The Dragon Ball franchise continues to entertain audiences worldwide, and the release of Dragon Ball Daima has only added to its legacy. However, in a recent interview, Akio Iyoku, an executive producer of the series, shed light on an unexpected revelation about Daima’s development. Contrary to popular belief, Dragon Ball Daima was never planned as a special project for the series’ 40th anniversary, despite it coinciding with the monumental milestone.
Akio Iyoku’s revelation adds an intriguing twist to the backstory of the series, which began its development in 2019. The producer explained that although the show aligns with the 40th anniversary celebrations, it was never designed with that purpose in mind. The discovery came about purely by chance, with Iyoku expressing his gratitude for the unexpected timing. This new insight into Daima’s creation adds a fascinating layer to the show’s ongoing success and legacy.
A Happy Accident: Daima’s 40th Anniversary Connection
Akio Iyoku made a groundbreaking announcement in a recent interview with the Japanese site Akita Sakigake Shimpo, revealing that Dragon Ball Daima was not initially intended as a 40th-anniversary project. “It wasn’t made specifically for the anniversary,” Iyoku clarified.
He emphasized that while it was an unexpected coincidence, they were happy to see the series align with the anniversary celebrations. Rather than focusing on fitting a specific milestone, the team’s primary goal was to create the best possible anime.
The timeline of Dragon Ball Daima’s production helps explain the circumstances. The series had been in development for six years before its October 2024 debut. Initially called Dragon Ball Magic, the series had a toy-driven premise similar to Super Dragon Ball Heroes, which aired as a web-only anime from 2018 to 2024. This context clarifies how the show, emphasizing how planning for such large-scale projects often involves unforeseen twists.
Although not designed specifically for the 40th anniversary, Dragon Ball Daima serves as a heartfelt tribute to the entire franchise. Its release coincides with the anniversary, bringing fans a sense of nostalgia and excitement. Notably, the show takes inspiration from Dragon Ball GT, with the return of Super Saiyan 4 Goku in Episode 18, creating a bridge between different generations of the series.
Producer Iyoku also hinted at the possibility of more Dragon Ball-related announcements in the future, ensuring that the franchise’s evolution continues for years to come. While nothing concrete has been revealed, Iyoku expressed his desire to see Dragon Ball thrive for decades to come, leaving fans with a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
