The question on everyone’s mind is, who owns Dragon Ball now, after the passing of its legendary creator, Akira Toriyama, on March 1, 2024? The answer is unclear as the rights to Dragon Ball are now the subject of a heated legal battle between Shueisha, Bandai Namco, and Akio Iyoku. This unresolved dispute has left the future of the Dragon Ball franchise in limbo, as negotiations between key stakeholders have stalled.
With Akira Toriyama’s death, the question of who owns Dragon Ball has gained significant attention in the anime and manga industry. According to a detailed report from Toyo Keizai Online, no agreement has been reached yet over the intellectual property (IP) rights of the globally beloved franchise.
Akio Iyoku’s Role in the Dragon Ball Universe
In 2016, Akio Iyoku was appointed to head the Dragon Ball Room, a department created within Shueisha to manage all things related to the Dragon Ball franchise. Iyoku had previously served as the editor-in-chief of V Jump magazine, where he worked closely with Toriyama on major projects, including the expansion of the Dragon Ball universe with films, games, and new storylines.
However, in 2022, Iyoku was unexpectedly removed from the Dragon Ball Room, a decision that reportedly displeased Toriyama. Following his transfer to a different department within Shueisha, Iyoku left the company in 2023, taking several of his subordinates with him. In May 2023, Iyoku founded Capsule Corporation Tokyo, a company named after the iconic organization in the Dragon Ball series. His new venture focuses on the development and distribution of intellectual property (IP) from various creators, including those closely tied to Toriyama’s work.
Shueisha’s Concerns and Legal Challenges
With Iyoku’s departure, Shueisha became increasingly concerned about its control over the Dragon Ball rights. According to Toyo Keizai, Toriyama was not pleased with Iyoku’s removal from the Dragon Ball Room, which put Shueisha’s hold on the franchise at risk. In an attempt to secure the rights, Shueisha chairperson Marue Horiuchi reportedly visited Toriyama at his home in Aichi Prefecture, hoping to come to an agreement. Unfortunately, no deal was reached before Toriyama’s passing.
Shueisha had been managing the publishing rights to the Dragon Ball manga for decades, and the possibility of losing control over this valuable IP has caused significant tension within the company. This uncertainty is compounded by the legal complications arising after Toriyama’s death, as there is no definitive agreement in place over the future of the franchise.
Bandai Namco’s Involvement
Bandai Namco, which has produced numerous successful Dragon Ball games, including the hit Dragon Ball Z Dokkan Battle, is another key player in the ongoing dispute. The company has heavily invested in the Dragon Ball franchise, and its executives are seeking clarity on who holds the rights to continue developing and distributing Dragon Ball-related games.
Bandai Namco arranged a meeting between Shueisha and Iyoku, who was speaking on behalf of Toriyama’s estate, in an attempt to settle the matter. However, with Toriyama’s sudden passing in March, the talks broke down, and the future of Dragon Ball has remained unresolved ever since.
Capsule Corporation Tokyo and Akio Iyoku’s New Role
Iyoku’s new company, Capsule Corporation Tokyo, has emerged as a potential future guardian of the Dragon Ball franchise. With his close ties to Toriyama and deep involvement in managing Dragon Ball projects for years, Iyoku’s new venture is seen as a possible contender for handling the rights.
However, Shueisha, which has managed Dragon Ball’s manga since its inception, is unlikely to relinquish its stake without a fight. The situation remains tense, with negotiations continuing between all parties involved.
The Future of Dragon Ball
Despite the ongoing legal battle over the rights to the Dragon Ball franchise, fans have something to look forward to. The latest installment in the Dragon Ball universe, Dragon Ball Daima, is scheduled to premiere on Fuji TV on October 11, 2024. The series has generated excitement among long-time fans, though the unresolved rights issues cast a shadow over future developments.
As industry insiders and executives continue to negotiate, the Dragon Ball franchise remains at a crossroads. Whether Shueisha, Bandai Namco, or Capsule Corporation Tokyo will ultimately secure control of the franchise remains to be seen. For now, the future of Dragon Ball is uncertain, and fans around the world are left wondering what lies ahead for one of the most iconic anime and manga series ever created.
Are you a fan of the Dragon Ball series? What do you think should happen with the rights to the franchise? Join the conversation in the comments below and let us know your thoughts on who should own Dragon Ball after Akira Toriyama’s passing. Stay tuned to Otaku Nadu for the latest updates on Dragon Ball, including news about the ongoing legal battles, upcoming anime releases like Dragon Ball Daima, and exclusive merch from our Kawaee Store. Don’t miss out—follow us and subscribe for the latest anime news and insights!
