As 2024 comes to a close, the year has been marked by the loss of legendary figures who have shaped Japan’s anime, manga and movie industries. Before diving into the year-end festivities, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the emotions and excitement they brought into our lives. This article pays tribute to these creators and their enduring legacies.

Akira Toriyama (68)

Toriyama made his debut in 1978 with Wonder Island. He went on to create beloved works such as Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball for Weekly Shonen Jump. Dragon Ball, which began serialization in 1984, became a global phenomenon, leading to animated adaptations, live-action productions, and enduring popularity to this day. Additionally, Toriyama contributed character designs for the Dragon Quest game series and Chrono Trigger.

A Legacy of 260 Million Copies: The World of Dragon Ball

With a staggering 260 million copies sold, Dragon Ball stands as a legendary manga whose influence stretches far beyond the page. Among the countless manga released to date, only ONE PIECE and Golgo 13 surpass this record. But Dragon Ball is more than just a manga—it became a multimedia phenomenon long before the term “media mix strategy” became commonplace, expanding into anime, video games, and films.

This alone is an incredible achievement, yet Akira Toriyama's impact began even earlier. His debut work, Dr. Slump, achieved over 30% in anime viewership ratings, and his designs for the Dragon Quest game series have sold a cumulative 85 million copies, cementing it as one of Japan’s most iconic franchises. Toriyama’s unparalleled creativity, unforgettable characters, and exhilarating adventures have touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

Praised by Legends and the Global Media

Fellow manga greats such as Eiichiro Oda (ONE PIECE) and Masashi Kishimoto (NARUTO) openly cite Toriyama as a major influence. Even The Washington Post hailed him as “the most influential manga artist in history.” His ability to craft intricate, convincing artwork was particularly remarkable. Under Toriyama’s hand, even the simplest creatures—like the slime monsters of Dragon Quest—gained a unique charm and personality.

A Global Loss, A Timeless Legacy

Toriyama’s boundless imagination and vibrant worlds captured the hearts of fans across generations and continents. News of his passing reverberated worldwide, even prompting the President of France to share his condolences in Japanese.

But his legacy isn’t just about the numbers or accolades. The worlds, adventures, and moments of wonder that Akira Toriyama created will forever remain etched in our collective memory, inspiring joy and awe for generations to come.

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Kazuo Umezu (88)

Kazuo Umezu was born in 1936 in Mount Koya, Wakayama Prefecture, and grew up in Nara Prefecture. He began drawing manga in the fourth grade of elementary school and debuted during his third year of high school, publishing Another World and The Siblings of the Forest as standalone books with Tomobook Publishing.

Known as the "God of Horror Manga," Umezu created iconic works such as Snake Girl and The Cat-Eyed Boy. He also showcased his comedic talent with Makoto-chan, whose catchphrase "Guwashi!" became a cultural phenomenon in Japan.

Umezu's impressive portfolio includes numerous other hits, such as Orochi, Baptism, My Name is Shingo, The Left Hand of God, The Right Hand of the Devil, and 14 Years Old. In 2022, he released his first new work in 27 years, 20KU-SHINGO.

Beyond manga, Umezu excelled in various fields, earning titles as a talent, singer, and film director. His achievements include:

Winning the 20th Shogakukan Manga Award in 1975 for The Drifting Classroom
Receiving the Heritage Award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2018 for My Name is Shingo
Being honored with the Commissioner for Cultural Affairs Award in 2019
Winning the Special Award at the 27th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2023

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Mitsuru Kashiwabara (91)

Born in Kochi Prefecture in 1933, Kashiwabara moved to Tokyo with aspirations of working in film. After graduating from Nihon University College of Art, he joined Aoi Studio and began his journey in sound engineering, working on Astro Boy alongside industry pioneers such as Matsuo Ohno.

Kashiwabara later became a freelance sound effects artist, contributing to numerous anime and film projects. His dedication to crafting unique and fitting soundscapes made him a master in his field. Even in an era of limited technology, he pushed boundaries to create unforgettable auditory experiences.

Notable Works
Kashiwabara’s portfolio spans decades and includes beloved works such as:
Space Battleship Yamato: The Final Chapter (1983)
The Wings of Honneamise (1987)
Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko (1994)
Doraemon: Nobita’s South Sea Adventure (1998)
Galaxy Express 999 (1985)
Laughing Salesman
Sazae-san
His creativity and artistry remain a cornerstone of Japanese animation and sound design history.

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Keizo Murase (89)

Keizo Murase was born in 1935 in Ikeda Town, Hokkaido. He began his career in 1958, working on Toho's film productions. Starting with Varan the Unbelievable (1958), he served as an assistant in creature modeling on iconic films such as Mothra (1961), King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962), and Matango (1963).

After becoming independent, Murase contributed to numerous beloved productions, including Barom-1, Ultraman Ace, and Android Kikaider.

In recent years, his work extended beyond films and television to include commercials, stage productions, and art design. His remarkable contributions earned him the Film Achievement Award in the Agency for Cultural Affairs Film Awards in 2021. Additionally, in March 2023, he received the Special Award from the Japan Academy Prize Association at the 47th Japan Academy Awards.

This July, Murase premiered his first feature film as a director, Kamino Fude: The Island of Kaiju, a practical effects-driven kaiju film born from years of planning. On September 1, he appeared in a wheelchair for a stage greeting at a screening in his hometown’s Aeon Cinema Musashimurayama, smiling as he passionately shared his thoughts about the project.

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