Akira Toriyama: How Dragon Ball Impacted Hip-Hop and Beyond

The recent passing of Akira Toriyama, the renowned creator of the iconic Dragon Ball franchise, has left an indelible mark on the world of manga, anime, and beyond. One of Japan’s most important authors in the history of the medium, Toriyama’s influence extended far beyond fiction, resonating deeply within fashion, sports, and music, notably within the rap genre, where his characters and themes inspired a multitude of artists and fans alike. Among Toriyama’s work, including Dr. Slump, Sand Land, and his contributions to the Dragon Quest series, his magnum opus, Dragon Ball, serialised first in 1984 via Weekly Shōnen Jump, transcended cultural boundaries to become a global phenomenon. Released in over 40 countries, the manga sparked multiple long-running anime series and over 20 films, capturing the imaginations of millions worldwide. Its impact on young artists within hip-hop culture is profound, drawing inspiration from Goku’s journey, the series’ vibrant characters, and its overarching themes of resilience, determination, and self-improvement. The Legacy of Akira Toriyama | Dragon Ball Manga ” data-image-caption data-medium-file=”https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1″ alt=”The Legacy of Akira Toriyama | Dragon Ball Manga” class=”wp-image-5705″ srcset=”https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?resize=360%2C240&ssl=1 360w, https://i0.wp.com/electricbloomwebzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dragon-Ball-First-and-Last-Volumes-1.jpg?w=1500&ssl=1 1500w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” data-recalc-dims=”1″> Left: The inaugural...