For many fans, the passing of Akira Toriyama back in October 2024 still feels fresh. It was a meaningful gesture for the Harvey Awards to induct Toriyama into the comic Hall of Fame later that month.
Over the course of his lifetime, Toriyama has been referred to as “The Father of Shonen Anime,” especially due to him creating the Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z series. Needless to say, many would believe that his home and studio would be seen as a locale of historic importance for Japan, but this is apparently not the case.
However, it would seem that the studio in which Toriyama worked on his creations has since been demolished as confirmed by the mayor of the city of Kiyosu. Former Dragon Ball editor Kazuhiko Torishima expressed his sadness over this.
“The place I visited once a month… The place where so many characters and works were born is disappearing,” apparently said Torishima. “So he’s really gone…”
Of course, many fans feel as though Toriyama’s Bird Studio should’ve been preserved for its historic significance. Many seem to be upset by this, but there isn’t a clear answer as to why the location was demolished in the first place.
Speculation seems to suggest that the decision to destroy the building was due to Japan’s high inheritance tax. This is said to be upwards of 55% of a property’s value.
Check it all out below:
The home and studio of Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball, have been demolished.
This was confirmed by the mayor of the city of Kiyosu.
Credit – @CartoonsOTMoon https://t.co/UDFnqf2yw7— Cartoon Vibes (@cartoonvibes26) October 30, 2026
Former ‘DRAGON BALL’ editor Kazuhiko Torishima expresses sorrow over the demolition of Bird Studio, reflecting on Akira Toriyama:
“The place I visited once a month…
The place where so many characters and works were born is disappearing.
So he’s really gone…” https://t.co/IV9t5g5r2y— Anime Updates (@animeupdates) October 30, 2026
