Freaky Deaky

ONE PIECE creator Eiichiro Oda and Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto's messages following the passing of Akira Toriyama. More: acani.me/akira-toriyama Eiichiro Oda: It's too soon. The void left behind is too large. The sadness overwhelms me when I realize I'll never meet you again. From my childhood, I've admired you. I remember the day I was first called by name. On the way home after the day you used the word "friends" for us, I remember the joyous moment with Kishimoto-san. I remember our last conversation. Taking the baton from an era where reading manga was considered foolish, you helped create an era where both adults and children enjoy manga. You showed us that manga can do this, that it can take us to other worlds. It felt like watching a hero charging forward. Not just for manga artists, but for all the creators who were children during the serialization of Dragon Ball, the excitement and inspiration remains rooted. Your presence is like a giant tree. For manga artists of our generation who stood on the same stage, Toriyama's works became an even greater presence the closer we got. Almost scary. But meeting the laid-back you always made me happy. We love Toriyama-sensei to the core. With respect and gratitude for Akira Toriyama-sensei's rich creative world, I sincerely pray for his peaceful rest. May heaven be the delightful world you envisioned, Sensei. - Eiichiro Oda Masashi Kishimoto: I honestly don't know what to write in such a sudden situation. But I want to convey what I've always wanted to express about Toriyama-sensei, my thoughts. From early elementary school with Dr. Slump to later years with Dragon Ball, Sensei's manga has always been with me, becoming a part of my life. Even when things were tough, Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was salvation for a rural boy like me. Because Dragon Ball was just too much fun! It was during my university days when suddenly, Dragon Ball, which had been a part of my life for so long, ended. I felt an overwhelming sense of loss and didn't know what to look forward to anymore. But at the same time, it was an opportunity to truly understand Sensei's greatness, the one who created Dragon Ball. I want to create works like Sensei! I want to be like Sensei! Pursuing manga artist, I gradually overcame that sense of loss. Because making manga was fun. Sensei was always my guiding star. I admired him. Sensei might find it bothersome, but I'm grateful anyway. He was truly a god of salvation and manga to me. The first time I met him, I was so nervous I couldn't speak. But after meeting him several times at the Tezuka Awards judging committee, I got used to talking to him. As Dragon Ball children, Oda-san and I talked excitedly about how fun Dragon Ball was, almost competing, and I'll never forget the slightly embarrassed smile Sensei gave us. I've just received news of Sensei's passing. I'm overwhelmed with a sense of loss even greater than when Dragon Ball ended... I still don't know how to deal with this hole in my heart. I can't even read Dragon Ball, my beloved manga, now. I don't feel like I can write this message to Sensei properly. People around the world were still looking forward to Sensei's works. If there's one wish from Dragon Ball that could come true... I'm sorry... It may be selfish, but I'm sad, Sensei. Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for your many enjoyable works over 45 years. And thank you very much for your hard work. To the remaining family, you must still be deeply saddened. Please take care of yourselves. I pray for the peaceful rest of Akira Toriyama-sensei. - Masashi Kishimoto