Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball franchise has passed away at the age of 68.

Fans were informed through through the official Dragon Ball Twitter account. Here’s the full message on Toriyama’s passing:

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.

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.

However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world.
Thanks to the support of so many people around the world, he has been able to continue his creative activities for over 45 years. We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come.

We inform you this sad news, with gratefulness for your kindness during his lifetime.

Funeral service was held with his family and very few relatives. Following his wishes for tranquility, we respectfully inform you that we would not accept flowers, condolences gifts, visiting, offerings and others. Also, we ask you to refrain from conducting interviews with his family.

Future plan for commemorate gathering is not decided, we will let you know when it’s confirmed. We deeply thank you for your understanding and support as always.

March 8th, 2024
BIRD STUDIO
CAPSULE CORPORATION TOKYO

In addition to Dragon Ball, Toriyama is known for creating Dr. Slump, SAND LAND, and his work on the Dragon Quest franchise.

Toriyama was born in 1955 in Nagoya, Japan. He was mourned at a small gathering of relatives.