Eiichiro Oda (‘One Piece’) and Masashi Kishimoto (‘Naruto’) react to the death of Akira Toriyama

They have been the first to speak out. Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto, the other members of that “big three” of the manga world composed of ‘Dragon Ball,’ ‘One Piece,’ and ‘Naruto,’ have felt the death of Akira Toriyama as the loss of a brother, a mentor, a role model. Both authors have bid farewell to their friend with two heartfelt letters that demonstrate the depth of their bond.

Letter from Eiichiro Oda (‘One Piece’) after Toriyama’s death

“It still feels too sudden. I feel like a huge hole has pierced through my heart. The thought of never seeing you again fills me with sadness. I have admired you so much since I was a child. I vividly remember the day you called me by my name for the first time. I remember when you called me a friend for the first time. And I remember the last conversation we had.”

“You took the helm in an era when reading manga was considered a foolish waste of time. You forged an era where both adults and children could read and enjoy this medium. You showed me that manga could achieve such a thing. You made me dream that I could reach the whole world. You were my superhero.

“Your impact was not limited to just the manga industry. The childhood of millions of creators from various industries is rooted in the excitement of reading and watching ‘Dragon Ball.’ Your existence has been like a great tree whose branches extend to the sky. For the mangaka of our generation, the closer we got to your work, the more we realized its importance. Although it was terrifying, the person behind it all was very calm, and finding that out made me very happy. We ended up loving you for who you were and not just for what you did.

“I would like to offer my deepest respect and gratitude for the vibrant creative world that Toriyama left behind, and pray from the bottom of my heart for him to rest in peace. I hope heaven is as delightful as you imagined it in your manga.”

Letter from Masashi Kishimoto (‘Naruto’) after Toriyama’s death

“Frankly, I don’t know what to write or how to write about something so sudden. But I would like to express my thoughts and feelings towards Toriyama-sensei, something I wish he himself would have asked me someday. As I grew up with ‘Dr. Slump’ and ‘Dragon Ball’ in school, having his manga at hand was always natural and part of my life. Even when I had a bad experience, watching ‘Dragon Ball’ made me forget about it. It was a relief for me, a country boy who had nothing. Because ‘Dragon Ball’ couldn’t be more fun.

“When I got to college, suddenly, ‘Dragon Ball’ ended and I felt an incredible sense of loss that I couldn’t replace. But at the same time, it offered me an opportunity to understand the greatness of the master who created it. And of course, I wanted to do something similar. I wanted to be like my master. I started following in his footsteps and aspired to become a mangaka, which made that feeling of loss disappear. Because making comics was fun. I found a new fun following you. You were always my guide. I admired you. I’m sorry it has to be this way, but I would like to express to you that for me, you were a savior and the god of manga.

“When we first met I was so nervous that I couldn’t say a word. Still, after countless meetings on the Tezuka Award committee, I overcame my fears and we had a lot of conversations. Oda and I became children again every time we talked about ‘Dragon Ball.’ It seemed like we were competing to see who was the biggest fan and I haven’t forgotten how you looked at us and smiled a little embarrassed when you saw us.

“Today I received the news of my master’s death. I feel an even greater sense of loss than when ‘Dragon Ball’ ended. I don’t know how I’ll deal with this hole in my heart. Now I can’t even read ‘Dragon Ball.’ Everyone was eagerly awaiting your work. I wish the wishes of ‘Dragon Ball’ existed. Maybe it’s selfish, but I’m so sad. Thank you, Toriyama, for your work for over 45 years. Thank you for your efforts and hard work. The remaining members of your family are deeply wounded. Please take care of yourself and rest in peace.”