Interview with Toyotaro: Insights from the Dragon Ball Super Manga Artist
Toyotaro, the creative mind behind the acclaimed manga Dragon Ball Super, was a special guest at the Japan Expo Paris 2025, held from July 3 to July 6 at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center. Alongside other luminaries from the Dragon Ball universe, such as Kazuhiko Torishima, Akira Toriyama’s first editor, and Katsuyoshi Nakatsuri, an animator for the series, Toyotaro traveled to France to connect with fans, deliver lectures, and participate in autograph sessions. In addition to his public engagements, he took time to sit down with the press to share his thoughts on various topics related to his work and the legacy of Dragon Ball.
Reflecting on the legacy of Akira Toriyama, who passed away a year prior, Toyotaro expressed his deep admiration for the legendary creator. He described Toriyama as a kind and wise individual, possessing a unique blend of gentleness and a firm commitment to his vision. Toyotaro noted, "He was a very gentle person, incredibly tolerant, a bit like an old sage. He had a big heart. Once he had something in mind, he became resolute about it." This powerful influence left a lasting impression on Toyotaro, who feels a profound responsibility to safeguard the techniques and artistry that Toriyama imparted to him.
When asked about the pressure of being viewed as Toriyama’s successor, Toyotaro clarified his perspective. "I don’t see myself as his successor or heir, but rather as a team member striving to continue sharing Akira Toriyama’s works with the world," he explained. He emphasized that the burden of carrying on Toriyama’s legacy is not solely on his shoulders—it’s a collective responsibility involving the entire production team and the passionate fanbase. "When Toriyama-sensei passed away, we all felt the need to protect his legacy even more," he added.
As a lifelong fan of Dragon Ball, Toyotaro’s passion for the franchise significantly shapes his creative process. He remarked, "I absolutely love Dragon Ball, perhaps even too much." However, he acknowledges the challenge of balancing his deep-rooted enthusiasm with the need to cater to a diverse readership. "There are readers who might not be as familiar with specific details, and sometimes I add niche elements that may only resonate with hardcore fans," he said. Toyotaro aims to create a narrative that engages all fans, ensuring that newcomers to the series don’t feel alienated or overwhelmed.
Toyotaro views his relationship with fans as a partnership in co-creating the Dragon Ball universe. "This manga exists solely because of the fans. I want to craft something that resonates with everyone," he stated. His collaborative approach ensures that he remains receptive to fan feedback and eager to incorporate their perspectives into his storytelling.
When it comes to sources of inspiration, Toyotaro cites Akira Toriyama as his primary muse, yet he also draws from a broader palette that includes cinema and various other manga. He seeks to stay updated with contemporary influences, including works from Pixar, Marvel, and even Star Wars. "Sometimes I realize I’ve been influenced by Star Wars without even knowing it at the time," he mused. It’s fascinating to note that Toriyama himself was a fan of Star Wars, which adds another layer to Toyotaro’s creative influences.
The life of a manga artist is undeniably demanding, and Toyotaro dedicates a significant amount of time to his craft. He mentioned that during the publication phase of Dragon Ball Super, he devoted nearly all of his waking hours to his work. "Besides sleeping, eating, and showering, everything else was dedicated to the manga," he recounted. As deadlines approached, he would often find himself getting only three or four hours of sleep per night.
Toyotaro described his creative process, explaining that ideas flow freely in the beginning. Once he has a clear direction, he switches on the television and plays music to create a stimulating environment. "I need some background noise; otherwise, I struggle to find motivation. If there are lyrics, I get carried away. Otherwise, I listen to movie soundtracks, like those from Star Wars or Japanese cinema, at a fast pace," he shared.
Despite his busy schedule, Toyotaro makes it a point to continue reading manga, considering it an essential part of his job. "I believe it’s crucial to keep reading manga, so I carve out time for it. It’s not something I can do while truly relaxing," he noted.
Turning to his work on Dragon Ball, Toyotaro revealed that his favorite story arc to draw was the one featuring Trunks. "I had a fantastic time writing this arc. Trunks is a character very close to what I wanted to create." He reminisced about the American films he enjoyed during his youth, which influenced his creative ambitions. "Being able to bring that vision to life was incredibly fulfilling for me."
Although Toyotaro has primarily focused on Dragon Ball, he doesn’t express regret over not being able to impose more of his artistic style. "I love Dragon Ball. I wanted to write for Dragon Ball, which is why I became a manga artist. I have no regrets about where my career stands now," he affirmed. His devotion to the franchise has been a driving force in his artistic journey.
While he feels fulfilled, Toyotaro acknowledges that exploring original storyboards could foster his growth as a manga artist. "Perhaps creating original storyboards will help me evolve as a mangaka. Even when I return to Dragon Ball stories, I might be able to approach them from new angles," he reflected. His ongoing ambition and motivation to explore different storytelling methods highlight his commitment to both personal development and the enduring legacy of Dragon Ball.
This interview, conducted by Victor Vasseur for France Inter, showcases not only Toyotaro’s immense talent but also his deep respect for the Dragon Ball franchise and its creator, Akira Toriyama. As he continues to build upon this rich legacy, fans around the world eagerly anticipate what new adventures and stories Toyotaro will unveil in the future.
