Shortly Before Passing, Akira Toriyama Devised the Logo for His Hometown

Danica Davidson April 24, 2024

Manga creator Akira Toriyama, who passed away last month, will be remembered for his prolific outpouring of internationally beloved work, including the Dragon Ball franchise, Dr. Slump and Sand Land. But there’s also a unique thing he did shortly before he died that ties him to very local and personal history — he was behind the new logo for Aichi Prefecture’s Kiyosu City. Toriyama was born in Kiyosu City, making this a special connection.

The city was very proud to unveil the new logo in January. Now there is more of a bittersweet feeling since Toriyama is no longer with us. Sumio Nagata, the mayor of Kiyosu City, put out this statement last month, after Toriyama’s passing:

I would like to express my condolences on the news of the passing of Akira Toriyama-sensei.

Toriyama-sensei has been active for many years as one of Japan’s leading manga authors, having worked on many works such as Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. Toriyama-sensei’s works are loved across generations and borders.

In addition, Toriyama-sensei recently designed the logo for the city’s 20th anniversary.

I would like to express my deep respect for Toriyama-sensei’s achievements, and on behalf of Kiyosu City and the citizens of Kiyosu, I would like to express my deepest condolences and pray for his soul to rest in peace.

Toriyama’s passing made news around the world and he received an outpouring of homages from people he inspired and influenced. One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, for instance, said at the time, “You [Toriyama-sensei] showed us that manga can do this, that it can take us to other worlds. It felt like watching a hero charging forward. . . For manga artists of our generation who stood on the same stage, Toriyama’s works became an even greater presence the closer we got.”

Source: ANN

____

Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.