Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto have released a moving tribute following the news of Akira Toriyama’s death.
Generations of fans are in mourning: on March 8, Shueisha and Bird Studio announced the death of Akira Toriyama, author of the famous Dragon Ball franchise, at the age of 68. The mangaka had contributed to the reputation of manga throughout the world, and more particularly of the shonen genre, his immense work radiating internationally.
In light of this sad news, anime fans, celebrities, and millions of others flocked to social media to share their emotional thoughts and pay tribute to the manga and anime icon. But two texts stood out online, signed by other great manga authors.
Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto pay tribute to Akira Toriyama
Eiichiro Oda, the author of One Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, the author of Naruto, have both released statements in reaction to the news of Akira Toriyama’s passing.
Akira Toriyama, famous creator of Dragon Ball, died at the age of 68… RIP 😔 pic.twitter.com/X2VP2bxuX9
— DEXERTO.FR (@dexertoFR) March 8, 2024
For Eiichiro Oda, the news of the shonen genre sensei’s passing left a void that cannot be filled. “It’s too early. The void is too big. Sadness overcomes me at the thought of never seeing him again. I admired him so much since my childhood… May heaven be that joyful world you imagined.”
As for Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, he shared the “tremendous loss” of the death of the genius mind behind so many beloved franchises and works of art.
“I have just received the news of the Sensei’s death. I feel an immense sense of loss, even more so than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don’t know how to fill this void in my heart. I can’t even read Dragon Ball, which I love… I pray that Akira Toriyama-sensei rests in peace.”
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