Yesterday, the sad news was released that Akira Toriyama, famous mangaka creator of iconic works such as “Dr. Slump” and the world-renowned “Dragon Ball“, had passed away on March 1st due to a subdural hematoma. As expected, the manga industry has reacted to this event with diverse and very emotional farewell messages from those artists and authors that Toriyama inspired so much throughout his career.
These were the reactions to the death of Akira Toriyama
We present the main reactions of the most important manga artists, authors and some personalities who expressed their feelings about the death of the famous author, through their different social media accounts and press releases from their respective publishers.
Masashi Kishimoto | «Naruto»
“Honestly, I don’t know what to write about this sudden event. But for now, I would like to share my thoughts and feelings. He was always my guide. I admired him. It may make him uncomfortable with these words, but I am grateful to him. To me, he was truly the God of salvation and the God of manga.”
“Akira Toriyama, thank you for 45 years of many enjoyable works. And thank you for your hard work. I’m sure the rest of your family members are still deeply saddened by your loss. Please take care of yourself. I pray for Akira Toriyama to rest in peace.”
Eiichiro Oda | «One Piece»
“It’s too soon. The hole he has left is too big. I am overcome with sadness when I think I will never see him again. I’ve admired him so much since I was a child. He showed us the dream that manga could reach everyone. It was like watching a hero move forward.”
“With respect and gratitude for the creative world he left behind, we pray for his soul to rest in peace. May heaven be the happy world he envisioned.”
Takehiko Inoue | «Slam Dunk»
“It’s really hard to take in. Thank you very much, Toriyama-sensei.”
Toyotaro | encargado de las ilustraciones para «Dragon Ball Super»
“I started drawing manga because I wanted Toriyama-sensei to praise me. He was everything to me.”
Kentaro Yabuki | «To Love-Ru»
“This is a long message. Let me explain my personal thoughts. When I was a kid, I changed schools a lot and tended to be lonely. Everything changed when I was able to make new friends everywhere talking about ‘Dragon Ball’. I learned the pleasure of drawing manga by copying many of Mr. Akira Toriyama’s illustrations.”
“It created many happy memories for me and for everyone’s life. I appreciate Toriyama-san’s kindness very much. I pray that someday I can see you with a ring on your head… May he rest in peace.”
Yusuke Murata | «One Punch Man»
“Strangely, I don’t feel at all that he passed away. Maybe that’s why he was like a star in the sky to me, even before he died.”
Masako Nozawa | Seiyuu of «Son Goku»
“I don’t want to believe it. My mind is empty because I don’t want to think about it. Still, every time I see Goku, I remember what Toriyama Sensei told me: ‘You’ll take care of Goku, right?’ I treasure that moment. It makes me think, ‘I will stand by Goku’s side until my strength is completely exhausted.’ Sensei, please watch over us from heaven. We hope you depart in peace.”
Even the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, made a statement through his Twitter account with a small tribute showing an illustration he has of the “Dragon Ball” series signed by Akira Toriyama with the message: “To Akira Toriyama and his millions of fans who grew up with him”.
Finally, the publishing house “Shueisha” in charge of the magazine “Shonen JUMP” which was Akira Toriyama’s home for many years, thanked the author’s fans and said goodbye to him with the following message:
“Akira Toriyama published numerous works in JUMP magazines, has passed away. We at Shueisha and the editorial department are deeply saddened by the sudden news of his passing. The manga he drew, such as “Dr. Slump,” “Dragon Ball,” “Sand Land” and many others, have been read and loved around the world, transcending national borders.”
“His fascinating characters and sweeping sense of design have greatly influenced many manga artists and creators. We would like to express our gratitude to him for his great achievements and pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
