In a heartbreaking turn of events, the manga and anime community is grappling with the loss of the legendary creator Akira Toriyama, renowned for crafting masterpieces like Dragon Ball and Sand Land.
The news of Toriyama’s passing at the age of 68 has stirred emotions worldwide, prompting heartfelt tributes from fans and collaborators. A particularly touching homage comes from Mami Koyama, the voice behind Arale Norimaki in Toriyama’s early gem, Dr. Slump.
Dr. Slump, making its debut in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1980, marked Toriyama’s initial foray into full serialization.
While Dragon Ball later propelled him to global stardom, Dr. Slump holds a unique place in the hearts of fans as the series that laid the foundation for Toriyama’s illustrious career.
Mami Koyama, in a poignant statement, shared her connection with Toriyama.
“I have known him since Dr. Slump Arale-chan. Toriyama-sensei, who rarely made public appearances, was a constant presence on my radio shows and live concerts, offering unwavering support. To me, he was another ‘Dr. Senbei Norimaki.’
His tremendous contributions to the world through ‘love,’ ‘dreams,’ and ‘strength’ were immeasurable. I express my heartfelt gratitude, offer sincere condolences, and pray for his happiness in the next world.”
Dr. Slump’s impact transcended manga pages, inspiring two anime series and multiple films. The initial series, Dr. Slump – Arale-chan, debuted in 1981 and became a five-year-long, 250-episode testament to Arale Norimaki’s enduring popularity.
Tributes to Akira Toriyama have flooded in from all corners of the globe, underscoring the profound influence of his work. Shueisha, the publisher of Weekly Shonen Jump, acknowledged Toriyama’s legacy, stating,
“His captivating characters and unparalleled design sensibility have left an indelible mark on countless manga artists and creators. We express our gratitude for his monumental contributions and pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
As the manga and anime community collectively mourns the loss of a visionary storyteller, Akira Toriyama’s creations remain immortal, continuing to resonate with audiences and leaving an everlasting imprint on the world of entertainment.