Emotional Throwback: Akira Toriyama and Masako Nozawa’s Heartwarming Photo Resurfaces!

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Summary

  • Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama passed away over a year ago, leaving fans mourning worldwide.
  • The final installment of Dragon Ball, Daima, serves as Toriyama’s swan song in the franchise.
  • Future of Dragon Ball is uncertain due to ongoing legal battles over franchise rights post-Toriyama’s death.

More than a year ago, the creator of the globally popular series, Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama, passed away. His demise took many unawares, causing fans and fellow manga artists to express their sorrow. The news of the author’s death was so significant that it made headlines in media outlets worldwide – even those not typically covering anime-related topics.

Toriyama was undeniably a gifted storyteller, weaving tales and characters that bring joy to people worldwide. Even though some might view Dragon Ball as primarily about fighting, Toriyama has always ensured a dose of humor in all his works, from the hilarious antics of Dr. Slump to the whimsical world of Sand Land.

Toriyama and Masako Nozawa Laughing Together

Those Good Old Days Are Sadly Gone

A user recently shared an old, black-and-white image showcasing Akira Toriyama, the Dragon Ball creator, and Masako Nozawa, a renowned voice actress known for voicing Goku since the initial anime adaptation. Interestingly, she also voices Gohan and Goten in the series. In this photo, they are seen enjoying a hearty laugh together.

The date of this picture’s capture remains unknown, but it appears to be reminiscent of the 1980s or 1990s era.

Just as anticipated, fans found themselves moved by this heartwarming scene – a blend of joy from reminiscing about the delightful memories provided by Toriyama and Nozawa, and sorrow at their absence.

Dragon Ball Daima Is Toriyama’s Swan Song

The anime series “Dragon Ball Super: Daima” recently concluded, marking Akio Iyuko’s confirmation that its creator, Akira Toriyama, played a significant role in its development. In fact, Toriyama wrote much of it himself. Notably, the final episode was aired on the anniversary of his passing, symbolizing that “Daima” was his final contribution to the Dragon Ball franchise.

Daima didn’t quite match up with what most fans of DBZ and DB Super were anticipating, but it managed to capture the original spirit of Dragon Ball, a blend of exciting adventure and side-splitting humor. Furthermore, there were several nods to Dragon Ball GT in the narrative, such as SSJ4 Goku, as DBGT provided the foundation for the storyline.

Dragon Ball Daima is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

What’s Next for Dragon Ball as a Whole?

As a spectator, it’s intriguing to ponder about the future of this beloved franchise without its creator. Yet, Iyuko reassures us that they are tirelessly working on generating fresh Dragon Ball content to satisfy fans, while preserving and honoring Toriyama’s enduring legacy.

Upon his passing, it has come to light that the control over Toriyama’s franchise is currently embroiled in legal disputes, which could drag on for several months or longer. Despite eager anticipation from fans for fresh series installments, these protracted legal proceedings might delay any new projects.

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2025-03-03 22:54