Akira Toriyama, Mangaka Known for ‘Dragon Ball’ ‘Dr. Slump,’ Dies at 68 (UPDATE 2)
12:18 JST, March 8, 2024 (updated at 16:00 JST)
Akira Toriyama, the mangaka immensely popular for “Dragon Ball” and “Dr. Slump” especially among children and young people, died on March 1 of an acute subdural hematoma. He was 68.
His funeral service was held with his family and those close to him in attendance.
Toriyama was born in 1955 in Aichi Prefecture. He made his debut as a mangaka in 1978 and his work was featured in Weekly Shonen Jump manga magazine published by Shueisha Inc. and other publications. In “Dr. Slump,” he depicted the daily excitement of a genius scientist and the humanoid girl that he created, Arale Norimaki. It was made into a TV anime in 1981.
In 1984, Toriyama began magazine serialization of “Dragon Ball,” which is about Goku’s quest of collecting seven dragon balls that make one’s wish come true. He also designed the characters for the “Dragon Quest” video game series.
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
-
U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
-
JAL Airplane Experiences Radio Malfunction During Flight, Lands Safely By Relying on Light Signals
-
Cherry tree falls on man on Sanneizaka steps leading to famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto
-
Earthquake in Western Japan a Reminder to Be Ready for the Big One; 14% of People Have Made No Preparations, Survey Says
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Japan, U.S., Philippines to Strengthen Nickel Supply Chains; Reduce Reliance on China for Critical Minerals
- China Mutes Memorialization of Reformer Hu Yaobang; Memories Could Spark Critique of Xi Administration
- Shinkansen Services Suspended After Man ‘Searches for Phone’ on Tracks; Disruption Affects About 14,000 Passengers
- U.S. 7th Fleet officer Arrested on Suspicion of Stealing Sushi, Sashimi, Chicken at Kanagawa Shopping Mall; Suspect Caught Mid-Meal
- UNRWA Director Describes Catastrophic Destruction in Gaza; Says Relief Trucks Robbed, ‘People’s Hearts Destroyed’