The announcement from Bird Studio and Capsule Corporation Tokyo regarding the passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama on March 1, 2024, sent shockwaves through the global community.
Initially attributed to Acute Subdural Hematoma, later revelations from Toriyama’s assistant, Takashi Matsuyama, disclosed that the manga maestro had been battling a brain tumor.
Regardless of Toriyama’s passing occurring on March 1, the news was withheld from the public until a week later, with the official announcement made on Friday, March 8, 2024. The delayed disclosure elicited a profound reaction from across the spectrum of the manga industry and beyond.
Manga creators, voice actors, animators, celebrities, and fans worldwide came together to honor Toriyama’s legacy, paying heartfelt tributes to the iconic creator and his groundbreaking works.
The outpouring of condolences and fond memories underscored the profound impact that Toriyama’s contributions had on the manga and popular culture as a whole.
A Tribute to Akira Toriyama: Reflections from his Closest Assistant
On March 9, 2024, the Japanese newspaper Chunichi Shimbun conducted an interview with Takashi Matsuyama, the second assistant to the late manga creator Akira Toriyama. In the wake of Toriyama’s passing, Matsuyama confirmed that the Dragon Ball creator had indeed been battling a brain tumor.
Matsuyama, who shared a close bond with Toriyama, revealed that he had asked Toriyama to become his godfather after Toriyama remarried in the fall of 2023. Toriyama readily accepted this role, cementing their bond. However, Matsuyama was taken aback when Toriyama disclosed that he had undergone brain tumor surgery in the New Year of 2024.
Despite the seriousness of the procedure, Toriyama appeared unfazed, maintaining his characteristic calm demeanor. He even casually complained about the challenges of quitting smoking, displaying his nonchalant attitude towards the situation. Toriyama reassured Matsuyama, stating,
“Because it’s not deep, it won’t be that hard,”
indicating his optimism regarding the surgery.
Matsuyama had planned to visit Toriyama after his discharge from the hospital, confident that his mentor would recover swiftly. However, the sudden news of Toriyama’s passing came as a devastating shock to Matsuyama, shattering his hopes for a reunion.
The interview shed light on the close relationship shared by Toriyama and Matsuyama. Matsuyama had relocated to a house near Toriyama’s workplace upon being hired, and the two spent long hours together in the studio, often listening to recorded radio programs and playing games to unwind.
Their collaboration fostered an environment conducive to creativity, where they crafted stories brimming with dreams and adventures.
Despite Toriyama’s influential position, Matsuyama emphasized that he never acted as a superior, instead fostering a collaborative atmosphere. Toriyama’s unwavering dedication to his vision sometimes clashed with strict editorial demands during the manga’s serialization, showcasing his uncompromising nature.
The loss of Toriyama deeply saddened Matsuyama, reflecting the profound impact that Toriyama’s mentorship and friendship had on his life and career.