How Toriyama Influenced Anime, JRPGs, and my Life.

Akira Toriyama passed last night, and in today's video I'm processing how much of my life this single person I've never met has had such an enormous influence on who I am today, and the things that I enjoy.

[@tiagocosmos]

still doesn't feel real. it's too sad. I grew up with Dragon Ball, Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger. RIP Toriyama-sensei.

[@bencorrigan5915]

Dragon quest 8 on the ps2, was the game that helped me process my mother's death. This man's work is so important to so many people. It's a very sad day. There won't be another of his kind.

[@redstratus97]

Rare person that wasn’t hated by anyone. Rare person indeed.

[@awesomereviews1561]

He was an hermit. You can hate hermits because you know nothing about them. Still RIP.

[@InitialDrifterZ]

68 was too soon… I’m forever grateful to Toriyama. His illustrations shaped my childhood. I’ll never forget being captivated watching Dragonball Z with my brother as a very young child, or the time Chrono Trigger came out on PSX and I played it for the very first time. The anime cut scenes were my favorite parts…. Dragon Quest 8 shot my love for turn based RPG’s to whole new level when it first came out. His illustrations could bring anyone’s imagination to life. Then, there’s the anime manga side of things… He inspired so many, including Eiichiro Oda, creator of One Piece. One Piece is my absolute all time favorite anime/manga. I’m not sure it would even exist without Toriyama’s work. His fingerprints are all over everything, and I’m forever grateful for his work. I just wish he could have stuck around a little longer. We didn’t even get a Chrono Trigger remaster yet.

[@diegoldsnake]

Beatiful video...i was crying like an hour for his death...even now im 40, Tori and DB was i life changer to me as a kid, first i was crazy about martial arts and see Goku philosopy was very motivate to me to practice and train, and for the other hand i draw since 3years and the Beatiful and distinctive style of Tori always influence my style since then. A master in Art and strory teller, his mangas was better than the actual anime to me it was such a good composer in mangas... Sorry my english and grettings from Argentina

[@insaneasock3156]

This is devastating news. Between Yoshitaka Murayama and Akira Toriyama, so sad 😢

[@theLethalRabbit]

It's incredible how many people around the world felt the same need to share some personal story, concering their experience with Akira Toriyama. I did the same, saying in my own way a little "thank you". His legacy will remain - we'll treasure it and we'll pass it on to a new generation of fans - and they'll come to love and treasure it as well. I think there's no greater accomplishment for a creator than this!

[@dudemcguy1227]

I can't believe he's gone. RIP Mr. Toriyama 😢

[@neogotham2k395]

Rest in peace Akira Toriyama I grew up watching DBZ on Toonami and playing Chrono Trigger

[@UndeadEggmiester]

Honestly if you were a 80s to late 90s kid/gamer his art was a big influence even if we didn't know it at that time.

[@zeustfc]

The summer of 1999, I think? I was working my co-op in college. I had a house with some friends who were also working. We’d all get home from work and watch DBZ on toonami. It may well have been the best summer of my life. We were adult enough to be working jobs, but childish enough to watch cartoons and play games. I felt surrounded by friends and camaraderie. I miss the friendships and the simplicity. Now, as a grown-ass adult, everything is responsibilities and stress, and that simple, free joy seems far away. RIP, Mr. Toriyama. We’ll miss the joy you brought us.

[@MrDarksol]

Rest in peace to the man who is basically responsible for being one of the best or the best people in the anime industry for giving us this shounen genre and who made everyone love dragonball during the Toonami era. He is with Shenron now.

[@bstoker9468]

I knew you would be putting something out asap and your respect is clear, RIP to one of the greatest.

[@falfore5863]

The notification of this vid is how I heard the news. Thanks for the memories and kind words. I'll remember Toriyama's work fondly and will likely always interact with it in some way. Your vids give me happiness and make my life a bit nicer. Thanks for the reminder at the end, too.

[@SkywardChocobo]

I had a similar experience with discovering Toriyama's work as a young 90's kid as well. Dragonball, Chrono Trigger and Dragon Quest are some of my most beloved works of fiction of all time. Toriyama was a singular talent and will be dearly missed. 😢

[@capwolfster]

The moment I found out about his passing I started to cry uncontrollably. Toriyama shaped my life in ways I cant even begin to describe, and I'm sure many feel the same way. It's truly amazing how far reaching his influence is, and will continue to be. I never met the man, but he was my teacher and got me through some tough times. He's going to be missed....

[@kipris1993]

They used to air a Greek dubbed version of DBZ on Greek tv, back in 1997 or something for a brief period of time, until it was branded as too violent, and they stopped. Being exposed to dbz that early, for sure is what made me love all kinds of anime and JRPGs. RIP legend! I will finally finish chrono trigger in his honor, after putting it off for a long time. Also kudos to you man, for such a heartfelt and candid video!

[@HotTakeHQ]

love ur comment

[@mysticranger6894]

He passed March 1st actually, news came out last night as family had small private service and wants to keep things private, such creators in japan usually prefer this and he went out due to Acute Subdural Hematoma

[@DuoBeard]

Growing up as a fan of Dragon Quest and Dragon Ball, his works I’ve seen outside of those has always gauged my interest for the line work of his style that just felt “at home” or “nostalgic” He’s truly a legend that won’t ever be forgotten. ❤❤❤

[@RiotPhD]

Akira Toriyama sensei was a keystone into my favorite things (anime, video games, Japanese culture, etc.) through Dragonball and Dragonball Z which was something my brother and I would watch together all the time. I still have a Goku Action Figure unopened. Though I played Chrono Trigger later in life and am now actually getting into Dragon Quest, Akira Toriyama has always been a name I recognized and knew. He helped anime and manga be something for everyone and will live on in all his students who have been inspired by him.

[@jonathanbriu]

Man this one hurt. If it wasn't for the many doodles inspired by early Dragon Ball in my school books I would've never went down the path of a product developer, illustrator and technical designer. Toriyama still lives in all of us who his work enabled us to imagine further and unlocked a wealth of creativity through talent, care and story telling.

[@bobseesall]

It is going to be so strange going forward and not seeing Toriyama's work in media. I first watched Dragon Ball in the end of the Buu saga, and it was crazy when I realized I already knew his art with the Dragon Quest games. It's times like these where I find it healthy to talk to a loved one. Hope anyone who reads this has a much better day soon.

[@shaneos2727]

The ways his work rippled into creations of others and so many of our lives can’t be understated.. really was a hero of our time. Let’s do our best today everyone 👊

[@Eagleknight815]

While I'm sad he is gone, I'm also grateful. Who knows where we are without the Dragon Ball series, Dragon Quest, Blue Dragon, Chrono Trigger he worked on and also his influence on Japanese and world culture today. I'm grateful that we , the fans didn't miss out. Rest now Toriyama-sensei. A champion to us all.

[@matthewjames3637]

Thank you for the video, Derek. I think this loss will hit 90s kids harder than most due to all his contributions to pop culture and our childhoods. You did a good job touching on his contribution to the JRPG genre, and to your own life.

[@Dorelaxen]

While I was never a big fan of DBZ (or anime in general), Chrono Trigger is still to this day my favorite game to ever be made. Guy was an absolute legend. RIP.

[@RwnEsper]

Thanks for sharing your feelings, Derek. BBC News actually dropped a video about this. Toriyama was a legend in his own time; RIP King Akira!

[@leolightfellow]

Akira Toriyama was an absolute legend. He'll be missed. And now I want to see your artwork. :)

[@kristofferandchristine9252]

As a late 80s and 90s kid growing up dragon ball was my 1st anime and my childhood was awesome because of it. Thank you akira toriyama RIP legend!

[@odinian6244]

I personally don't have very close ties with Toriyama's work, but I did read early Dragon Ball for a little bit, and by not living under a rock I've definitely witnessed his influence. I think Dragon Ball has been so all-encompassing, connecting with fans' every emotion, in such a well-crafted, creative, and deep world. It's been around, and now a giant has fallen. Very nice, important advice at the end there

[@xxnike0629xx]

It's been reported that the cause of death was an acute subdural hematoma. I'm not a medical doctor but from what I searched it's when someone gets a head injury and then blood gathers between the skull and the surface of the brain. I definitely have memories of watching Dragon Ball (original) via these Korean dubs that my mom rented. I didn't think much of it back then since I was a little kid. But eventually I'd get more into it with Dragon Ball Z through Toonami and then of course the Budokai and Budokai Tenkaichi games on PS2. Of course that's when I'd talk about the anime and played the games with my friends after school. That feeling of rushing home to watch that Toonami block of anime was great. Toriyama is definitely a legend in the JRPG industry. A lot of games and animes definitely won't be the same without him.

[@taliefer16]

Never got into Dragon ball, but his character designs in dragon quest 8 are part of why that’s one of my all time favorite games. I had many of these same kind of thoughts you shared here, when Robert Jordan died. The wheel of time books were a pillar of my life. Works of media/art absolutely effects peoples lives, and it’s felt when these creators pass.

[@Rishi123456789]

Thrive in Heaven, Akira Toriyama. I always love Akira Toriyama no matter what and I always love Dragon Ball Z no matter what.

[@DeliciousMorsels]

Thanks for sharing, Derek. Like you, Dragonball was my introduction to anime and I owe so much of my appreciation of Japanese art, animation, and culture to Toriyama. I also spent a lot of my young life in school drawing Dragonball characters and characters INSPIRED by Dragonball characters. Definitely been having difficulty processing this news today. I literally just played through Chrono Trigger in December, finishing it for the very first time after many times starting and falling off it over the years. I even made it a symbolic point of making IT the final game I finished in 2023. Hell, just 2 days ago I released a cover album of Chrono Trigger songs, and now hearing that one of the key figures that made that masterpiece of a game a reality is suddenly gone... It's a lot to take in. Gone far too soon, but his legacy will indeed live on forever.

[@sorv5790]

Another big blow to the anime community and to the DQ legacy. I can't begin to imagine what DQ will look like without his art and sound like without Sugiyama's music... the DQ fan in me is deeply saddened. RIP.

[@CGRoom]

Thank you for bringing joy to my childhood Toriyama-sensei.... We will miss you...😢

[@joset814]

life goes fast people, enjoy it while you got it

[@sarkastikwizard2204]

Akira Toriyama was my introduction to anime with Dragon Ball, later on my love for Dragon Ball (also Z) made me check out Dragon Quest VIII on PS2, which introduced me to RPG's other than Pokémon. I know that countless other people have similiar stories to share, which shows just how influential he was and how much his work struck a nerve with people While i'm sad that he is gone, i also appreciate that all of his works are still out there and will go on to influence many others

[@Alexander-ix2jp]

The world of Dragonball will never be the same again. Rest in peace Akira Toriyama sama and my deepest condolences to family and friends. Thank you for all the beautiful childhood memories. You have become eternal because your work is now going to be seen by one generation after the other. You knew Goku and friends better than anyone else out there, and the same goes for your favorite character, Piccolo. Your spirit will live on through the Dragonballs and the wonderful characters that you yourself created. I always like to say "Dragon King Piccolo" to Piccolo's new orange form, but this time it's Dragon King Akira sama. May the power of the dragon be with you, always.

[@eliasmalison2011]

Along with Yoshitaka Murayama's passing this year has been a hard hit.

[@stevenriddell595]

Thank you for informing us Derek. I had no idea. I shall share the news with my friends.

[@SeafoamSmiles]

I heard the news about an hour ago, and since the initial shock wore off I've just been really bummed out. Dragon Ball (Z especially) is just one of those things that hit a generation of people at just the right time, and it seemed like nearly everyone watched and loved it. We all have to go some time, it's just really a shame that it had to happen so suddenly and with his creative projects left unfinished.

[@thomasffrench3639]

I think that without Dragon Quest's artwork RPGs would not be the same. I think it would still be a niche genre on PCs without the massive success of Dragon Quest. It's crazy how important he is to RPGs and video games in general. For me personally, he made me fall in love with the comic book medium in college, and I thank him so much for that.

[@WinspearUltima]

It so sad to see Akira toriyama pass away, played some Chrono Trigger today started replaying it for the third time, I have a lot of memories of dragon ball and Akira toriyama since he shaped my anime and manga life

[@nathanc6516]

That's a shame, I just started watching Dragon Ball Z again and was thinking about how talented he was just last night. Sad that he passed so young, his work will be remembered forever.

[@carlstevenwilletts]

Akira Toriyama was a genius, and like another genius, Freddie Mercury, will live on forever because of the sheer quality and originality of his work. He will never truly disappear from public consciousness. The quality of his work will never be equalled.

[@jat2319]

Respectful video Derek. Many thanks.

[@swindells2007]

I understand how someones work can effect you. Doesn't matter what form of entrainment it is. It really hit me hard when chester Bennington from Linkin Park died. RIP Akira Toriyama

[@bengtal]

I never got the exposure or had the experience of getting into his work growing up, and still have not really seen Dragonball or (Z), but really want to. Same goes for Chrono Trigger, though I love the OST and want to play those games too. Truth be told, I didn't even know the creator's name until seeing this video. Regardless, this is terrible news, and I'm so sorry to hear it. You are absolutely right, that his influence is eternal. Anytime I hear about another member of our Earthly family dying, it fucks with me, and I immediately begin thinking about all the hopes and promises regarding transcendent or ultimate reality that religions and spiritual traditions deal with, hoping that there is something more completely and perfectly preserved and lasting, than we know from our current perspective. May we come to know, that he, and every other soul, never left us, nor could, but rather was enriched by this descent into temporal unfoldment, only to have greater stories and creations for us when we return to meet him by the fire in eternity, or something far better than I can even think of. P.S. I love your room 🙏💙🧡💚

[@subculturebith1616]

rest in peace toriyama

[@SuperDerek]

Read the official statement on the passing of Toriyama here: en.dragon-ball-official.com/news/01_2499.html

[@Geekdom101]

i love this

[@NekoShogun]

Words well spoken Derek. Toriyama had a very similar effect on my life as well. I had this art piece I made of Crono that got lost in a move that I still wish I had. I know his legacy will live on, he has a lot of very dedicated and talented fans, but a life taken from us too soon.

[@pulpprof526]

I’ve known this man’s art since I was 5 even if I didn’t know it. Sigh. Rest in peace.

[@ithydoodles]

I was in the 4th grade when Dragonball first started airing on fox. My brother and i still enjoy it to this day ❤ So 1995.

[@thedetectingzonegaming4293]

Derek those last few seconds of your video I've tried to make my mantra for this year

[@RoyceMusic333]

I love Akira Toriama's art, especially in Dragon Quest and Dragon Ball.

[@sipoway]

Dragon quest, Dragon ball, Chrono Trigger...Legend. Nuff said. Thx for everything and RIP

[@uppernimbus]

Really sad news man, I grew up with DBZ, so his passing has been rather difficult to fathom. Hope you'll be okay yourself, much love ❤

[@Amaneas]

Tbh still feels surreal. I just startet dragon quest xi and the design of the game just made me smile and feel happy because it brought back wonderful memories of my childhood watching db. Back than my parents were still alive so toriyamas work build a bringe for me into my past. So sad he is gone. Will keep his work and him in my heart

[@m.3.3.w]

It definitely sucks that he's gone. I do hope someone continues the DB series in good heart! RIP Toriyama-sensei! Loved your stuff and still will!!!

[@QueenViolet8]

It’s just unreal 😢 truly a incredible person I only learned about DBZ on fox at 5:30 am in Saturday mornings back in the day it was awesome the opening guitar 😮 blew my mind Sad 😢 and he will truly be missed such a pioneer!RIP

[@AtotheZness]

Wow - had not heard. My son was just playing with his Goku figure just before heading out to school. The man is a legend.

[@franciscor390]

Latin America and Mexico are mourning, it has been devastating. Here it was on air since the eighties.

[@martinomagic9230]

I have always loved his art style, it's one of the most interesting art style I have ever seen that just draws you into the worlds that use it. What's messed up is he also has a game with his art in it coming out in April, that being Sandland. So not only Eiyuden Chronicles but Sandland also their creators won't get to see them come to what hopefully the resounding success of their games.

[@michaeloconnor5480]

Such terrible news. I randomly put on DBZ late last year, first time I watched it since it first aired here in Australia (very late 90's? Early aughts? Can't recall.) I got all the way up to the Android saga before life happened. I'm absolutely going back to finish it now. (Again) From dragon quest to chrono trigger....to...everything else. Fly high Man. Thank you.

[@pencilcheck]

This makes me pre-order of sand land even more important, now that he is dead. I will play and finish that game to pay tribute to him.

[@publicenemaplays]

I spent so many afternoons after school watching DBZ. Without Akira Toriyama, I’m not sure I would have the love for anime and JRPGs that I still have today. It’s something I’ve carried with me from childhood into adulthood, and something I enjoy sharing with my loved ones today. I introduced my wife to Chrono Trigger a couple of years ago, and I had the biggest smile when she mentioned how Chrono reminded her of Goku. Thank you for this very heartfelt tribute to a man who impacted so many of us.

[@jb0258]

In a very similar experience, i too would draw in a dragonball type of style in art. That was between 3rd grade and 6th grade. Still have those old sketch books too! Around tbose years is also when i was watching through og dragonball and dbz. It wasnt until around 9th grade, when i was playing dragon quest 8, that i realized where the art style came from for those games. And i remember it blew my mind that it was from Toriyama. It's sad to think his last few big projects are Dragon Ball Daima (coming out this fall), and Dragon Quest 12. Although we havent seen any of 12, I'm more than sure he already finalized the main character designs for it.

[@user-jj6nc4ne3c]

Lovely tribute Derek well done matey that video made me tear up.im 46 now and have followed toriyama sans art and manga plus my favourite still after all these years dragon quest since i was around 8 years old.i still can't believe the news im seriously shocked it's so sad. That is 2 greats from the industry in as many months my thoughts go out to his family and friends it's always awful when we loose loved ones. Rip toriyama san you were a legend my good man god speed to the next life!. Thanks again Derek a lovely video btw it's your old pal mr bangers and mash u mentioned me on Hitpoint last year lol 😂 i really wasn't trying to heckle you i promise 👍 besides u and baku make me happy every week with your show it's awesome!. Quick question and sorry not the best time but with dragon quest hd 2d do u think it's been dropped? There hasn't been any news for a few years now im getting worried. All the best Derek cheers mate

[@mopbrothers]

He's gone? Oh no. I'm sad now 😦 He influenced me greatly with Dragon Ball Z and Chrono Trigger. Akira Toriyama created some of the greatest works of art ever. And now he's gone?! And I still haven't visited Japan yet. This is sad news. 鳥山さん this world will miss you....RIP.

[@orangelimesky]

If it weren't for Akira Toriyama, we would not have had Dragon Quest, which was a massive influence for all jrpgs. We would not have had final fantasy, star Ocean, tales, chrono series, .. almost every jrpg known post 1985... And even anime, like Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, every single shounen anime was inspired from his characters and their arcs. Without the super Saiyan we would not have had the legendary transforming heroes. He is a legend. A figure that has made his name in the immortal pages of history. His soul is in peace. Thank you Akira Toriyama.

[@fattiger6957]

This news really surprised me. I can't say I am a fan, but I can say Toriyama's influence will last forever. He is, by far, one of the most successful mangaka in history. His work has touched million upon millions of people. That's the dream of every single person who has ever created anything and put it out into the world. He lived a life worth living.

[@Dresden0478]

This is exactly my childhood. RIP you are already missed.

[@mechaotakugamer]

I kept crying last night while playing Crisis Core Reunion. I thought it was a joke until reality hit me upside the head and ive been feeling down ever since

[@Geekdom101]

Respect bro

[@Berthier90]

.....and i was watching OG DB yesterday so surreal

[@DLeif-bk3ye]

7th-8th grade all my shirts were DBZ. Chrono trigger artwork is still one of my all time favorites.

[@James-gj8rn]

Rest in Peace King

[@jrpgaddict7726]

That haircut really suits u !

[@BobRod-mi8rq]

When you played so many good RPG And anime 🥹🙂🎆🌟

[@ismaelhall3990]

He was the master.

[@thedetectingzonegaming4293]

My eyes are on the horizon for Sand Land

[@pokemaniacdavid]

Rip, he was a master, a slightly perverted master. But definitely one of the most influential people of our age. He will be greatly missed 😢😢

[@georgesleeth1157]

DragonBall got me into drawing my mum still has a bunch of my awful 9 year old drawings of goku and the gang part of what i love about his art is him adding little nods to stuff like how some of the outfits in blue dragon are basically dragon ball characters i think jiro has basically great saiyamans outfit

[@GreyWolfLeaderTW]

"I do not know who this Yamcha is. But it sounds disappointing." ~Super Kami Guru

[@gamegear8803]

I hear it too ( cry ) old school dragon ball live on

[@CutlassCraft]

💔💔💔

[@ashflowex7777]

😢☝️🙏🕊️😔 Chrono Trigger, DQ and Dragon Ball

[@RickueEvans-oi1iz]

Honestly I thought it was a joke when I found out it was real this man truly a legend Dragon Ball Dragon Quest Chrono Trigger I'm Daphne worried about Dragon Ball Z and who's going to take over and what's going to happen with it

[@quezcatol]

hopefully we dont get anothrr sugiyama situation again about people looking through his belief or statements and then make a big point of those, as he is dead. let it be. I cant wait for dragon quest 12 and see what the great man left us, these characters will be very special to us "fans".

[@danielkuttel7867]

THIS IS NOT real. I had not read anything. Now I'm just sad. I've been reading and watching Toriyama's manga and anime since I was 14. It's like a curse. First Miura Kentaro dies and Berserk never ends and he leaves me with a shabby open ending in this world, and now Toriyama. The two mangaka have given me so many great hours, I will miss them forever.

[@P0T4T054CK]

😢😢😢😭😭😭😭 I feel like having multiple ads on this is in bad taste..

[@animekingtoku]

the whole world is sad

[@daedalus547]

If they try to make a Chrono Trigger remake without Toriyama it will flop.

[@dschdsch4388]

Sudden brain stroke at age 68. Do you get it?

[@MrAweeze]

"Maybe if I was watching DB and not Z, I'd have a different opinion." lol no, not really 😂