# Akira Toriyama

> Japanese manga artist and character designer (1955-2024)

**Wikidata**: [Q208582](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208582)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akira_Toriyama)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/akira-toriyama

## Summary
Akira Toriyama was a Japanese manga artist and character designer (1955–2024), best known for creating iconic characters like Goku and Vegeta in the *Dragon Ball* franchise, which became one of the most influential manga and anime series of all time. His work defined the fantasy and action genres in anime and manga, shaping global pop culture.

## Biography
- Born: 1955 (exact date unknown)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Unknown (no data provided)
- Known for: Creating the *Dragon Ball* franchise and defining the fantasy/action genre in anime and manga
- Employer(s): Shueisha (publishing company)
- Field(s): Manga, character design, video game art

## Contributions
- Created the *Dragon Ball* franchise (1984–present), which includes iconic characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo, and has spawned multiple anime series, video games, and merchandise.
- Designed characters for *Dr. Slump*, including Arale Norimaki.
- Contributed to video game art, including *Dragon Quest* and *Blue Dragon*.
- Developed the *Dragon Ball Online* (2010) and *Dragon Ball Super* (2015–present) series.

## FAQs
- **What is Akira Toriyama best known for?**
  Akira Toriyama is best known for creating the *Dragon Ball* franchise, which introduced characters like Goku and Vegeta and became a global phenomenon in anime and manga.

- **Where did Akira Toriyama work?**
  He worked for Shueisha, a major Japanese publishing company, and contributed to various media projects, including manga, anime, and video games.

- **What awards did Akira Toriyama receive?**
  He won the Shogakukan Manga Award and was awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by France for his contributions to manga and art.

- **What genres did Akira Toriyama influence?**
  He defined the fantasy and action genres in anime and manga, shaping the careers of countless artists and writers.

## Why They Matter
Akira Toriyama revolutionized anime and manga by blending action, humor, and deep storytelling in *Dragon Ball*, which became a cultural touchstone. His characters, like Goku, transcended their original medium, inspiring generations of fans and artists. Without Toriyama, the *Dragon Ball* franchise—and by extension, the global anime industry—would look vastly different. His work remains a cornerstone of Japanese pop culture, influencing everything from video games to fashion.

## Notable For
- Created the *Dragon Ball* franchise, one of the most successful manga and anime series ever.
- Designed over 50 major characters, including Goku, Vegeta, and Piccolo.
- Won the Shogakukan Manga Award and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres.
- Influenced the fantasy and action genres in anime and manga.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Akira Toriyama was born in 1955 in Japan. He began his career in the late 1970s, working as a character designer for various anime and manga projects. His early work included contributions to *Dr. Slump*, where he designed characters like Arale Norimaki.

### Breakthrough with *Dragon Ball*
Toriyama gained widespread fame with *Dragon Ball* (1984), which introduced the Saiyan warrior Goku and the powerful energy-based combat system. The series became a massive success, spawning multiple anime adaptations, video games, and merchandise. Characters like Vegeta, Piccolo, and Krillin became cultural icons.

### Influence on Video Games
Beyond manga, Toriyama contributed to video game art, including *Dragon Quest* and *Blue Dragon*. His designs for *Dragon Ball Online* (2010) and *Dragon Ball Super* (2015) further expanded the franchise’s reach.

### Awards and Recognition
Toriyama received the Shogakukan Manga Award for his contributions to manga. He was also awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by France, recognizing his impact on global art and literature.

### Legacy
Toriyama’s work defined the fantasy and action genres in anime and manga, inspiring countless artists and writers. His characters remain beloved worldwide, and his influence persists in modern media. Despite his passing in 2024, his legacy continues to shape the anime and manga industry.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. IdRef
5. Dr. Slump, Volume 18. Viz Media
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. data.bibliotheken.nl
8. [Dragon Ball Creator Akira Toriyama Nominated for an Eisner Award. ComicBook.com. 2019](https://comicbook.com/anime/news/dragon-ball-akira-toriyama-eisner-award-nomination-2019/)
9. [Dragonball Creator Akira Toriyama Knighted by France. Anime News Network. 2019](https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-05-31/dragonball-creator-akira-toriyama-knighted-by-france/.147351)
10. [Remise de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres aux mangakas Tadashi Agi et Akira Toriyama [ja]. 2019](https://jp.ambafrance.org/Remise-de-l-ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres-aux-mangakas-Tadashi-Agi-et-Akira-Toriyama)
11. Web NDL Authorities
12. CiNii Research
13. Library of Congress
14. [『ドラゴンボール』『Ｄｒ．スランプ』　漫画家の鳥山明さん死去　６８歳. Sankei Shimbun. 2024](https://www.sankei.com/article/20240308-7LAK5CYLSFL3NBIF5HDDE622VA/)
15. [【追悼の声】漫画家 鳥山明さん死去 68歳 「DRAGON BALL」など. NHK](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20240308/k10014383361000.html)
16. SNAC
17. Comiclopedia
18. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
19. BD Gest'
20. Le Delarge
21. IMDb
22. [Akira Toriyama Passed Away. tweet. 2024](https://twitter.com/DB_official_en/status/1765935471971213816)
23. [Information. 2024](https://en.dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_2499.html)
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. [Source](https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-11-12/paradise-papers-reveal-dragon-ball-creator-akira-toriyama-offshore-investment/.123928)
26. [Source](https://comicbook.com/anime/news/dragon-ball-akira-toriyama-eisner-award-nomination-2019/)
27. CONOR.SI
28. Goodreads
29. Freebase
30. NMVW-collection website
31. The Movie Database