The suggestion to designate March 8th as International Dragon Ball Day, following the passing of legendary Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, has stirred mixed reactions within the anime and manga community. Toriyama’s recent demise on March 1, 2024, marked a significant loss for fans worldwide, as he remained actively engaged in storytelling until his final days, contributing to upcoming projects like Dragon Ball Daima and Sand Land’s adaptations.
In light of Toriyama’s passing, one fan proposed commemorating March 8th as a tribute to his legacy, coinciding with the date of his public announcement. While the idea carries a heartfelt intention to honor Toriyama’s contributions, the resulting Change.org petition has sparked controversy among fans.
"international Dragon Ball Day"
75K+ people have already signed the petition to make March 8 international Dragon Ball Day. Link 👇https://t.co/hNjOZSfGAm https://t.co/3Fp6Jl32p3 pic.twitter.com/HvQhk1FeyL
— Schaewn Frost (@Schaewn) March 17, 2024
Critics have voiced several concerns regarding the proposed designation of March 8th as International Dragon Ball Day. Firstly, some argue that the timing of the petition, mere days after Toriyama’s passing, may appear opportunistic or insensitive to his recent loss.
Others question the necessity of establishing a specific day for celebrating Dragon Ball, suggesting that Toriyama’s impact on the anime and manga industry warrants continuous recognition rather than a single annual event.
The petition’s unilateral decision by one fan to designate March 8th as International Dragon Ball Day has raised eyebrows, as it may not fully represent the sentiments of the broader Dragon Ball community.
Some fans feel that such a significant designation should involve a more inclusive and collaborative approach, considering input from a diverse range of fans, creators, and industry stakeholders.
While acknowledging the gesture’s well-meaning intentions, many within the anime and manga community remain unconvinced by the petition’s execution.
As discussions continue surrounding Toriyama’s enduring legacy and the appropriate means of commemorating his contributions, the proposal for International Dragon Ball Day prompts reflection on the complexities of honoring beloved creators within a diverse and passionate fanbase.
The Controversy Surrounding International Dragon Ball Day
The unexpected passing of Toriyama reverberated worldwide, eliciting tributes from esteemed creators like Tite Kubo of Bleach and Eiichiro Oda of One Piece. Even Justin Chatwin, known for his role as Goku in Dragon Ball Evolution, expressed regret for not honoring the source material adequately. Toonami, the platform that introduced Dragon Ball Z to North American audiences, paid homage to a special Dragon Ball Z Kai marathon.
The outpouring of respect and admiration for Toriyama’s creations underscores the potential significance of an International Dragon Ball Day. Daniel Martinez’s petition amassed nearly 180,000 signatures in under two weeks, reflecting the profound impact of Toriyama’s work on fans worldwide. However, an unfortunate oversight has transformed the proposed celebration into a contentious issue.
March 8, the suggested date for International Dragon Ball Day, coincides with International Women’s Day, sparking criticism for overshadowing a significant event in the women’s rights movement.
Some find March 8 to be an inadequate choice given Toriyama’s passing on March 1.
Alternatively, March 18 holds special meaning for Dragon Ball fans as Saiyan Day, symbolized by the date’s numerical representation corresponding to “Sa-i-ya” in Japanese.
Given its proximity to Toriyama’s passing, formalizing Saiyan Day as International Dragon Ball Day could have been a more inclusive approach. Consolidating celebrations on a single date may avoid diluting the significance of honoring Toriyama’s legacy.
While Toriyama’s contributions deserve recognition, the controversy surrounding the proposed date has dampened excitement for the holiday petition.
As discussions continue, finding a suitable compromise that respects both Toriyama’s legacy and existing commemorations remains paramount.
