Akira Toriyama (Japanese: 鳥山明, Hepburn: Toriyama Akira; April 5, 1955 – March 1, 2024) was a Japanese manga artist, character designer, and one of the most influential creators in the history of Japanese comics. Best known as the creator of the global phenomenon Dragon Ball, Toriyama revolutionized the manga and anime industries, leaving an enduring cultural legacy in Japan and worldwide.
He first rose to fame with the hit comedy manga Dr. Slump (1980–1984), which won the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award and sold over 35 million copies in Japan. His career-defining work, Dragon Ball (1984–1995), became one of the best-selling manga series of all time, with over 260 million copies sold globally. Both series spawned long-running anime adaptations, films, and extensive merchandise lines, elevating Japanese pop culture on the global stage.
In addition to manga, Toriyama was an acclaimed video game character designer, contributing to iconic titles such as the Dragon Quest series, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon. His art style—marked by dynamic action, expressive characters, and imaginative worlds—helped define the visual identity of shōnen manga in the late 20th century.
Toriyama was awarded the title of Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France in 2019 for his contributions to the arts and was posthumously inducted into the Harvey Awards Hall of Fame in 2024.
Infobox: Akira Toriyama
| Born | April 5, 1955 Kiyosu, Aichi, Japan |
|---|---|
| Died | March 1, 2024 (aged 68) Japan |
| Occupations | Manga artist, Character designer, Model designer |
| Years active | 1978–2024 |
| Employer | Shueisha |
| Notable works | Dragon Ball, Dr. Slump, Chrono Trigger (character designer), Dragon Quest (character designer) |
| Spouse | Yoshimi Katō (m. 1982) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Shogakukan Manga Award (1981), Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2019) |
Early Life
Akira Toriyama was born in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He began drawing at an early age, inspired by films such as Disney’s One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) and by reading Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy. In his youth, Toriyama enjoyed tokusatsu shows like Ultraman and kaiju films such as Gamera.
He attended a high school specializing in creative design, later working as a poster designer for an advertising agency in Nagoya. Dissatisfied with office life, he left the job after three years, deciding to pursue a career in manga despite his parents’ objections.
Career
Breakthrough with Dr. Slump (1978–1983)
Toriyama entered the manga industry in 1978 after submitting to Weekly Shōnen Jump. Following several short works, he created Dr. Slump, serialized from 1980 to 1984. The sci-fi comedy about inventor Senbei Norimaki and robot girl Arale was a massive hit, earning him the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award and spawning two anime adaptations (1981–1986, 1997–1999).
Dragon Ball and International Fame (1984–1995)
Inspired by kung fu films and the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, Toriyama launched Dragon Ball in 1984. Initially a comedic adventure, the series evolved into an action-packed martial arts epic. Serialized for over a decade in Weekly Shōnen Jump, it became one of the most successful manga of all time, influencing generations of manga artists and boosting Jump’s circulation to record highs.
Dragon Ball’s anime adaptations—Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and later Dragon Ball Super—achieved even greater international success, helping popularize anime outside Japan.
Video Game Design
From 1986 onward, Toriyama worked as character designer for Dragon Quest, shaping the franchise’s iconic visual style. He also designed characters for Chrono Trigger, Blue Dragon, and multiple Dragon Ball games, combining his manga sensibilities with interactive storytelling.
Later Works and Return to Dragon Ball
After Dragon Ball’s conclusion, Toriyama focused on one-shots and shorter manga, such as Cowa! (1997–1998), Kajika (1998), Sand Land (2000), and Jaco the Galactic Patrolman (2013). In the 2010s, he returned to the Dragon Ball universe, contributing scripts, story outlines, and designs for films like Battle of Gods (2013), Resurrection ‘F’ (2015), and Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018). His final major work was on Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero (2022) and the upcoming Dragon Ball Daima.
Art Style and Influence
Toriyama’s work combined comedic sensibilities with high-energy action sequences. His mastery of panel composition, expressive character design, and efficient inking techniques set him apart in the shōnen manga field.
He frequently incorporated vehicles, animals, and mechanical designs into his art, reflecting his personal hobbies. His approach influenced countless creators, including Eiichiro Oda (One Piece), Masashi Kishimoto (Naruto), and Tite Kubo (Bleach).
Personal Life
Toriyama married fellow manga artist Yoshimi Katō (pen name Nachi Mikami) in 1982. They had two children and lived in Kiyosu, where Toriyama maintained a home studio. Known for his reclusive nature, he avoided media appearances and often used his cartoon avatar “Tori-Bot” in place of photographs.
A passionate hobbyist, Toriyama loved cars, motorcycles, plastic models, and animals—interests that often appeared in his stories.
Death
Akira Toriyama died on March 1, 2024, at the age of 68 from an acute subdural hematoma. His passing was announced by Bird Studio on March 8, 2024. Tributes poured in from across Japan and around the world, including from world leaders, fellow manga artists, and fans. Public memorials and gatherings were held internationally, underscoring his global impact.
Legacy and Honors
- Shogakukan Manga Award (1981) – for Dr. Slump
- Chevalier, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2019) – French government honor
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Tokyo Anime Awards Festival (2024)
- Harvey Awards Hall of Fame (Posthumous, 2024)
Toriyama’s works have sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide, inspiring manga, anime, video games, and pop culture for decades. His creative vision transformed shōnen manga into a global entertainment force, and his influence continues through ongoing Dragon Ball projects.
