Akira Toriyama, the visionary behind Dragon Ball, one of the most influential and top-selling Japanese manga of all time, has passed away at the age of 68.

His studio announced on Friday that Akira Toriyama succumbed to an acute subdural hematoma, a form of brain bleeding.

Dragon Ball enjoys immense popularity globally, with its comic series spawning animated adaptations and feature films.

Fans worldwide are honoring Mr. Toriyama for crafting characters that have become integral parts of their childhoods.

Debuting in 1984, the Dragon Ball manga chronicles the adventures of Son Goku as he seeks magical dragon b*lls to protect Earth from Saiyans, alien humanoids.

At the time of his death, Akira Toriyama had unfinished projects.

He passed away on March 1st, with only close family and a select few friends attending his funeral, as per a statement released by the Dragon Ball website.

"He would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world," his studio said.

"We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come," it added.

Fans offered their sympathies on social media.

"Thank you for creating a manga that represents my youth. Rest in peace, thank you for your hard work," read a post on X, which instantly got 500 likes.

"It's too soon, it's too sad," another Japanese X user wrote.

"His legacy will live on forever. Thank you for creating the most iconic anime character of all time Akira," another user wrote.

Born in Nagoya, Japan in 1955, Mr Toriyama broke into the comic book world in the early 1980s with Dr. Slump, which tells the story of a little girl robot Arale, and her scientist creator.

But Dragon Ball was his most famous work. To many fans, Son Goku's journey from a kid who fumbles in his martial arts training to a high-flying hero who can shoot bolts of electricity from his hands mirrors their struggles against self-doubt as they grew into adulthood.

Dragon Ball inspired fan fiction writers and cosplayers who style their hair like the characters' sharp and pointed locks.

The cartoon version has been dubbed in numerous languages and Dragon Ball action figures are a staple in toy stores from Japan to China and Southeast Asia.

In a 2013 interview with the Japanese newspaper Asahi, Mr Toriyama said he had "no idea" how Dragon Ball became so popular around the world.

He described the series as a miracle, "given how it helped someone like me who has twisted, difficult personalities do a decent job and get accepted by society".

"When I was drawing the series, all I ever wanted to achieve was to please boys in Japan," he said, according to news agency AFP.

So sad.
May his soul rest in peace.