'RIP to an absolute legend': Global anime community mourns as 'Dragon Ball' creator Akira Toriyama dies at 68

JAPAN: Anime enthusiasts were profoundly saddened and felt a deep wound when the official 'Dragon Ball' anime account on X announced the passing of the legendary manga and anime creator Akira Toriyama at the age of 68.

As reported by the Daily Mail, On Thursday, Toriyama's Dragon Ball Studio revealed that Toriyama had passed away due to bleeding near his brain. The studio's statement further indicated that Toriyama succumbed to an acute subdural hematoma on March 1.

'Dragon Ball Z' creator Akira Toriyama dies at the age of 68

According to the Daily Mail, Toriyama's Dragon Ball Studio issued an official announcement on the X platform (formerly known as Twitter), sparking a commotion within the anime community.

The statement disclosed that Toriyama had multiple ongoing projects that he was fervently passionate about bringing to fruition.

It lamented his inability to complete them, expressing, "It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve."

Expanding on Toriyama's legacy, the statement noted, "However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world, Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come."

The studio revealed that a private funeral service was conducted with Toriyama's family, attended only by a select few close relatives.

They requested privacy for his family and urged fans to refrain from visiting or sending flowers, gifts, or any other offerings.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Toriyama's most significant creation, the 'Dragon Ball' manga, made its debut in 1984 and achieved tremendous success, leading to the creation of spinoff films, games, and cartoons.

'Dragon Ball' revolves around Son Goku, a boy on a quest to gather magic dragon balls while defending the planet from the Saiyans, a group of alien humanoids.

It was adapted into an anime series by Toei Animation in the late 1980s and achieved immense global popularity, as per the Daily Mail.

IGN reported that Toriyama was currently involved in creating anime-themed video games like 'Chrono Trigger' and 'Dragon Quest.' Rumors circulated about his involvement in a 'Dragon Ball Z' spinoff called 'Dragon Ball Daima,' focusing on characters Goku and Vegeta.

According to the Daily Mail, Akira Toriyama, born on April 5, 1955, in Nagoya, Japan, started his career by sending his work to Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine.

Internet users mourn the loss of Akira Toriyama 

A user wrote, "RIP to an absolute legend 🖤"

Another user wrote, "RIP AKIRA TORIYAMA 💔 THANKS FOR MAKING OUR CHILDHOOD FUN"

A user commented, "This fight scene right here wouldn’t exist without him 😢 gave me one of the best childhoods as well. RIP my GOAT"

Another user commented, "The man that made so many of our childhood great. Thank and rest in Paradise King ❤🕊🤝🏽"

A user commented, "You don't need to have seen Dragon Ball Z to know what an absolute legend this incredible human was! He will be greatly missed but his work will keep him remembered forever ❤️"

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