Akira Toriyama, creator of the Japanese animated series Dragon Ball Z, died. He was 68 years old.
Dragon Ball Zofficial X (formerly known as Twitter) account confirmed the news on Thursday.
“We are deeply saddened to inform you that manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to an acute subdural hematoma,” a condition in which blood collects between the skull and the surface of the brain.
The report states that at the time of his death, Toriyama “still had several works in the midst of creation with great enthusiasm.” The post said there are many goals he is still looking forward to.
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Akira Toriyama.
Akira Toriyama/ Instagram
“Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he was able to continue his creative activities for more than 45 years. We hope that the unique world of Akira Toriyama’s creation will continue to be loved by everyone for a long time to come,” the social media post continued, while also showing gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career.
According to the report, a funeral service for Toriyama has already been held “with his family and very few relatives.”
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His family has asked for privacy during the time of mourning, asking that individuals refrain from sending flowers or other gifts. It will also not be accepting visitors at this time, according to an announcement on X.
In addition to the above requests, Toriyama’s loved ones have expressed that they will not be giving any interviews at this time.
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Akira Toriyama.
Alamy
Although a commemorative meeting could be held in his honor in the future, there is nothing yet. However, if agreed, those plans will be shared at a later date.
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“We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always,” the post concluded.
Dragon Ball Z originally debuted in Japan in the 1980s, before also becoming popular in the United States.
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Akira Toriyama.
Akira Toriyama/ Instagram
According to IGN, he has also worked on video game projects Dragon Quest and Chrono triggerwhich showed his special anime style.
The outlet added that he began his career at the age of 23 after entering an amateur manga creation competition in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine.
One of his latest rumored projects was an upcoming one Dragon Ball Z spin-off series, Dragon Ball Daimawhich would follow the well-known characters of Goku and Vegeta.
DaimaExecutive producer Akio Iyoku reportedly spoke about Toriyama’s involvement during a panel at New York Comic Con 2023, where he said Toriyama was “deeply involved beyond his normal capacity” overseeing Daima’s story, character design and more, according to IGN.
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Source: HIS Education