Akira Toriyama, a renowned Japanese manga artist and character designer, played a key role in the creation of a new animated series titled “Dragon Ball Daima.” He actively contributed to its production, crafting fresh episodes for the storyline.

Toriyama’s impact on the manga and entertainment world is significant, spanning beyond his well-known work on “Dragon Ball.” Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a lasting legacy of creativity and innovation.

His influence extended to other notable works like “Dr. Slump,” “Dragon Quest,” “Chrono Trigger,” and more. In this comprehensive biographic blog post, we delve into the life, achievements, and legacy of this influential creator.

Early Life and Background

Born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu, Aichi, Japan, Toriyama’s journey into the world of illustration began at a young age. Fascinated by animals and vehicles, he developed his artistic skills early on.

The pivotal moment occurred when he discovered Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy, sparking a passion for manga. Toriyama’s talent blossomed during his elementary years, where he stood out by drawing pictures of his friends.

Despite a brief hiatus from manga during middle school, his love for illustration persisted. His decision to attend a high school focused on creative design marked the first step towards his illustrious career.

Personal Life

Meet Akira Toriyama’s Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

In 1982, Toriyama married Yoshimi Katō, a former manga artist known as “Nachi Mikami.” They shared a private life, raising two children – Sasuke and Kikka. Toriyama’s reclusive nature extended to his use of the avatar “Robotoriyama” and his avoidance of public appearances.

His hobbies, including a love for cars, motorcycles, and a passion for plastic models, added unique dimensions to his personality. Toriyama’s diverse interests, from animal keeping to collecting autographs, showcased a multifaceted individual beyond his artistic genius.

Net Worth (as of 2024)

Akira Toriyama possessed an estimated net worth of $50 million at the time of his passing. He gained fame as a celebrated Japanese manga artist and designer, renowned for crafting the highly popular manga series “Dr. Slump” and “Dragon Ball.”

Toriyama’s influence extended beyond manga, with notable contributions to video games like the “Dragon Quest” series and “Chrono Trigger.”

Despite his substantial impact on the manga industry, his net worth was comparatively lower than that of other mangaka, such as Eiichiro Oda, the creator of “One Piece,” whose estimated net worth stands much higher at $200-230 million.

Professional Career and Achievements

After a stint at an advertising agency in Nagoya, Toriyama’s artistic prowess flourished. His breakout came with the manga series Dr. Slump, earning him the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award.

The success of Dr. Slump paved the way for his magnum opus, Dragon Ball, a global phenomenon with sales exceeding 260 million copies worldwide. Beyond manga, Toriyama left an indelible mark on video game design, contributing to iconic titles like Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger.

In 2019, he received the Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres for his outstanding contributions to the arts.

Career

In a quest for financial stability at the age of 23, Toriyama entered the manga scene by submitting his work to a contest at Weekly Shōnen Magazine. Although the timing didn’t align for that particular contest, Weekly Shōnen Jump welcomed submissions for their Newcomer Award each month.

Despite initial setbacks, Toriyama’s persistence led to the creation of Wonder Island, his first published work in 1978. Despite its initial struggles, this phase taught him valuable lessons.

His breakthrough came with Dr. Slump in 1980, a serialized success in Weekly Shōnen Jump, earning him the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1981.

Serialized Triumph (1980–1984)

Dr. Slump, running from 1980 to 1984, became a massive hit, propelling Toriyama to fame. The series featured the comical adventures of a quirky professor and his powerful robot Arale.

Despite its popularity, Toriyama aimed to conclude it sooner, but contractual obligations with Shueisha led him to explore other projects. This era also saw Toriyama’s participation in various contests, showcasing his versatility and creativity.

International Success (1983–1997)

Encouraged by his editor Torishima, Toriyama ventured into the kung fu shōnen manga genre, giving birth to Dragon Ball in 1984. Serialized until 1995, Dragon Ball’s immense success made it one of the best-selling manga series globally.

Toriyama’s involvement extended beyond manga into character design for the Dragon Quest video game series and other notable projects, marking a prolific period in his career.

Exploring New Avenues (1996–2011)

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Toriyama continued his creative journey with short stories and diverse projects. Despite the Dragon Ball GT anime in 1996, his focus shifted to one-shots like Cowa!, Kajika, and Sand Land.

He even delved into the world of electric car design. Collaborations with fellow manga creators and involvement in promotional activities showcased his versatility.

Continued Impact (2012–2024)

Toriyama’s return to Dragon Ball in 2012 with “Battle of Gods” marked a significant milestone. Subsequent projects, including “Resurrection ‘F’,” “Dragon Ball Super,” and various films, demonstrated his enduring influence on the franchise.

Notably, the 45th-anniversary manga, “Jaco the Galactic Patrolman,” provided fans with a prelude to Dragon Ball, emphasizing Toriyama’s commitment to storytelling.

Legacy and Accolades

Toriyama’s impact transcends Dragon Ball, influencing a generation of manga artists globally. He earned accolades such as the Special 40th Anniversary Festival Award and the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

His death in 2024 led to an outpouring of grief from fans worldwide, underscoring his profound influence on manga and popular culture.

Cause of Death

Akira Toriyama, passed away at 68 due to brain bleeding. Born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu City, Aichi prefecture, Toriyama began his manga career at 23, debuting as a cartoonist in 1978.

Dragon Ball, his creation, debuted in 1984, captivating manga enthusiasts worldwide with its fantasy martial arts storyline focused on Son Goku’s quest for the seven dragon balls.

The Dragon Ball universe, spanning four decades, has made a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be cherished by fans globally.

Toriyama’s legacy extends beyond Dragon Ball, as he also contributed to other successful projects like Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger. His passing deeply saddens fans and the anime community, paying tribute to his influential contributions to the world of manga and entertainment.

FAQs about Akira Toriyama

In Conclusion

While Toriyama’s journey spans decades, his impact on manga and popular culture remains undeniable.

From the comedic realms of Dr. Slump to the martial arts epic Dragon Ball, his creativity and innovation have left an indelible mark, captivating audiences worldwide.