Remembering Akira Toriyama (鳥山明): The Master Manga Artist Behind Dragon Ball

” Masashi Kishimoto’s Heartfelt Tribute to Akira Toriyama “

How should I start… I find it hard to put into words, and I’m still struggling with the reality that he is no longer with us. When I first heard the news, I couldn’t believe it, and it felt unreal.

When I was a student, the “Dr. Slump” and “Dragon Ball” series by Akira Toriyama Sensei, which had already ended their serialization, were my bibles. I would rent them so many times that the owner of the rental bookshop would get angry with me. To be able to draw manga that captivates a child’s heart… That is the ultimate goal of a manga artist, and Sensei’s works were the embodiment of that goal. His manga was filled with things, not in the textbooks at school, and he taught me many things.

When I met Toriyama Sensei in person, I was so nervous and excited that I forgot to ask so many things I wanted to ask. But I remember one thing clearly – his back as he was drawing. The back of a master creator was truly magnificent, and that image is burned into my memory.

Even though we have never worked together, I consider him my teacher. Through his manga, he gave me dreams and courage. And now, the man who showed me such dreams is gone.

I can’t imagine a world without Toriyama Sensei’s manga. But unfortunately, that’s the reality now.

I can’t draw a manga like Dragon Ball, nor can I become a manga artist like Toriyama Sensei. He was an irreplaceable one-of-a-kind genius.

I offer my prayers and thank you, Sensei, for coloring the days of my youth with your manga.

Rest in peace, Sensei.

Thank you for the dreams and adventures you shared with us.

– Masashi Kishimoto

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Honestly, I don’t know what to write or how to write about this all of a sudden.
However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he would have asked me someday.

I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the upper grades, and it was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my life.

Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing.
Because Dragon Ball was really fun!
It was when I was a university student. Suddenly, the Dragon Ball that 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.
However, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created Dragon Ball.
I also want to create works like yours!
I want to be like my teacher!
As I followed in my teacher’s footsteps and aspired to become a manga artist, that feeling of loss began to disappear.
Because making comics was fun.
I was able to find new fun by following my teacher.
My teacher has always been my guide.
I admired it.
I apologize for the inconvenience. I want to express my gratitude to the teacher.
For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga.

When we met for the first time, I was so nervous that I couldn’t say a word.
However, after meeting him many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we became able to talk.
As Dragon Ball Children, Mr. Oda and I returned to being children again, and when we talked excitedly about how much Dragon Ball was fun as if we were competing with each other, I forgot how he looked a little shy and smiled. I can’t.
I have just received the news of the death of my teacher.
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.
Now I can’t even read my favorite Dragon Ball.
I don’t feel like I’ve been able to properly write this sentence I want to convey to my teacher.
Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work.
If one Dragon Ball wish really comes true…I’m sorry…
Maybe that’s selfish of me, but it’s sad, Professor.

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

We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt.
Please take care of yourself.

I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace.

– Masashi Kishimoto

” Masakazu Katsura‘s Heartfelt Tribute to Akira Toriyama “

At this moment, I am overwhelmed by a profound sense of weakness and devoid of energy. It’s hard to find the right words for such an unexpected farewell; commenting on this feels unnatural.

But it’s important to share, to convey what’s in the heart. Though my thoughts are scattered and might unravel into a lengthy narrative, I’ll strive to encapsulate them succinctly. Forgive me if my words come out disordered; my emotions are still raw and unbridled.

Reflecting on the past, without a trace of exaggeration, all that comes to mind are cherished memories. Visits to your home, the times you stayed over at mine, our shared excursions—each instance was filled with laughter that lasted until exhaustion set in. You were a truly intriguing individual—mischievously charming, disarmingly candid, yet always humble.

In the realm of manga, our collaborative efforts were always enjoyable, yet surprisingly, our conversations rarely veered into the intricacies of our craft. Despite being manga artists, our perspectives and artistic levels differed so much that I never dwelled on the magnitude of your accomplishments. I knew of your greatness, of course, but in your presence, your personality shined through. To me, you’ve been, and always will be, a friend first—a peer rather than the towering figure you’re known as in the industry.

Last summer, you heard about my upcoming surgery and emailed me. That unexpected gesture, filled with genuine concern for my well-being, might just be the kindest interaction I’ve ever had with you in our 40 years of acquaintance. It was so out of character from our usual banter that I half expected the skies to snow.

We had made promises in lighter moments—talks of farewell parties and speeches that now will remain unfulfilled. The regret of not returning your call after that caring email weighs heavily on me. There’s a void now where once was the anticipation of our following whimsical and lengthy conversation.

There are still so many stories I want to share and so many discussions left hanging. You could have just humored me with your customary detached listening—that would have been enough for another exchange I so deeply longed for.

The finality of seeing ‘OK’ as the last word in your response to my request for another chat leaves me with an indescribable sadness. This ache is profound, and it resonates to the very core.

– Masakazu Katsura