In Memoriam ’24] Akira Toriyama: Cartoonist Kazuma Yoshimura talks about his “realistic depiction that even Osamu Tezuka was astonished by.

Akira Toriyama
Passed away on March 1 at the age of 68

Osamu Tezuka was jealous of the realistic depiction of Arale-chan
Kazuma Yoshimura (Professor at Kyoto Seika University, manga researcher)

If Osamu Tezuka is the most famous cartoonist of the Showa period, then perhaps Akira Toriyama, creator of “Dr. Slump” (’80-’84) and “Dragon Ball” (’84-’95), is one of the most famous of the Heisei period. The “Dragon Ball” anime was produced in the 80s.

The “Dragon Ball” anime has been broadcast in more than 80 countries and has attracted men and women of all ages around the world. Tezuka’s works are also highly acclaimed overseas, but have not spread as far as Toriyama’s works.

One of the characteristics of Toriyama’s works is his “attention to detail. For example, in the scene in “Dr. Slump” where the main character Arale and her friend Akane Midori are walking, even the studs on the soles of their shoes and the bowknot on their shoelaces are painted in minute detail.

Mr. Tezuka, who used to represent shoes by drawing black and white ovals on their feet, was astonished when he saw the cut and wondered why he had drawn so much.

Mr. Toriyama rarely showed his true face, even though he created works loved around the world. However, he was by no means indifferent to society.

He met a neighbor, then 13-year-old Shoichi Tanazono (42), and gave him advice on his manga when he was not attending school, leading him to become a manga artist. He also left behind such a heartwarming episode.

From the January 3, 10, and 17, 2025 issue of FRIDAY