It is a widely known fact that even Eiichiro Oda, the author of the manga series One Piece and Masashi Kishimoto, author of the manga Narutowere all influenced by Akira Toriyama’s epic creation – Dragon Ball. And in response to Toriyama’s sudden passing, both authors offered heartfelt tributes.
In his statement, Oda expressed deep sadness and shock at the passing of Akira Toriyama, saying that it left a huge hole. He remembers Toriyama as a great source of inspiration since he was a child, cherishing moments like being called by name and interacting together.
Oda credits Toriyama with revolutionizing the manga industry. He explains how the author broke the stigma against manga and created a world where people of all ages can enjoy them.
He concluded his statement by offering sincere condolences and expressing hope that Toriyama had found a joyful afterlife that reflected his own creative vision.
Take a look at Oda’s stance statement in full below:
Too early.
The remaining hole is too big.When I thought I would never see him again, sadness came over me.
I have admired him since I was a child,
And I even remember the first day he called my name.
I also remember the day we walked home after he used the word “friend” to refer to us,
And the day we had a wonderful time with Kishimoto. I also remember our last conversation.He led from an era where people were told that reading comic books would make them stupid,
And he was one of the people who created an era where adults and children could enjoy reading comic books.
He showed us that manga can do a lot of things,
And it can take us out into the world.
It was like watching a hero rush forward.Not only for comic artists,
But the excitement and emotion of Dragon Ball’s release period must be rooted in the childhoods of creators across every industry.
His existence is like a big tree.For the cartoonists of my generation, who stand on the same stage,
We realized that the closer we got to Toriyama’s work, the greater it became.
It’s so scrary.
However, I was still happy to be able to meet that carefree man. Because we love Mr. Toriyama to the core.With respect and gratitude for the rich and creative world that Mr. Toriyama left behind, I pray for his soul from the bottom of my heart.
May heaven be a happy place like Mr. Toriyama envisioned.
Eiichiro Oda
Like Oda, Kishimoto was also shocked by Toriyama’s death. However, he struggled to express his grief and instead chose to share his unspoken thoughts and feelings with the author he admired from the bottom of his heart.
Kishimoto recounted growing up with Toriyama’s manga, Dr. Decline and Dragon Ball. The release Dragon Ball every week was a joy for him, especially during the difficult times of his childhood. The manga’s ending during his college years left a huge void in Kishimoto, but it also sparked a deep appreciation for Toriyama’s genius.
Kishimoto revealed that Toriyama inspired him to embark on his own path as a manga author, finding purpose and joy in the pursuit.
Kishimoto also expressed his deep gratitude to the author, even if not acknowledged by Toriyama himself. He considers Toriyama a savior and a legend in the manga world. He also spoke fondly of the time he spent with his icon along with Oda and the cherished memories they had together.
Check out his full statement below:
To be honest, I don’t know what to write or how to write it. But right now, I want to tell Mr. Toriyama the things I’ve always wanted to ask him and my feelings.
I grew up with Mr. Toriyama’s manga, Dr. Slump in elementary school and Dragon Ball in middle school. It’s natural to have Mr. Toriyama’s manga by my side as a part of my life. Even when I feel bored, Dragon Ball every week always makes me forget about it. That was my salvation, a country boy with nothing to do. That’s how much I love Dragon Ball!
When I was a college student, Dragon Ball, which had been a part of my life for so long, suddenly ended. I was overwhelmed by a huge sense of loss and didn’t know what to expect. But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to realize from the bottom of my heart the greatness of Mr. Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. I want to create a work like Mr. Toriyama’s! I want to be like Mr. Toriyama! As I chased after Mr. Toriyama, the feeling of loss gradually disappeared. Because creating manga is fun. Pursuing Mr. Toriyama, I have found a new joy. Mr. Toriyama has always been my guide. He is my inspiration. Maybe I’m bothering Mr. Toriyama, but I’m grateful to him without asking permission. To me, he is the savior and god of manga.
The first time I met him, I was so nervous that I couldn’t say a word. But as I saw him more and more at the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize jury meetings, I was able to talk to him. I’ll never forget the time I talked to him about how fun Dragon Ball was, like being a kid with Oda-san, when we were Dragon Ball kids, and how he smiled a little awkwardly. shy.
I just received news of Mr. Toriyama’s death. I am overwhelmed by an immense feeling of loss, even greater than when Dragon Ball ended… I don’t know how to fix this hole in my heart. I can’t read my favorite Dragon Ball right now. I don’t even feel like I’m writing this properly for Mr. Toriyama. People around the world are still looking forward to Mr. Toriyama’s work. If a Dragon Ball wish really came true… I’m sorry… It might be selfish, but I’m sad, Mr. Toriyama.
Thank you Mr. Akira Toriyama, for 45 years of great work. And thank you so much for your hard work.
To the bereaved family, I pray that you will find peace and comfort in the midst of your grief. I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama’s soul rests in peace.
Masashi Kishimoto
Along with Oda and Kishimoto, manga creator and Toriyama’s close friend Masakazu Katsura and Game Designer Yuji Horii also offered prayers releasing their statements on Toriyama’s sudden passing.
Katsura especially expressed regret at not calling Toriyama after receiving his email and talked about how he would miss long conversations with Dragon Ball to what extent the author.
Check out their statements below:
I feel exhausted and unmotivated. I don’t want to write a review like this. But I will write something. When I start writing, I will have a lot to say and it will probably become a long paragraph, but I will try to keep it as short as possible. I’m sorry for rambling, because my thoughts are still not right.
Looking back, all I have are beautiful memories of our times together – whether visiting your house, having you stay at my house, or going away. Every time we talked on the phone, we laughed until we were tired. You are a funny man. You are a pervert, cute, sharp-tongued and humble person.
We collaborated on several manga projects, which were also very interesting. But 99% of us never talk about manga. As a manga artist, the gap between how we see things and our skill level is huge, and I’ve never really felt your greatness. Now I know that. But when I’m with you, I’ve never had that feeling. That’s the kind of person you are. That’s why I still can’t see you as anything more than a friend, even though you’re a great manga artist.
Last summer, before my surgery, you heard about it somewhere and sent me a letter. email. It’s really rare for you to email and it’s really worrying for my health. We have been friends for 40 years but perhaps this is the first time I have felt such kindness from you. I thought it was going to snow. You know, you usually just talk about jokes or nonsense. What the heck, you shouldn’t worry about other people right?
I called you a little while ago, and I felt uncomfortable all over so I said, “Maybe I’ll go first, so please throw me a farewell party, Toriyama!” And make sure you give a speech because that will make me look great!” But you didn’t keep your promise.
I really regret not calling you after you emailed me. I can’t believe I can’t talk to you on the phone for hours anymore. There are many things I want to tell you. There are many things I want to say. Even if you’re not interested in what I have to say, you can still zone out as always. I just want to talk to you again. The last thing you said to me was “OK” in response to an email asking you to get back to me. That’s not good enough. I’m so sad.
Masakazu Katsura
I still can’t believe the unexpected news of Mr. Toriyama’s passing.
I knew Mr. Toriyama had passed away.
I knew Mr. Toriyama had passed away. Toriyama since I was an editor for Weekly Shonen Jump. At the recommendation of editor Torishima-san, I decided to ask him to illustrate the Dragon Quest game when we launched it.
In the more than 37 years since, he has drawn countless captivating figures, including both character designs and monster designs.
The history of Dragon Quest is a history associated with Mr. Toriyama’s character design.
Mr. Toriyama and the late Mr. Sugiyama were longtime collaborators on Dragon Quest.
I can’t believe they’re gone…
I can’t find words to express my sadness. This is truly a tragedy.
Yuji Horii
Source: Shonen Jump official website