A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs joined Chinese netizens in expressing their sincere condolences on the passing of Japanese mangaka Akira Toriyama.
Known for works such as Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, Toriyama passed away on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma at the age of 68. Funeral service was held with his family and close relatives, according to an announcement made by Bird Studio, a manga and design production studio created by Toriyama.
“We extend our deepest condolences on the death of Akira Toriyama and our deepest condolences to his family,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular news briefing on Friday.
“Mr Toriyama is a famous manga artist, and his works are also very popular in China. I noticed that many Chinese netizens also expressed condolences for his death.
“We expect and believe that more people of insight in Japan will actively participate in Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges and the cause of friendship between the two countries,” Mao said.
The announcement posted on Dragon Ball’s official online page read: “We are deeply convinced that he still has several works in progress that are being created with wonderful enthusiasm. . . We hope that Akira Toriyama’s unique artistic world will continue to be enjoyed by all. ” for a long time to come. “
Born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, in 1955, Toriyama made his debut with Wonder Island, which was serialized in Shueisha’s popular Japanese magazine Weekly Shonen Jump in 1978. His Dr. Slump series, which debuted in 1980, has become a great success. He won the Shogakukan Manga Award, one of Japan’s highest manga awards, for Dr. Slump in 1982.
His iconic Dragon Ball series, which debuted in 1984 in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, gained international popularity through its translations and publications. The franchise has expanded its success to include cartoons, spanning feature films and television series, as well as video games and products featuring its beloved characters.
He had worldwide fans and won a special award at the Angouleme International Comics Festival in France in 2013.
After learning of his death, a Chinese reader said on WeChat, “I’m under the sun-drenched window, reminiscing about those younger days. Toriyama rides a divine dragon and leaves. In Dragon Ball, there are too many regrets, just like one’s youth. “
jiangxueqing@chinadaily. com. cn