Recent discussions among the esteemed Dragon Ball editors—Kazuhiko Torishima, Yu Kondo, and Fuyuto Takeda—shed light on the franchise’s history and the impact of its creator, Akira Toriyama. These insights emerged during a radio interview with J-Wave, where the trio expressed their disappointment over the way Shueisha, the publishing house behind the beloved series, handled the announcement of Toriyama’s passing on March 1, 2024.
According to the editors, the official message released by Shueisha was devoid of the emotional depth and respect that a figure like Toriyama deserved. They articulated their regret, noting that the impersonal tone of the tribute failed to acknowledge Toriyama’s monumental contributions to the manga world. This concern, they argued, raises alarms for the treatment of other authors in the future, particularly in light of how cultural impacts resonate differently across global audiences.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.
Editors Express Concern Over Shueisha’s Tribute to Toriyama
During their heartfelt discussion, the trio reminisced about their collaboration with Toriyama. Their reflections were mixed with frustration regarding the lack of emotional resonance in the publisher’s response to his death. They highlighted that many countries honored Toriyama with heartfelt tributes, and it was disheartening to witness Shueisha’s reserved approach, which they deemed inadequate for a pioneer like Toriyama.
In their shared opinion, acknowledging Toriyama’s legacy with greater emotionality would have served as a fitting tribute. They even proposed utilizing the renowned illustration of Goku bidding farewell at the end of the manga as a symbolic tribute to honor the late mangaka’s incredible journey and impact on the genre.
The Enduring Impact of Toriyama and His Editorial Team
The interview also provided insights into the collaborative spirit that defined the Dragon Ball saga. The editors recalled their experiences working closely with Toriyama, highlighting how they navigated the complexities of his work alongside Toei Animation for the anime adaptation. An interesting anecdote shared by Torishima revealed that Toriyama had a reluctance to move to Tokyo, using it as a playful threat whenever deadlines loomed.
Moreover, the conversation touched on the editorial decisions that shaped pivotal moments in the story, including Kondo’s input regarding Piccolo’s emotional death scene during the Saiyan saga, which brought tears to readers’ eyes as he shared his final moments with Gohan. This discussion not only dispelled some long-held myths about the series but also illuminated Toriyama’s distinctive approach to storytelling.
As these editors reflect on their time with Toriyama, their hope for the future of manga creators is that they receive the recognition and respect they deserve, especially in moments of loss.
- Source and images: Sportskeeda