Akira Toriyama dead at 68: Dragon Ball creator dies of bleeding near the brain as fans mourn his loss and honor his legacy in Japanese manga

Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama has died at the age of 68 due to a hemorrhage near his brain, his studio said Thursday.

Toriyama died on March 1 due to the medical condition known as acute subdural hematoma, the Dragon Ball studio said in a statement on social media.

The Dragon Ball studio said it was their “deep regret” that Toriyama “still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm,” as “he would have many more things to achieve.”

“However, he left many manga titles and works of art to this world. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation will remain loved by all for a long time to come.”

The Dragon Ball comic was released in 1984 and became a huge success, with spin-off films, games and cartoons.

The statement continued: “Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for more than 45 years.

“We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation will remain loved by everyone for a long time to come.”

The studio said that “a funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives,” asking for privacy for his family and for fans to refrain from visiting, sending flowers, gifts or other offers.

No decision has yet been made on a “memorial event” in Toriyama’s memory, the studio said, adding that it will provide further information as it becomes available.

“We sincerely thank you for your understanding and support, as always,” the studio said in closing the statement.

Dragon Ball centers on Son Goku, a boy who searches for a collection of magical dragon balls during a battle to protect the planet from the Saiyans, a group of alien humanoids.

The martial arts-influenced franchise also features popular characters such as Piccolo, Bulma and Krillin.

In the late 1980s, it was adapted into an anime show by Toei Animation, which he said achieved enormous success on an international scale. The Hollywood Reporter.

Toriyama had also been busy working on video games in the anime genre, including Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest, according to the outlet IGN.

Toriyama was rumored to be working on a Dragon Ball Z spin-off called Dragon Ball Daima, focusing on the characters Goku and Vegeta.

At New York Comic Con 2023 last fall, Dragon Ball Daima executive producer Akio Iyoku said on a panel that Toriyama had been “very involved beyond his normal capabilities” in working on the details of the high-profile project.

Iyoku said Toriyama had planned “all new episodes for the storyline, so look forward to the start of the series,” which will be released this fall.

Toriyama was born on April 5, 1955 in Nagoya, Japan and began his career by submitting his work to Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine, according to THR.

He was first published in 1978 with a comic called Wonder Island, based on an ex-World War II kamikaze pilot who was stranded on a place called Wonder Island. The following year he released a sequel titled Wonder Island 2.

Toriyama enjoyed early success with the manga Dr. Slump, which would serialize Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980-1984.

Dr. Slump was set in a location called Penguin Village, which according to THR focused on a female robot and her creator.

The breakout success sold more than 35 million copies and would be adapted into an animated TV series from Toei Animation between 1981 and 1986.

A number of fans took to social media on Thursday evening to express their emotional condolences for Toriyama and respect for the contributions he has made in his field.

‘Wow. This man was a legend, a unique talent that impacted so many lives,” said a tweet from the account @DotoDoya. “Shocked and sad, but his legacy will live on for thousands of years, I’m sure.”

A tweet from @zentreya read: Incredibly saddening. I also recently watched DB. Many memorable characters and worlds were created. Thank you for helping spark the imagination of others and giving strength to others. Rest in peace.’

One user posted a Dragon Ball-related GIF of a character crying, saying, “I’m literally crying. Rest in peace to the goat of all goats.”

One user said: ‘Legends never die, RIP Akira, you created one of the best shows ever and touched so many of our hearts growing up. Thanks for everything.’

Another user said, “Rest in peace Akira Toriyama, you will be forever missed,” accompanied by a Dragon Ball-related image of a character with a halo.

Another fan described Toriyama as “a legend,” adding, “Thank you Akira Toriyama for entertaining and inspiring so many of us. Rest in peace.’

One fan said, “Thank you Akira Toriyama. You have touched so many lives and inspired millions around the world. May you rest in peace, you will NEVER be forgotten.”

One user noted the enormous reach and impact of Toriyama and the Dragon Ball franchise, saying: ‘This is so heartbreaking, he and his work have played a huge role in the lives of me and many others.

‘Rest in peace and thank you for all the wonderful memories.’

One fan said: ‘Worst news this year. He was everyone’s hero. Thank you Akira Toriyama. This hurts. What a legend.’

One fan called the news of Toriyama’s death “incredibly heartbreaking to read,” and marveled at the widespread impact he made on his field.

“He was a generational genius who influenced my youth and so many others in such a meaningful way,” the user said. ‘His legacy will never fade and he will continue to inspire generations to come.’

Toriyama is survived by his wife Yoshimi Kato and two children.