WhenAkira Toriyamapassed away in March 2024, the world lost not only a remarkable individual but also the visionary creator behind theDragon Ballseries. WithDragon Ball Daima,the final anime project Toriyama was involved in,concluding earlier this year, fans are now left wondering whether the franchise can—or even should—continue without his guiding hand.
In a new video interview,Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, a legendary character designer and animator who has worked on variousDragon Ballanime projects since 1986, includingDragon Ball ZandGT, shared his thoughts. “I believe even Akira Toriyama himself would appreciate seeing new stories born from his creations, ones he may have never imagined,” he says.
The Early Days of Dragon Ball Animation
A Defining Role in the Super Saiyan’s Creation
Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru began working at Toei Animation in 1980, right after high school. As a big fan of Akira Toriyama’s work, he jumped at the chance to be part of theDragon Ballanime when Toei announced it in 1986. He made his debut as a key animator in the episode “Oolong the Terrible” (Season 1, Episode 4) that same year. His talent quickly stood out, and he became a key player in shaping the series’ animation.'
Over time, Nakatsuru took on a bigger role asthe main animator and character designer for manyDragon BallandDragon Ball Zmovies. One of his most significant contributions wasdesigning the Super Saiyan 4 form forDragon Ball GT, a transformation that remains a fan favorite. His ability to stay true to Toriyama’s style while adding his own touch helped define the look ofDragon Ballfor years.
Staying True to Toriyama’s Vision
A Lifelong Journey with Dragon Ball
For Nakatsuru, the focus has never been on developing his personal style—it has always been about staying true to Akira Toriyama’s original vision. “I never really thought of Dragon Ball as having a unique style of my own,” he explains. “Instead, I always aimed to faithfully translate the manga’s artwork onto film. My focus wasn’t on showcasing my personal style but on capturing the essence of the original work. When designing and animating characters, I always tried to incorporate creative ideas that would enhance the animation.”
Having worked onDragon Ballacross multiple generations, Nakatsuru reflects on how his perspective has evolved. “Since I’ve been involved with Dragon Ball from a young age, I’ve gone through different eras—Z, GT, and now Daima. I was very young when working on Z, still relatively young during GT, and now I’m over 60,” he shares. Despite decades in the industry,his passion for the franchise has only grown. “But I believe that for Dragon Ball Daima, I’ve probably drawn more artwork than ever before.”
The Future of Dragon Ball: A New Era?
A Legacy That Lives On
Now thatToriyama is goneandDragon Ball Daimahas completed its run, the series’ future is uncertain. Still, Nakatsuru remains committed. “If there’s any way I can still contribute to Dragon Ball, I’d love to be involved,” he says, even teasing thathe would like to draw a newDragon Ballmanga. However, he also recognizes the importance of fresh perspectives. “But I also think it would be great for a new generation of creators to take inspiration from the original manga and reimagine it in their own way. That could open up new possibilities for the franchise.”
Dragon Ball Daima Is Everything GT Is Not, And Its Ending Proves It
Dragon Ball Daima and GT share a lot of similarities, but the way that these series ultimately played out makes them exact opposites where it counts.
For Nakatsuru, the legacy ofDragon Ballextends beyond any single creator. “The original work will always be there, and new stories will continue to emerge from it. Whether I’m personally involved or not doesn’t matter much—what’s important is that Dragon Ball continues to be enjoyed by fans for a long time,” he explains. He believes even Akira Toriyama himself would welcome this evolution. “I believe even Akira Toriyama himself would appreciate seeing new stories born from his creations, ones he may have never imagined.”'
For longtime fans and newcomers alike, only time will tell what lies ahead forDragon Ball, but with Toriyama gone, and his last official contribution behind our back, it’s time to accept that the most beloved anime franchise could continue without its creator.
