![photo-1709710936091 photo-1709710936091](https://gamek.mediacdn.vn/thumb_w/640/133514250583805952/2024/3/6/base64-1709711096465528849649.png)
In a revealing conversation with Akira Toriyama, the creative mind behind Dragon Ball addressed the physical strain manga artists face. The interview conducted in 2018 for the 50th anniversary of “Weekly Shonen Jump” also featured Takehiko Inoue, creator of “Slam Dunk.” Both shared their experiences from the early days of their startups, highlighting the worrying situation in the industry.
The conversation mentioned the episode of Toriyama, suffering from tendinitis when he received a request to publish two chapters in one week, but that was too much for Toriyama. Toriyama’s first editor Kazuhiko Torishima’s reaction to his helplessness was to downplay the seriousness of the situation, suggesting that if the author could write his name then he could continue drawing the manga.
“I replied that I could barely move my hand due to inflamed tendons. [Torishima] told me to try writing my name and I said, ‘Of course I can write my name!’ Then he said ‘If you can write your name then you can draw manga!’ What kind of logic is this?”Akira Toriyama
![photo-1709710954207 photo-1709710954207](https://gamek.mediacdn.vn/133514250583805952/2024/3/6/photo-1709710954207-1709710954446209405335.png)
The manga industry, notorious for its strict requirements, seems to demand a high price. Famous mangakas like Eiichiro Oda and Tite Kubo faced serious health consequences due to excessive workload. For example, Kentaro Miura passed away in 2021, his death partly due to stress and long hours of work.
Despite the laughs in the interview, the normalization of burnout and pressure on manga artists is alarming. The mentality that adversity shapes character, combined with the Japanese culture of overwork, appears to have perpetuated a harmful cycle. There are signs of change, however, as artists choose forms of publication that are less demanding of their bodies and minds.
However, the admiration and respect between artists like Toriyama and Inoue does not hide the fact that the industry needs to adapt to protect the health and well-being of its creators, ensuring future talent can shine without sacrificing their health.