The anime world was left stunned after Kazuhiko Torishima, former editor of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, harshly criticized Toriyama’s final work, Dragon Ball Daima.
In a recent interview, Torishima bluntly described the series as “a trash anime,” sparking heated debate among fans. According to fan translator @sandman\ AP on X, Torishima stated: “It would have been better to produce a story centered on Vegeta rather than Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball Daima is a trash anime.”
Akira Toriyama’s final work, Dragon Ball Daima, ended around the first anniversary of his death in February this year. Toriyama had personally contributed to the story concept and character designs, making it a deeply sentimental project for fans. The story was set six months after the Buu Saga, featuring a new villain, Gomah, who used the Dragon Balls to de-age Goku and his allies before abducting Dende.
Despite its popularity, Daima faced mixed reviews. While many praised its reintroduction of Super Saiyan 4 and fresh take on Super Saiyan 3, others felt the storyline was uneven. Torishima’s blunt critique has now amplified the controversy.
This is not the first time Torishima has stirred debate. Known for his outspoken views, he has previously criticized other major titles including One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Demon Slayer. Still, calling Toriyama’s final anime “trash” shocked many, given his close history with the legendary mangaka.
With Dragon Ball Daima concluding and its after-credit scene teasing an unresolved adventure, the franchise’s future remains uncertain. Dragon Ball Super has been on hiatus for over seven years, and the manga now under Toyotaru’s direction has been paused indefinitely since Toriyama’s death.
Fans now find themselves torn between respecting Toriyama’s last creative vision and grappling with Torishima’s controversial comments.
Sources: GameK
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