment, I would like to convey the things and feelings I had hoped to share with Toriyama-sensei someday.
I grew up with Dr. Slump in the early years of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the later years, so having sensei's manga integrated into my everyday, was a natural part of life.
Even if something bad happened, Dragon Ball would let me forget about it. For a country boy like me, who had nothing, it was a salvation.
It’s because Dragon Ball was so fun!
It was during university that Dragon Ball, a natural part of my life, ended.
I was overwhelmed with an immense sense of loss, and I didn’t know what to look forward to or enjoy anymore.
But at the same time, it became an opportunity to truly appreciate the greatness of sensei who gave us Dragon Ball.
I want to create a work just like Sensei!
I want to become just like Sensei!
As I pursued the path of becoming a manga artist, following in Sensei's footsteps, that sense of loss gradually faded away.
It was because creating manga brought joy.
Pursuing Sensei led me to discover a new joy.
Sensei was always my guiding light.
I admired Sensei.
While it may be a bother for him, I’m very grateful, even if it’s presumptuous.
For me, he was my savior and the manga god.
I couldn’t say a single word the first time I met him.
However, through meeting him numerous times on the Tezuka Award judging committee, I gradually became able to converse with him.
When Oda-san and I, both Dragon Ball children, reverted to our childhood selves and enthusiastically discussed how amazing Dragon Ball was, almost as if competing, he had this bashful smile, not entirely unwilling, that I'll never forget.
I just received the news of his passing.
I’m overwhelmed with an immense sense of loss, bigger than when Dragon Ball ended…
I don’t know how to deal with this void left in my heart.
Right now I can’t read my beloved Dragon Ball.
I feel that even this message I’m writing to convey my feelings to Sensei is making any sense.
Everyone around the world was still looking forward to his creations.
If one wish from Dragon Ball could truly come true... I'm sorry…
This might be very selfish, but it’s too sad, Sensei.
Toriyama-sensei, thank you for creating such wonderful works for 45 years.
And truly, thank you for all your hard work.
To the remaining family members, it must be deeply heartbreaking for you at this time.
Please take care of yourselves.
I pray for Akira Toriyama-sensei's peaceful rest.
Masashi Kishimoto