Akira Toriyama, the renowned Japanese manga artist behind the globally celebrated series ‘Dragon Ball’, has passed away at the age of 68.
Reports from Japanese media, based on an announcement by his publisher, Shueisha Inc., confirmed that Toriyama succumbed to an acute subdural hematoma on March 1. The medical condition, characterized by a blood clot forming between the brain’s surface and its tough outer covering, is often the result of head injuries that cause veins on the brain’s surface to stretch and tear.
According to a report, Toriyama’s funeral was conducted in the presence of close family members, honoring his wishes for privacy. Following his passing, the Dragon Ball Official account on X, on Friday (Mar 8), shared a statement from Bird Studio, the manga and design production company founded by Toriyama, mourning the loss of the artist and acknowledging his ongoing projects and enthusiasm for his work. It also expressed gratitude for the global support that allowed him to pursue his creative passions for over 45 years.
Toriyama, born in Nagoya in 1955, first made his mark in the early 1980s with the manga ‘Dr Slump’, featuring the adventures of a little girl robot and her scientist creator. However, it was ‘Dragon Ball’ that catapulted him to fame, inspiring a vast fanbase of writers, cosplayers, and collectors worldwide. The series has been translated into numerous languages and has become a mainstay in toy stores across Japan, China, and Southeast Asia including Thailand. (NNT)
