Former Dragon Ball Editors Slam Shueisha For Not Honoring Toriyama’s Legacy: ‘Even A Small Symbolic Gesture Would’ve Been Enough’

Three former Dragon Ball editors have strongly criticized Shueisha for its lackluster tribute to Akira Toriyama.

During the latest episode of KosoKoso, a Japanese podcast co-hosted by former Shonen Jump editor Kazuhiko Torishima and Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, ex-editors Yu Kondo and Fuyuto Takeda joined Torishima in expressing disappointment over Shueisha’s handling of Toriyama’s passing.

All three editors worked closely with Toriyama during his Shonen Jump run from 1984 to 1995 and were deeply involved in shaping his iconic work.

According to the former editors, Shueisha’s public acknowledgment of Toriyama’s death was insufficient, failing to reflect his contribution to manga and pop culture properly. No official memorial event was held in his honor.

While Toriyama was known for his reserved nature, they believe this should not have prevented Shueisha from making a more meaningful acknowledgment of his contributions to the industry.

The editors emphasized that even a small, symbolic gesture would have sufficed—such as displaying the iconic image of Goku waving goodbye on the façade of the Jump building or setting up a commemorative space where fans could leave messages.

The editors also pointed out that fans and artists worldwide have been organizing murals, tributes, and memorial events for Toriyama, making Shueisha’s limited response stand out even more.

They further expressed concern that this attitude may continue with future generations of mangaka. “If even Toriyama didn’t receive a meaningful tribute, what will happen with the mangaka of the next generations?”

Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, succumbing to acute subdural hematoma at the age of 68.

Born on April 5, 1955, Akira Toriyama first received widespread recognition for his manga Dr. Slump, for which he won the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award for best shonen manga.

He then went on to create his most famous work Dragon Ball, which became one of the most popular and successful manga in the world, selling 260 million copies worldwide.

Toriyama was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at 2024 Tokyo Anime Award Festival. He was also decorated a Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his contributions to the arts.

He has also been inducted into the prestigious Harvey Awards Hall of Fame.

Source: X