Toei Animation, renowned for its adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s iconic works such as Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, has expressed profound sadness at the unexpected loss of the legendary manga icon.
In a heartfelt statement released by Toei Animation, the studio conveyed their deepest sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Toriyama. We offer our sincere condolences.”
The news of Akira Toriyama’s passing has undoubtedly left a profound impact on the anime and manga community worldwide. His contributions to the industry have been monumental, shaping the landscape of Japanese popular culture for generations.
Toei Animation’s tribute reflects the widespread mourning and admiration for Toriyama’s immense talent and creativity.
Toei Animation Pays Tribute to the Legacy of Akira Toriyama
Continuing their statement, Toei Animation emphasized Akira Toriyama’s profound influence on the animation industry, particularly through their collaborations with the esteemed manga icon.
“We have many staff at Toei Animation who deeply respect Mr. Toriyama and have had the privilege to work on his masterpieces such as Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. We are truly grateful for his guidance on our productions.”
Concluding their message, Toei Animation expressed heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of animating Toriyama’s iconic works, acknowledging the immense honor it had been to breathe life into the beloved stories and characters cherished by fans around the world.
Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68 due to acute subdural hematoma.
Born on April 5, 1955, Akira Toriyama initially gained widespread recognition for his manga Dr. Slump, a work that earned him the prestigious 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award for best shonen manga.
His magnum opus, Dragon Ball, solidified his status as a manga legend, becoming one of the most popular and successful manga series globally, with a staggering 260 million copies sold worldwide.
In recognition of his unparalleled contributions to manga and animation, Toriyama was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Tokyo Anime Award Festival. Additionally, he was bestowed the title of Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his outstanding contributions to the arts.