9 Fascinating Facts About Akira Toriyama, the Creator of Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama, a Japanese mangaka born on April 5, 1955, is considered a prominent figure in the manga world, known for his highly acclaimed works.
One of his most renowned creations is Dragon Ball, initially published as a manga in 1984 and concluding in 1995 with a total of 42 volumes, including an Indonesian release. In this article, we will delve into several intriguing facts about Akira Toriyama.
On Friday, March 1, 2024, Akira Toriyama passed away at the age of 68 due to acute Subdural Hematoma, leaving behind a family and several unfinished projects.
Here are some compelling facts about Akira Toriyama:
1. Experienced Initial Rejections
Before achieving legendary status with his works, Akira Toriyama faced rejection in the early stages of his career. Many of his creations were initially declined, as some were deemed unsuitable to be adapted into manga. This can be attributed to Toriyama's background as a designer.
2. Automotive Enthusiast
Akira Toriyama was known for his passion for the automotive world, particularly motorcycles and cars. He inherited this interest from his father, who was once involved in the automotive industry. Despite his enthusiasm, Toriyama had limited knowledge of mechanics. Additionally, he was an animal lover, maintaining several pets at his residence.
3. A Shy Personality
Despite being a legendary mangaka, Akira Toriyama had a shy personality and disliked interviews. He married fellow mangaka Nachi Mikami in 1982, and they had two children.
4. Contemplated Quitting Manga
At one point, Akira Toriyama considered quitting his manga career even before achieving success. Drawing was initially a means to earn money, and he planned to stop once he received payment. However, his persistence and determination prevailed, leading him to become the legendary mangaka he is today.
5. Astounding Wealth
With a repertoire of legendary works, Akira Toriyama amassed significant wealth. His estimated net worth reached around 55 million dollars or approximately 855 billion Indonesian Rupiah. Toriyama ranked third among the wealthiest mangaka in Japan.
6. Disney Film Enthusiast
Despite his prowess in creating manga, Akira Toriyama had a unique taste in movies, enjoying a variety of genres from Disney films to classics. This diverse taste is reflected in the unique elements present in his works.
7. Continued Involvement in Projects
Before his passing, Akira Toriyama remained actively involved in several projects. Reports on his official website conveyed his enthusiasm and dedication to the ongoing projects, highlighting his exceptional contributions to the world of art.
8. Passed Away Due to Illness
On March 1, Akira Toriyama succumbed to acute Subdural Hematoma. This illness involves bleeding within the skull but outside the brain tissue.
9. Private Funeral
The renowned mangaka's funeral was conducted privately, attended only by his family. In his will, Toriyama expressed a desire for a peaceful departure, with the family declining flowers, condolences, and visits. Journalists were respectfully discouraged from interviewing the family during this challenging time.