Dragon Ball Z creator Akira Toriyama dies after bleed near the brain

08 March 2024 , 07:04

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Akira Toriyama has died (Image: JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images)

Dragon Ball Z creator Akira Toriyama has died at the age of 68, the official social media page for his studio confirmed in a sad statement.

The statement revealed Toriyama died on March 1 as result of the medical condition called acute subdural hematoma, which refers to a bleed near the brain.

The sad announcement read: "Dear Friends and Partners, We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma. He was in age of 68."

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Akira in 1988

It continued: "It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm. Also, he would have many more things to achieve."

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The words went on to thank all the creator's supporters across the globe and added: "We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come."

According to the account, an intimate funeral service for Toriyama had already been held and it was attended by "his family and very few relatives".

Fans were quick to pay their respects on the upload. One user wrote: "Rest in Peace Akira Toriyama, you'll forever be missed." while another penned: "RIP Akira Toriyama you made my childhood very special with this anime this is the most lovable iconic anime of all time that you ever created I played all the video games and watch every show that you made rest in peace."

Dragon Ball Z is hugely popular across the world (Bandai Namco)

Many others simply shared images of the hit animation. Dragon Ball Z initially aired in Japan in the 1980s before becoming popular in the United States and the UK. 

According to IGN, Akira also worked on games such as Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger. One of the last rumoured projects he was said to be a part of was the upcoming Dragon Ball Z spin-off series titled Dragon Ball Daima.

Jamie Roberts