In a poignant tribute to the legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, opens up about the profound impact Toriyama-sensei had on his life and career.
The heartfelt message reflects on Kishimoto’s personal journey with Toriyama’s iconic works, Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball, which became an integral part of his upbringing.
Kishimoto nostalgically recalls the sense of comfort Dragon Ball provided during challenging times, emphasizing its role as a source of relief and joy in his youth.
The sudden end of Dragon Ball marked a significant loss for Kishimoto, yet it also became a catalyst for him to understand Toriyama’s greatness and to aspire to follow in his footsteps as a manga artist.
Expressing deep gratitude and admiration, Kishimoto describes Toriyama as his guiding light and the “god of salvation and the god of manga.”
The piece delves into the personal encounters between Kishimoto and Toriyama, highlighting moments of shared enthusiasm for Dragon Ball, which brought the two artists back to their childhood selves.
Kishimoto expresses profound sorrow at the news of Toriyama’s passing, emphasizing the void left in his heart. Despite the overwhelming grief, Kishimoto conveys a message of appreciation for Toriyama’s decades-long contribution to the world of manga.
The statement concludes with heartfelt wishes for Toriyama’s peaceful rest and a compassionate acknowledgment of the pain Toriyama’s family may be experiencing.
This touching tribute serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Akira Toriyama’s legacy, transcending generations and inspiring the next wave of manga artists like Masashi Kishimoto.
Masashi Kishimoto Full Message:
Honestly, I don’t know what to write or how to write about something so sudden. However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something wish he would have asked me someday.
I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the upper grades, and it was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my life.
Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing because Dragon Ball was really fun!
It was when I was a university student. Suddenly, the Dragon Ball that had been a part of my life
for so many years ended. I felt an incredible sense of loss and didn’t know what to look forward to.But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created the Dragon Ball. I also want to create works like yours! I want to be like my teacher!
As I followed in my teacher’s footsteps and aspired to become a manga artist, that feeling of loss
began to disappear because making comics was fun. I was able to find new fun by following my teacher.My teacher has always been my guide. I admired it. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher.
For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga. When we met for the first time,I was so nervous that I couldn’t say a word. However, after meeting him many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we became able to talk
As Dragon Ball Children, I and Mr. Oda went back to being children again, and when we talked excitedly about how much Dragon Ball was fun, as if we were competing with each other, I forgot how he looked a little embarrassed and smiled at me. I can’t.
I have just received the news of the death of my teacher. I feel an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended… I still don’t know how to deal with this hole in my heart.
Now I can’t even read my favorite Dragon Ball. I don’t feel like I’ve been able to properly write this sentence that I want to convey to my teacher. Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work. If Dragon Ball’s one wish really comes true…, I’m sorry… Maybe that’s selfish, but it’s sad, sensei.
Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all of your enjoyable work over the past 45 years. And thank you very much for your hard work. We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt.
Please take care of yourself.
I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace
Source: Shonen Jump
