At the heart of the manga universe lies a bond that transcends the pages and panels, connecting creators and fans alike. This connection was illuminated by a touching exchange between two titans of the industry, Akira Toriyama and Eiichiro Oda.
In the wake of Toriyama’s passing, a poignant moment surfaced from an interview conducted before his departure. Shared by a passionate One Piece enthusiast named Pew (@pewpiece) on X, Toriyama’s words to Oda echoed a profound admiration and camaraderie.
“Oda-kun, there’s nothing else for me to say! My own child reads One Piece really, voraciously too. So I also read it, and I really understood why everyone was crazy about One Piece!”
With these words, Toriyama covered not just a passing sentiment, but a witness to the enduring impact of Oda’s work.
This exchange serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of creators within the manga community. Toriyama’s acknowledgment of Oda’s prowess not only validates Oda’s creative journey but also underscores the significance of mutual respect and support among peers in the industry.
The torch passes from one visionary to another, symbolizing the perpetuation of creativity and inspiration in the ever-evolving manga.
As Oda continues to chart his course through the seas of storytelling, he does so with the knowledge that his efforts are not only recognized but celebrated by those who came before him.
From Akira Toriyama to Eiichiro Oda :
"Oda kun. There's nothing else for me to say! My own child also reads One Piece really voraciously, too. So, I also read it… and I really understood why everyone was crazy about One Piece! So, just keep doing your best from now on!!"
— Pew (@pewpiece) April 5, 2024
In the grand manga history, moments like these stand as beacons of solidarity and encouragement, weaving together the past, present, and future of the medium. It is through these connections that the legacy of creators like Toriyama and Oda lives on, inspiring generations to come.
As we reflect on Toriyama’s final words to Oda, we are reminded of the profound impact that artists can have on each other’s lives. In a world where creativity knows no bounds, it is through these moments of shared admiration and camaraderie that the true spirit of manga thrives.
Eiichiro Oda’s Tribute to a Manga Legend
The passing of Toriyama on March 1 sent shockwaves through the artistic community, leaving a void that resonated deeply, particularly in Japan, where his creations had left an indelible mark on countless lives.
The news of his death, attributed to complications from an acute subdural hematoma, reverberated across the globe, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists alike.
Among those profoundly affected was Eiichiro Oda, who took to expressing his grief in a poignant farewell message. In his heartfelt words, Oda reminisced about his admiration for Toriyama, spanning from his childhood to the present day.
He recounted a cherished memory of Toriyama acknowledging him and Masashi Kishimoto (creator of Naruto) as “friends,” a moment that filled him with profound joy.
Oda’s tribute stands as a witness to the profound impact Toriyama had not only on the manga but also on the lives of those he inspired.
Through his work, Toriyama forged connections that transcended generations, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans and fellow artists alike.
As the manga community mourns the loss of one of its most revered figures, the memories and contributions of Toriyama serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding future generations of artists on their creative journeys.
Though he may no longer be with us, Toriyama’s spirit lives on through the characters and stories that have amazed hearts around the world.
Akira Toriyama’s Enduring Legacy: Shaping Manga’s Past, Present, and Future
Since 1984, Toriyama captured the imaginations of millions through the exploits of Son Goku, a spirited youth blessed with extraordinary strength, a tail reminiscent of a monkey, and an innate heroism.
Oda, reflecting on Toriyama’s impact, credits him with not just shaping the manga but also inspiring a new generation of artists.
“He created an era where both adults and children could enjoy reading manga. He showed us the dream that manga can go worldwide,”
Oda expressed in his farewell, likening Toriyama’s influence to that of a guiding hero forging ahead.
Toriyama’s legacy continues to illuminate the contemporary shonen manga, where action-packed narratives brim with humor and heart. Artists like Gege Akutami (Jujutsu Kaisen), Yoshifumi Tozuka (Undead Unluck), Yusei Matsui (Assassination Classroom), and a host of others carry forward his torch.
Recently, Weekly Shonen Jump, the venerable publication that first serialized Dragon Ball, honored Toriyama by dedicating a section to Akutami, Tozuka, Horikoshi, and other luminaries bidding farewell to their childhood inspiration.
Oda, among them, paid his respects with a heartfelt homage, envisioning Toriyama in a celestial workshop, carefree yet enduring.
“Right now he’s got a halo on his head and he’s saying, ‘sure is tough to be a mangaka,’ while building models without a care in the world. I salute you,”
Oda remarked, encapsulating the enduring spirit of Toriyama’s legacy.
