On February 28, 2025, the final episode of “Dragon Ball DAIMA” aired on Fuji TV, ending at 12:08 AM on March 1, 2025, which coincided with the first anniversary of Akira Toriyama’s passing. This timing deeply moved fans, who saw it as a fitting tribute to the legendary manga artist behind the Dragon Ball franchise.
Akira Toriyama and Dragon Ball
Akira Toriyama, born in 1955, created the Dragon Ball series, serialized from 1984 to 1995 in Weekly Shonen Jump, selling over 260 million copies worldwide. The franchise expanded into TV anime, movies, and games, becoming a global cultural phenomenon. Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, leaving a lasting legacy.
Dragon Ball DAIMA: A Final Contribution
“Dragon Ball DAIMA” is a new anime series where Toriyama was deeply involved, writing the story and designing characters and settings. It features Goku and his friends shrunk due to a conspiracy, embarking on a mystical adventure. As one of his final projects, it holds special significance for fans.
Fan Reactions
The finale’s timing on Toriyama’s death anniversary sparked emotional responses on social media. Flooded with emotional reactions Fans expressed their heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Toriyama’s final work, sharing comments such as:
“This was Toriyama-sensei’s last piece… I can’t put my feelings into words.”
“Thank you, Akira Toriyama-sensei. The finale was absolutely electrifying—beyond anything before. I’m so glad I fell in love with Dragon Ball.”
“No one gets hurt, no one dies—it’s so characteristic of Toriyama-sensei. A truly wonderful ending.”
These reactions underscore the profound impact of Toriyama’s work and the series’ conclusion.
The final episode of “Dragon Ball DAIMA,” Episode 20, was broadcast on Fuji TV on February 28, 2025, at 12:08 AM, transitioning into March 1, 2025. This date is significant as it marks the first anniversary of Akira Toriyama’s death on March 1, 2024.
Given Toriyama’s pivotal role in the Dragon Ball franchise, this timing was perceived by fans as a poignant tribute, enhancing the emotional weight of the finale.
The Finale: A Touching End
The finale, titled “Zenkai,” aired on February 28, 2025, and concluded at 12:08 AM on March 1, 2025, in Japan. This timing, aligning with the anniversary of Toriyama’s death, was not officially stated as intentional by the production team, but fans interpreted it as a symbolic gesture.
The alignment of the finale with Toriyama’s death anniversary added a layer of meaning, reinforcing the series as a love letter to his work.
Fans perceived it as an acknowledgment of his role in making anime mainstream, with comments emphasizing his influence on their lives and the industry. The series’ success, loved by both old and new fans, underscores Toriyama’s enduring legacy, ensuring his contributions continue to inspire future generations.
The episode’s broadcast spanned the transition from February 28 to March 1, making it a fitting moment to reflect on Toriyama’s legacy. The series, while set prior to “Dragon Ball Super,” explored new territories, and its conclusion left fans speculating about potential future seasons, though the focus remained on the current emotional impact.
