Highlights

Toriyama's passing deeply impacts the manga community, his legacy immortalized through his influential works.
Kishimoto, deeply influenced by Toriyama, credits him for inspiring Naruto's creation and his own career path.
Dragon Ball's influence on pop culture is immense, with Toriyama's legacy living on through various media forms.

One of the most iconic and influential people to have ever lived, when it comes to modern day media, Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of Dragon Ball, has passed away. This news was revealed earlier on Friday, and, according to Toriyama Studios, he suffered an acute subdural hematoma, which, sadly, ended up taking his life way too early at the age of 68. Toriyama completely revitalized the world of manga as people know it. He influenced people all over the world, especially young children of the '90s, who grew up watching Goku and his adventures in the world of Dragon Ball. Even today, his works are cherished by people all over the world, both young and old.

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Dragon Ball left an incredible mark on history, and established itself as one of the most successful pieces of media to have ever existed. Not only did Dragon Ball inspire children all over the world, but it also did the same for the up-and-coming authors who look up to Toriyama as if he were a god. To them, Dragon Ball was just as incredible as it was to children who watched this piece of work in different parts of the world. Of course, many desired to be just like him and follow in his footsteps, with the creator of Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto, and the creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, being two of the most successful ones.

Kishimoto's Message On Toriyama's Death

With the news of Toriyama's death being finally revealed, the many mangaka in Japan received this massive shock, and reacted to this news accordingly. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, revealed his own message in which he talked about Toriyama's death. Similarly, Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, was also deeply saddened by this sudden loss, and he too revealed a message, in which he mentions his gratitude for Akira Toriyama, but above all, his incredible shock at the news of his teacher's passing. Here's Kishimoto’s full message:

“Honestly, I don't know what to write or how to write about something so sudden. However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he would have asked me someday.

I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the upper grades, and it was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my life. Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing. Because Dragon Ball was really fun!

It was when I was a university student. Suddenly, the Dragon Ball that had been a part of my life for so many years ended. felt an incredible sense of loss and didn't know what to look forward to. But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created Dragon Ball. I also want to create works like yours! I want to be like my teacher!

As I followed in my teacher's footsteps and aspired to become a manga artist, that feeling of loss began to disappear. Because making comics was fun. I was able to find new fun by following my teacher. My teacher has always been my guide. I admired it. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher. For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga.

When we met for the first time, I was so nervous that I couldn't say a word. However, after meeting him many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we became able to talk. As Dragon Ball Children, I and Mr. Oda went back to being children again, and when we talked excitedly about how much Dragon Ball was fun, as if we were competing with each other, I forgot how he looked a little embarrassed and smiled at me. I can't.

I have just received the news of the death of my teacher. I feel an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don't know how to deal with this hole in my heart. Now I can't even read my favorite Dragon Ball.

I don't feel like I've been able to properly write this sentence that I want to convey to my teacher. Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work.

If Dragon Ball's one wish really comes true...I'm sorry...

Maybe that's selfish, but it's sad, sensei.

Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all of your enjoyable works over the past 45 years. And thank you very much for your hard work.

We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt. Please take care of yourself. I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace.”

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Kishimoto was deeply influenced by Akira Toriyama, especially in grade school. He mentions himself in his many interviews that one of the primary reasons why he even became a mangaka is because he was inspired by the likes of Toriyama, Not only through Dragon Ball, but also Arale. Had it not been for Toriyama, Kishimoto would never have created the masterpiece that is Naruto. Clearly, this loss is very hard on him and many others who were inspired to create manga and follow in the footsteps of this legendary author.

With messages filled with love for the author, and sadness of his passing pouring in today, it is no surprise to know that Kishimoto, one of Toriyama's very own students, was so deeply shocked and saddened by this loss.

The world will feel this loss for quite a while, as the influence that Dragon Ball had on pop culture, as a whole, is immaculate. However, this series has been immortalized in more ways than one, and it is because of that, that people will still get to cherish Toriyama's world and his amazing characters. Dragon Ball will always exist as a beautiful piece of media that brought smiles to people's faces, and filled them with all sorts of excitement. It is still going to be there for people of all ages to enjoy, and that truly is beautiful.

Toriyama's legacy will always remain through his own works, and through those that he influenced as well. The likes of One Piece, Naruto, and every other up-and-coming manga series are greatly influenced by him. Not only did he redefine battle shonen, but he also influenced many incredible games, movies, and even media beyond Japan, tremendously. He changed the world in many ways, and for that, and much more, he will be remembered as a legendary person.

The influence of this incredible piece of work is timeless, and, while this is an incredibly sad moment, especially for close friends and family of Toriyama, one can only take a moment to think of all the incredible memories that he gave them, and continue to cherish the works that he has produced over the years.