The creators of One Piece and Naruto have issued heartfelt tributes following the news of Akira Toriyama’s death at age 68.
The world has hit a state of mourning after it was confirmed Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball and Dragon Quest, has died at age 68. The cause of his death was confirmed to be in relation to health complications.
Akira Toriyama paved the way for the popularity manga and anime now enjoy across the world. Toriyama first released Dragon Ball back in 1985 and has been actively working on the manga for almost forty years.
As well as this, Toriyama has made an impact on the video game world, creating the Dragon Quest series as well as a variety of other beloved properties.
Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, has died at 68 pic.twitter.com/hNxrKQLwm5
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) March 8, 2024
In light of this sad news, anime fans, celebrities, and millions in between have been flocking to social media to share their thoughts and pay tribute to the manga and anime icon.
However, two particular tributes have been standing out online. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda and Naturo creator Masashi Kishimoto both released statements reacting to the news of Toriyama’s death.
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For Eiichiro Oda, the news of Toriyama’s death has left a hole that cannot be filled. “It is too early. The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again. I have admired him so much since I was a child… May heaven be the joyous world just as you envisioned it.”
Creators of 'ONE PIECE', Eiichiro Oda, and 'NARUTO', Masashi Kishimoto both release responses upon learning of Akira Toriyama's passing:Oda,"It is too early.The hole is too big. Sadness washes over me when I think that I will never see him again. I have admired him so much… pic.twitter.com/nCpCa8ndJG
— ScreenTime (@screentime) March 8, 2024
Similarly, Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto shared the “tremendous loss” that is the death of the great mind behind so many beloved franchises and pieces of art.
“I just received the news of Sensei’s passing. I feel a tremendous sense of loss, more than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart. I can’t even read Dragon Ball, which I love…I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei may rest in peace.”
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as more tributes and news surrounding the news of Toriyama’s death are released.