This month marks a somber period for the anime community as it mourns the untimely passing of Akira Toriyama, the revered creator of Dragon Ball.
The sudden news of Toriyama’s demise has left fans worldwide in shock, and a wave of tributes has poured in to honor the influential artist. The anime world’s attention is now fixated on Japan as Toriyama’s final interview has surfaced, revealing a poignant glimpse into the creator’s profound connection with the anime industry.
The interview, presented by the Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2024, was intended to coincide with the announcement of Toriyama receiving the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in December 2023.
Unfortunately, the revered artist, who was meant to accept the award in person last weekend, passed away, prompting the event organizers to share the interview as a posthumous tribute.
In this emotional final interview, Toriyama reflects on his deep-seated dedication to the world of anime in his last years.
Toriyama’s words, translated by contributors such as SupaChronicles, resonate with humility and gratitude. He confesses, ”
To be honest, I have never had much interest in anime,” and expresses regret for not extensively watching the animated adaptations of his own work. Reflecting on an unexpected foray into script revision for a Dragon Ball animated film a decade ago, Toriyama shares, “I thought, ‘I can leave the difficult parts for the staff.'”
Despite his initial reservations, Toriyama acknowledges the honor of receiving the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
He humbly thanks everyone who supported him throughout his career, acknowledging the significance of an unforgettable encounter with the late animator Toyo Ashida, who left a lasting impact on Toriyama’s artistic approach.
Toriyama delves into his involvement in the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima, slated for release in 2024.
Originally planned as an original anime series without his direct participation, Toriyama found himself deeply immersed in the project, contributing to the storyline, worldview, character design, mechas, and other facets.
Expressing uncertainty about his health, Toriyama pledges to continue creating captivating works and urges fans to persist in their support.
In his heartfelt closing remarks, Toriyama extends gratitude to his supporters and vows to strive for more compelling creations, leaving an indelible mark on the anime landscape even in his absence.