See one of the legendary manga author's final works of art
The anime and manga world just received sad news in early March about the passing of legendary manga author Akira Toriyama. His works have influenced many anime and manga fans, illustrators and authors around the world. Although his legacy lives on in Dragon Ball Daima, Sand Land, and the Dragon Ball Super manga, along with several other projects, he will always be remembered for his work on Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest. One of his last works may be permanently preserved in Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture as he created a new logo for the city shortly before his death.
Image via Kiyosu City Twitter account
©KIYOSU City ©バード・スタジオ
Kiyosu City's official X (formerly Twitter) account unveiled the new logo on January 23 with Mayor Sumio Nagata introducing the new logo. The tweet also notes that the design was done by Toriyama himself.
清須市市制20周年記念ロゴマーク決定!
デザインはなんと!
清須市ゆかりの漫画家 鳥山明先生です。#鳥山明 #AkiraToriyama #清須市 pic.twitter.com/el71Beu433— 清須市 つながる地元魂 (@kiyosu_city) January 23, 2024
Kiyosu City's 20th anniversary logo has been decided!
Designer!
Akira Toriyama, a manga author with close ties to Kiyosu City.
#鳥山明 [Akira Toriyama] #AkiraToriyama #清須市 [Thành phố Kiyosu]
Capturing the late Toriyama's playful designs with the more rounded strokes he used in his later works. Unfortunately, the tweet and Kiyosu City's homepage do not list who the samurai in the logo is. However, considering the city's history, we can extrapolate this figure to possibly be Oda Nobunaga.
After the good news for the city, the world had to receive the sad news of Toriyama's passing. City X account posted condolences and Mayor Nagata posted an official message on the home page.
鳥山明先生の20周年記念ロゴを描き下ろしていただいたばかりでした。
Can you find it here? 鳥山明#清須市— 清須市 つながる地元魂 (@kiyosu_city) March 8, 2024
We would like to send our deepest condolences upon learning of the passing of Akira Toriyama-sensei.
Toriyama-sensei just created a special logo to celebrate the 20th anniversary [cho city].
We express our deepest respect for his achievements and may he rest in peace.
Image via www.city.kiyosu.aichi.jp
I would like to express my condolences on the news of the passing of Akira Toriyama-sensei.
Toriyama-sensei has been active for many years as one of Japan's leading manga authors, having created many works such as Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. Toriyama-sensei's works are loved across generations and across borders.
Additionally, Toriyama-sensei recently designed the logo for the city's 20th anniversary celebration.
I would like to express my deep respect for Toriyama-sensei's achievements, on behalf of the city of Kiyosu and the people of Kiyosu, I extend my deepest condolences and pray for his soul to rest in peace.
March 8, 2024
Kiyosu Mayor: Sumio Nagata
Although the design was made to commemorate Kiyosu City's 20th anniversary, it may remain a symbol of the city forever. As one of Toriyama's last works of art, it's nice to know it was to promote his hometown.
Source: Kiyosu City website (link 2), Kiyosu City X/Twitter account (link 2), Natalie Comics