Since its first publication in 1984, the franchise “dragon ball”has been one of the most lucrative and popular names in the global entertainment industry. With multiple anime adaptations, blockbuster films, and successful video games, Akira Toriyama's creation continues to be an unstoppable force, generating huge revenues. However, the franchise has faced recent challenges due to the death of Akira Toriyama in March 2024, resulting in uncertainty surrounding the future of the series' rights and a series of internal disputes among the main stakeholders in the management of the “Dragon Ball” legacy.

The impact of Toriyama's death and Akio Iyoku's departure

One of the major problems arose in May 2023, when Akio Iyoku, former director of Shueisha's "Dragon Ball Room", decided to go independent and founded his own company, Capsule Corporation Tokyo, along with several subordinates. This company, whose name is inspired by a fictional organization from the “Dragon Ball” universe, was created with the aim of managing creative activities and administering intellectual property rights, a move that generated controversy in the sector.

Iyoku, who had worked closely with Toriyama since his appointment in 2016, was transferred in 2022 to a new department at Shueisha, causing his discontent. During his tenure, he was criticized for his condescending attitude toward animation studios and television networks, as well as for not following proper procedures in approving projects, such as the film “SAND LAND,” without the consent of his superiors. These conflicts, along with his transfer, led Iyoku to sever his relationship with Shueisha and form his own company.

Disputes over “Dragon Ball” rights

With Iyoku's departure and Toriyama's death, the rights to “Dragon Ball” are in an uncertain situation. Shueisha, which manages the manga rights, Bandai Namco, which is responsible for the franchise’s hit video games, and Iyoku, who served as Toriyama’s spokesman, have been involved in complex negotiations to determine the future of the “Dragon Ball” legacy. According to a report by Toyo Keizai, Iyoku's departure and lack of clear leadership have created tensions within the industry, with Shueisha even fearing losing the rights to the work due to the dissatisfaction Toriyama has shown following Iyoku's transfer in 2022.

Despite efforts to resolve the conflict, including a personal visit by Shueisha president Marue Horiuchi to Toriyama's residence in Aichi Prefecture, no agreement was reached, leaving the future of the franchise in doubt. Meetings between representatives of Shueisha and Iyoku, which were initially attended by Toriyama himself, continued after his death, but the disputes have yet to be resolved.

The future of the franchise: unknowns and expectations

With the death of its creator and internal disputes over rights, the future of “Dragon Ball” is at a crossroads. Bandai Namco, which has made huge profits from the franchise's video games, is seeking clarity on who will retain the intellectual property rights, while industry executives look to Toriyama's family as a possible solution to define the way forward.

Despite these difficulties, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The next anime in the series, titled “Dragon Ball Daima,” is scheduled to premiere in October 2024 on Fuji TV’s new late-night programming block. Expectations for this new project remain high, although the backdrop of legal disputes and the absence of its creator may affect the future creative direction.

In the meantime, the question remains: who will take the reins of “Dragon Ball” and ensure that the legacy of this iconic franchise continues to thrive for years to come? What is clear is that, despite the conflicts, “Dragon Ball” remains one of the most valuable properties in world entertainment, and both fans and those involved in its production will be paying close attention to the decisions made in the coming months.

Source: Toyo Keizai