Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, without a doubt, was a beacon of light for the anime and manga industry which ushered in a new era. It inspired and influenced a whole generation of artists and creators in Japan and overseas.

However, it wasn’t just Toriyama’s work that was iconic, the author himself served as an inspiration to many. The news of sudden passing came a shock to many in the industry, who took to SNS in order to convey their heartfelt messages for Toriyama.

From the voice actors who worked on the adaptations of his manga, to fellow manga authors who grew up reading Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, everyone pitched in with their condolences. Check them out below.

Kazuhiko Torishima (Toriyama’s fist Editor)

My last work with him was the book “Dr. Mashirito’s Strongest Manga Technique”, which was released last year. The manga “Torishima and Toriyama in Those Days” included in the book was the last manga we created together.

Thank you for 45 years. Mr. Toriyama, you were the best manga artist.

Piccolo VA Toshio Furukawa

Translation:

I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Akira Toriyama’s passing from my manager.

“After informing Maco-san, I’m now telling you, Toshio Furukawa…”

The first thing that came to mind was “How did Maco-san feel when she heard the news?”

Dragon Ball is Maco-san’s life’s work. Goku is not just her alter ego; he’s more than Piccolo is to me!…The last time I saw him was at a preview screening of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, just before its release. I offer my deepest condolences.

Vegeta VA Ryo Horikawa

It truly feels like a bolt from the blue, and even now, I’m filled with disbelief. His works had just embarked on new developments. We were supposed to witness even more thrilling and suspenseful stories unfold. It’s all too sudden. I’m so sorry. Thank you so much for creating such wonderful works. Please rest in peace.

Whis VA Masakazu Morita

I am deeply saddened by the news of Akira Toriyama’s passing.

As a boy, the excitement I felt when I first read his work is still fresh in my memory.

As an adult, the excitement I felt when I was given the role of Whis is also unforgettable.

I will never forget these two great moments of excitement, and I will continue to cherish them as I perform my role.

I offer my deepest condolences and pray for his peaceful repose.

Yamcha VA Toru Furuya

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Akira Toriyama. I had the honor of voicing unforgettable characters in his hit works such as Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest: The Legend of Abel, and Dr. Slump: Arale-chan, and I am truly grateful for that. It is incredibly unfortunate to hear this news just when we were looking forward to new works. My deepest condolences.

Hiroki Takahashi (Dragon Ball’s first opening theme song artist)

I offer my utmost respect and condolences to the great creator and source of all, Mr. Akira Toriyama. As someone who occupies a humble place at the periphery of his works, I will strive to continue conveying the greatness of Dragon Ball to fans around the world. May you rest in peace. #DragonBall

Ushio Hashimoto (Dragon Ball ED artist)

I want to believe it’s a lie. But it’s the harsh reality.

Mr. Toriyama,
Thank you for bringing so many enjoyable works into the world.

My deepest condolences.

My parents were worried about whether I could drive home safely as I was shaken by the news of Mr. Toriyama’s passing while at my parents’ house for family matters. “It’s okay. I’ll take breaks on the way back. I might be crying, though. Wish there were windshield wipers for eyes.”

Arale Norimaki VA Taeko Kawata

Dr Slump is one of my best-known works, and I was so happy that Mr Toriyama chose me to audition for the role of Arale. That’s why I’m so deeply attached to it … I’m truly grateful. I met Mr Toriyama only once, at a party. I only met Mr. Toriyama once, at a party. To think that I can’t meet him again…

Dragon Ball Z Movies Screenwriter Takao Koyama

There are so many memories…
Life is unpredictable, isn’t it?
I offer my deepest condolences.
May he rest in peace.

Kappei Yamaguchi (Dragon Ball live-action Son Goku actor)

Toriyama sensei…

I have been in your care in many ways for a long time.
I can’t believe it…

I pray for your peaceful repose.

This is terrible.

Reading the comments from each of the teachers, I can’t stop my tears even though I’m on the train…

SAND LAND Production Committee

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akira Toriyama.

We would like to express our sincere condolences. We received various support from Mr. Toriyama during the production of ‘SAND LAND.’ We deeply remember his achievements during his lifetime and offer our heartfelt prayers for his soul.

SAND LAND Beelzebub VA Mutsumi Tamura

Akira Toriyama… I’m shocked.

I’ve enjoyed watching Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump Arale-chan since I was a child.
I was incredibly happy to be involved with his works, and it felt unbelievable. I even wondered if someday, just maybe, I could meet him!?
Although that won’t happen now, I still want to cherish and enjoy his works.

I wish Toriyama sensei could see how much everyone is enjoying the new chapter of SAND LAND he came up with. I hope he’s watching over us somewhere.

Thank you so much, Akira Toriyama. May you rest in peace.

Mushoku Tensei author Rifujin na Magonote

For boys my age, Dragon Ball was always there, alongside Doraemon, from the moment we were born. It was a work that grew up with us, forming the core of our identities. So the news of Toriyama’s passing has come as a huge shock.

Spy x Family creator Tatsuya Endo

If it wasn’t for Toriyama- sensei, I would probably never have set my sights on becoming a manga artist. Even now, when considering the perspective of the readers, I always remember ‘myself as a child eagerly looking forward to Dragon Ball every week.’ Thank you for many wonderful works. My heartfelt prayers are with Toriyama sensei.

Voice Actress Mariya Ise

I was in elementary school, spending the summer at my cousin’s house in Osaka. It was there that I first read Dragon Ball. As an only child, I had never encountered a shonen manga before. It was like being struck by lightning. I sat in the corner of the bunk bed, oblivious to the cicadas’ noisy chirping and the slight sweat on my brow, lost in the world of Dragon Ball. I read for hours, completely forgetting about time. That experience is still unforgettable to me.

Voice Actor Yuki Kaji

Akira Toriyama,

Thank you for all the dreams and hope you have given us.

Goku and Chrono are my youth, and they will always be a part of me.

Being able to voice the protagonist of Dragon Quest VIII was a dream come true for me, and it is something I will be proud of for the rest of my life.

May you rest in peace.

Slam Dunk creator Takehiko Inoue

It’s hard to fully accept.

Thank you, Mr. Toriyama.

Kingdom creator Yasuhisa Hara

I was shocked to hear the news.
Dragon Ball was the manga I was most passionate about.
I pray from the bottom of my heart for the repose of Mr. Toriyama’s soul.

Ao Ashi creator Yuugo Kobayashi

Going to school was fun because Dragon Ball was there. You (Toriyama-sensei) are my hero, my Goku. Toriyama-sensei, truly, I thank you for everything.

The Law of Ueki creator Tsubasa Fukuchi

My god has passed away. My greatest goal was to meet him one day and express my gratitude. Toriyama sensei, I am truly saddened by this news. Thank you for everything sensei. My prayers are with you.

One Punch Man illustrator Yusuke Murata

There were many things that I received from Toriyama-sensei, the ones which only he could give. I pray that he may rest in peace.

Strangely, I don’t feel like he’s passed away at all. Perhaps because for me, he was almost like a star in the heavens even before he died.

Kinnikuman creator Takashi Shimada

I heard the news of Mr. Toriyama Akira’s passing during the day. Though he was five years older, his career had a year’s seniority over mine, as a fellow gag manga artist. When I first saw “Dr. Slump,” I was struck by the comic’s American-style art and refined humor, feeling a sense of threat from the impressive work. Even in the anime, which started in its first year of serialization, there were always feelings of jealousy and frustration. We truly had a competitive relationship; by our fourth year of serialization with ‘Kinnikuman’ being adapted into an anime, our rivalry with him intensified, and we hardly spoke. However, in the early days, we got along well, playing games and exchanging autographs at manga artist gatherings. But Mr. Toriyama’s passing at 68 is far too young. It’s so sad… My deepest condolences. #AkiraToriyama #Yudetamago

CyberConnect2 (Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot game developer)

Upon receiving the news of Mr. Akira Toriyama’s passing, I was shocked but as someone who lives by the motto “Despair is prohibited” every day, I thought I could turn this sadness into strength and work even harder on our projects! However, it proved to be impossible.

Earlier, during an online meeting with another team, I found myself in tears, and the meeting could no longer continue. (I apologize.)

Sadness is something that should be felt.

As a game company entrusted with the creation of the work “Dragon Ball,” CyberConnect2 will observe a temporary closure today as a form of mourning.

All staff members are advised to go home.

Please take the time to properly grieve during this sad period.

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

I will handle any tasks that I can do alone.

Today, there were plans for guests and meals, but I am alone, so it’s fine. (I apologize if I cry midway through.)

The staff of CyberConnect2 will observe a temporary closure today as a mark of mourning.

Our heartfelt prayers go out to Mr. Akira Toriyama.

Dragon Quest Team

Manga artist Mr. Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024. Faced with the sudden and sorrowful news, we can hardly bear the shock and sadness. Along with heartfelt respect and gratitude for Mr. Toriyama’s achievements during his lifetime, we respectfully express our condolences.

Dirty Pair Author Haruka Takachiho

This is a picture of a draft page that Akira Toriyama gave me when I first met him. It is a pencil drawing, and it was about my height when I saw it at his house. He told me that I could take as many as I wanted, but I was too shy to take more than a few. This is one of those few pages.

Shonen Jump Plus Editor-in-Chief Momiyama

I can’t find the words…
I offer my deepest condolences.

Rokudenashi Blues creator Masanori Morita

I have a Dragon Ball illustration job that I’ve been putting off due to work being busy… I should have put work aside and done that first… I wanted Toriyama sensei to praise it… Sensei! I feel so lonely…!