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Masashi Kishimoto
To be honest, I don't know what to write or how to write about this all of a sudden.
However, for now, I would like to express my thoughts and feelings to Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he would have asked me someday.
I grew up with Dr. Slump in the lower grades of elementary school and Dragon Ball in the upper grades, and it was natural for me to have his manga next to me as part of my daily life.
Even if I had a bad experience, watching Dragon Ball every week made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing.
Because Dragon Ball was really fun!
It was when I was a university student. Suddenly, the Dragon Ball that had been a part of my life for so many years ended.
I felt an incredible sense of loss and didn't know what to look forward to.
But at the same time, it was also an opportunity for me to truly understand the greatness of the teacher who created Dragon Ball.
I also want to create works like yours!
I want to be like my teacher!
As I followed in my teacher's footsteps and aspired to become a manga artist, that feeling of loss began to disappear.
Because making comics was fun.
I was able to find new fun by following my teacher.
My teacher has always been my guide.
I admired it.
I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher.
For me, he was the god of salvation and the god of manga.
When we met for the first time, I was so nervous that I couldn't say a word.
However, as we met many times at the Tezuka Prize screening committee, we became able to talk.
As Dragon Ball Children, I and Mr. Oda went back to being children again, and when we talked excitedly about how much Dragon Ball was fun, as if we were competing with each other, I forgot how he looked a little shy and smiled. I can't.
I have just received the news of Mr.
I felt an even greater sense of loss than when Dragon Ball ended...
I still don't know how to deal with this hole in my heart.
Now I can't even read my favorite Dragon Ball.
I don't feel like I've been able to properly write this sentence that I want to convey to my teacher.
Everyone around the world was still looking forward to seeing your work.
If one Dragon Ball wish really comes true...I'm sorry...
Maybe that's selfish of me, but it's sad, Professor.
Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei, for all the fun works you have done over the past 45 years.
And thank you very much for your hard work.
We are sure that the remaining family members are still deeply hurt.
Please take care of yourself.
I pray that Mr. Akira Toriyama rests in peace.
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