Toriyama was born in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan. He made his debut as a manga artist in 1978 with "Wonder Island," a story that ran in the Weekly Shonen Jump magazine.
It wasn't long before he had his first breakout hit; "Dr. Slump" came out in 1980. This manga serialization about an android girl and her creator was later turned into an anime. But 27-year-old Toriyama wasn't entirely happy about his success. In an interview with NHK at the time, he spoke about his mixed feelings.
"I think it would have been better if (Dr. Slump) had not been such an explosive hit. I didn't want to make a fuss. I wanted to just draw manga steadily," Toriyama revealed.
"Of course, I'm happy. But it's not the manga I particularly wanted to make. Now, I want to draw something different, and I don't want to be judged by just one series."
And that's exactly what he did. Toriyama launched "Dragon Ball" in 1984. It depicts the adventures of Son Goku, a boy with superhuman strength, who battles villains as he grows and develops magical skills and powers, including his signature "Kamehameha" bolt of energy. The series captivated readers across the globe, going on to sell 260 million copies.
Two years later, "Dragon Ball" was adapted into an anime series that has been broadcast in more than 80 countries and regions. It eventually mutated into video games and a Hollywood movie.
Toriyama also designed characters for the popular role-playing video game "Dragon Quest." His spiky-haired characters won the hearts of gamers and inspired many cartoonists.
Manga critic: Toriyama, a central figure of the age
Japanese manga critic Natsume Fusanosuke reflected on Toriyama's contribution to manga culture at home and abroad:
"The mid-1990s was the heyday of postwar paper-published manga, and it was Weekly Shonen Jump magazine that paved the way in the 1980s, with Toriyama playing a central role. He was a driving force," Natsume says.
The critic explains that "Dragon Ball" opened the door to "media mixing" — spinning off manga stories into other types of content — a strategy that earned huge profits for the industry.
Natsume says Toriyama also played a key role in cultivating the next generation of manga artists.
"Weekly Shonen Jump magazine was so popular and influential. At one point, its circulation exceeded 6 million copies. I believe Toriyama's creation in the magazine inspired many readers to want to become a manga artist," Natsume says.
'Inspiration for manga artists'
When news broke of 68-year-old Toriyama's death, many renowned artists in the industry mourned his passing.
Nozawa Masako, the voice actor for Goku, said in a statement: "I don't want to believe it. My mind is blank. I don't want to think about it. Still, I always remember what he told me: 'Take care of Goku,' which makes me resolved to stand by Goku until the end of my life. Sensei, please watch over us. May he rest in peace."
Game designer Horii Yuji, who created the "Dragon Quest" series, said he does not have the words to describe such a great loss:
"Toriyama designed numerous characters for "Dragon Quest." The whole history of the series resulted from his designs," he said.
Among the manga artists inspired by "Dragon Ball" was Oda Eiichiro, who created the global hit "One Piece."
Oda said that Toriyama influenced and inspired people across a range of genres and industries. "I hope heaven for Toriyama is as joyful as the world he created," Oda said in his statement.
Kishimoto Masashi, author of the epic Naruto series, also credited Toriyama as his big inspiration. "I became a manga artist, hoping to make manga just like yours and I wanted to be just like you. By following your path, I found joy in my life."
Fans from all walks of life
French President Emmanuel Macron took to social media to pay tribute. Macron posted a photo of a gift the artist gave him — an illustration, autographed by Toriyama.
Macron's caption, written in both French and Japanese, read: "To Toriyama Akira and the millions of his fans."
French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal shared his sadness on social media: "Even the powers of the crystal balls and Shenron won't be able to bring him back," he wrote, referring to the magical balls and the wish-granting dragon in "Dragon Ball." Attal added that Toriyama brought manga and Japanese culture to France.
The Chinese government also acknowledged Toriyama's passing. Speaking on March 8, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said that Toriyama's works are popular in China and many people are mourning on social media.
Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin contributed to the condolences on social media. He wrote, "A legacy that marked generations with values of companionship and loyalty. Thank you very much, Akira Toriyama."
The tributes were not restricted to social media. People gathered at memorial events in different parts of the world, many dressed as Toriyama’s creations.
Thousands of "Dragon Ball" fans in Argentina gathered around an obelisk in the center of Buenos Aires to mourn the death of the manga legend. They sang the anime's theme song and struck the pose of the "Genkidama."
