It's a very sad week for anime fans. Surprisingly, the death of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, has been confirmed. The news reached the ears of the voice actors who brought the franchise's protagonists to life in their original Japanese language.
The Dragon Ball manga debuted in 1984 in the Shonen Jump magazine. Due to its great popularity and positive reception, it made the leap to television in 1986 with an animated adaptation by Toei Animation. Actress Masako Nozawa took on the role of voicing Goku in the original version.
As new characters appeared, more voice actors joined the project and immediately became part of the childhood of many fans in Japan and around the world. After the death of Akira Toriyama was announced, these acting personalities expressed words of sadness and respect.
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Dragon Ball: Masako Nozawa, Ryo Horikawa, and Toshio Furukawa Bid Farewell to Akira Toriyama
Masako Nozawa, the actress behind Goku in the original anime and Dragon Ball video games, stated that she was not in a condition to make comments regarding the Japanese mangaka's death. Later, she issued a statement reaffirming her commitment to her role and expressing her sadness.
"I don't want to believe it. My mind is blank with the feeling that I don't want to think about it. Still, whenever I see Goku, I remember what Toriyama-sensei told me: 'take care of Goku for me, please.' And that helps me keep a clear mind. I promise to stand by Goku until my life ends. Sensei, please watch over us from heaven. May he rest in peace," commented the prestigious voice actress.
Ryo Horikawa, who voices Vegeta since the character's debut in the 1990s, also expressed words of admiration. He also recalled that the series had "just begun a new journey," perhaps referring to Dragon Ball Daima, the new anime set to debut in the fall of 2024.
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"It was an unexpected shock, and even today, I still can't believe it. The series had just begun a new journey. The story was supposed to become more and more exciting. It's too sudden; it's a pity. Thank you very much for bringing this wonderful work to life. Please rest well," wrote the actor.
Toshio Furukawa, the voice actor behind Piccolo in the Japanese version, reacted to the bad news and expressed concern for his fellow professional, Masako Nozawa. He also offered his condolences to Akira Toriyama's family.
"The manager brought the news of the death and said, 'Mako-San has been informed, and now I would like to inform you.' The first thing that came to my mind was, 'how must Mako-San have felt?' Dragon Ball is her life's work, and Goku is her alter ego. Goku means much more to her than Piccolo does to me! We last met at the screening of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero just before the premiere. I express my deepest condolences to his family," commented Toshio Furukawa.
Singer Hironobu Kageyama, famous for performing the theme CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA from Dragon Ball Z and other songs from the franchise, turned to his personal Instagram account to mourn the death of Akira Toriyama and acknowledge the impact of his work.
"Singing CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA has been the greatest medal of my life! (...) Toriyama-sensei's works will still be a strong light that illuminates people all over the world. May he rest in peace," said the musician.
Toyotaro, Akira Toriyama's successor and the current responsible for the Dragon Ball Super manga, also lamented the death of his master. Manga artists, animators who worked on the original anime, and other creatives joined in condolences. In Latin America, the voice actors who portrayed Goku, Freeza, Krillin, Vegeta, Gohan, and others sent special messages praising the legacy of the Japanese illustrator.
Tell us, what is your favorite work by Akira Toriyama? Let us hear from you in the comments.
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