Akira Toriyama, creator of Japan's hugely-popular Dragon Ball comics and anime cartoons, passed away at the age of 68, his production team said on Friday (8 March).
"We are deeply saddened to inform you that Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st due to acute subdural hematoma," said a statement posted on the official X account of the Dragon Ball franchise.
The statement, attributed to Toriyama's Bird Studio, added, "It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm."
"He would have many more things to achieve. However, he has left many manga titles and works of art to this world," it added.
"We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come."
Dragon Ball is one of the best-selling manga titles of all time.
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