Akira Toriyama’s passing away has left the entire world in a grief-stricken state. He was considered a legendary mangaka and the progenitor of the Dragon Ball franchise. His death left a massive hole in the anime and manga industry. Even though he was sick, he was involved with the creation of Dragon Ball Super.
Akira Toriyama was an inspiration to several mangaka, including the ones responsible for the Big Three of anime. After his death, Dragon Ball screenwriter Takao Koyama was seen to pay his tributes to the late mangaka. He mentioned his health and how he possessed a Super Saiyan’s will. Tako Koyama was also thankful to him for helping him get on with his career.
Takao Koyama Is Full of Praise For The Late Akira Toriyama
Takao Koyama was one of Akira Toriyama’s most trusted colleagues. They had known each other for decades, and the news about the latter’s sudden demise was truly shocking for his friend. The Dragon Ball screenwriter went on his X (formerly Twitter) account and said some meaningful words for his late friend. There was a series of tweets from him, with the first one asking a question about Toriyama’s cause of death, who had passed away due to a subdural hematoma.
どうやら昨年から発病されていらっしゃったとか。
— 小山高生 (@koyamatakao194) March 8, 2024
残念です。さぞかしお辛かったことでしょう。
私も昨年は100日入院しておりましたので、お察しいたします。
He added, “It seems you’ve been suffering from illness since last year. That’s unfortunate. It must have been quite difficult for you. I was also hospitalized for 100 days last year, so I can empathize with you.” Akira Toriyama was suffering from an illness for a year or so. Koyama took his reference and mentioned his health condition after his toe was amputated due to gangrene.
Takao Koyama worked with Toriyama in Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump. It helped boost his career as he went on to become an established screenwriter. Under Toriyama’s guidance, he started a screenwriting school, Anime Scenario House, in 1986. The institution has notable alumni like Satoru Akahori, Katsuyuki Sumisawa, Hiroyuki Kawasaki, etc. A couple of years after the school’s establishment, its name was changed to Brother Noppo, and became a screenwriter-supporting company.
Takao Koyama Has Had A Great Career
Thanks to Akira Toriyama rejuvenating Takao Koyama’s career, the latter has had a hugely succesful time. Anime like Saint Seiya, Urusei Yatsura, Dragon Ball, and Dragon Ball Z had him as their chief writer. All of these anime became massive hits, with the first one being adapted into a live-action film. Currently 75 years old, the screenwriter is busy with Brother Noppo.
During his lifetime, Akira Toriyama had inspired several individuals, with Koyama being one of them. Watching Toriyama suffer for so long made the screenwriter believe that he indeed had a Saiyan’s heart. Saiyan’s never backed down from a fight and kept on fighting till the end. The Dragon Ball mangaka also did the same and fought like a true Saiyan against his illness.
Apart from inspiring people directly, Akira Toriyama also inspired people indirectly. All the alumni of Brother Noppo were taught his teachings and got inspired by him. He paved the way for the entire modern generation manga and anime industry.
