Akira Toriyama Net Worth 2024: Age, Career, Wife and Death

Publish date: 2024-07-22

Japanese manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1 from complications related to an acute subdural hematoma. Toriyama is widely recognized for his work on the groundbreaking “Dragon Ball” series, which he developed in the 1980s and oversaw as it became an international sensation. His age was 68.

The official “Dragon Ball” website revealed Toriyama’s passing on Thursday evening with a statement honoring the inventor. Before he won a Shogakukan Manga Award in 1981 and oversaw two anime adaptations, Toriyama had early success in the manga industry in the late 1970s with the invention of the popular “Dr. Slump” series.

Akira Toriyama’s Net Worth

The Japanese manga artist and designer Akira Toriyama was 50 million dollars richer when he passed away.

The “Dr. Slump” and “Dragon Ball” manga series, which Akira Toriyama created, were immensely popular. The latter became a media franchise that included many anime versions, movies, and video games and is one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Among Toriyama’s numerous video game character design credits include the “Dragon Quest” series, “Chrono Trigger,” and “Blue Dragon.”

Who was Akira Toriyama?

Renowned Japanese manga artist and character designer Akira Toriyama is widely recognized for his work on acclaimed series such as Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump. He wasn’t just a manga genius; he was also an influential figure in the development of hit video games like Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest.

Dragon Ball, Toriyama’s most famous creation, became an international success and sold over 260 million copies around the world. Among Toriyama’s many accolades is the 1981 Shogakukan Manga Award he received for his art in Dr. Slump.

The anime versions of Dragon Ball had a major impact on the worldwide popularity of anime, demonstrating his influence that knows no boundaries. The 2019 Chevalier of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres award solidified Toriyama’s position as a renowned figure in the entertainment and manga industries, acknowledging his artistic accomplishments.

Career

Entering his work fearlessly in a contest at the age of 23 sparked Akira Toriyama’s career in manga and video games. His famous works, such as “Dr. Slump” and “Dragon Ball,” which became worldwide hits, helped him succeed despite his early failures.

His innovative plots and distinctive art style made Toriyama a household name in the manga industry and won over fans around the globe. Famous video game characters designed by Toriyama include those in “Dragon Quest” and “Chrono Trigger.”

His strength is demonstrated by his involvement in multiple adaptations of his studies into films and animations. The lasting legacy of Toriyama entertains millions of fans around the world and motivates artists of the future.

Akira Toriyama Wife

Akira Toriyama and Yoshimi Kato are married, that much is true. In March 1987, they welcomed a son into the world, and in October 1990, they welcomed a daughter. They exchanged wedding vows on May 2, 1982. Despite being in a professional relationship, they both maintained healthy boundaries between their private and public lives.

Doctor Slump

Toriyama, inspired by the middling success of his female-led “Tomato the Cutesy Gumshoe,” chose to develop another female-led protagonist character for his manga series “Dr. Slump.” The story, which ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1980 to 1984, follows the exploits of Arale, a little but mighty robot girl, and her crazed professor. The Shogakukan Manga Award went to Toriyama after his smash hit “Dr. Slump” became famous throughout Japan. The manga series was so popular that it spawned an anime.

The Dragon Ball Franchise

The kung fu shōnen manga “Dragon Boy” was created by Toriyama in 1983 as a result of his passion for kung fu films. Out of that manga sprang the serial “Dragon Ball,” which ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1984 to 1995. An international sensation, “Dragon Ball” surpassed 300 million copies sold worldwide and gave rise to a whole media franchise including anime, films, video games, and mega-merchandise. Many in the Western world attribute the rise in anime’s popularity to this series.

Video Games

Toriyama was asked to work on the character designs for the 1986 role-playing video game “Dragon Quest.” After that, he contributed to every single “Dragon Quest” film. “Jump Force,” “Blue Dragon” and its successors, “Chrono Trigger,” “Tobal No. 1” and “Tobal 2,” and other video games have included Toriyama’s character designs. On the other hand, he did some character design work for “Dragon Ball FighterZ” and “Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot.”

Honors and Legacy

With the worldwide popularity of “Dragon Ball,” Toriyama is considered a legendary mangaka. “One Piece” creator Eiichiro Oda, “Naruto” creator Masashi Kishimoto, and “Bleach” creator Tite Kubo are just a few of the artists that have noted him and his famous series as influences. The French government recognized Toriyama’s artistic achievements in 2019 by inducting him into the prestigious Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

Final Words

The lasting impact of Akira Toriyama’s work is a tribute to the power of imagination and creativity. The world of manga and popular culture were forever changed by Toriyama’s legendary masterpieces, such as Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, which enthralled audiences worldwide.

Beyond cultural boundaries, his unique storytelling, lively characters, and limitless creativity have left an indelible mark that will be remembered for years to come, inspiring and entertaining admirers of all ages. We will be eternally thankful to Toriyama for the inspiration and joy he brought into our lives, and as we reflect on his incredible career, we appreciate his contributions to the art form he loved.