Image: from IGN X@IGN
By Open Chronicle Culture Desk
TOKYO — The global phenomenon Dragon Ball has officially reached its 40th anniversary, and the celebration comes with a major announcement for fans worldwide. Marking four decades since the manga first debuted in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1984, Toei Animation and Shueisha have revealed a new commemorative project aimed at honoring the late creator Akira Toriyama.
The milestone follows the recent release of Dragon Ball Daima, but the 40th-anniversary festivities promise to go even further. According to reports, the upcoming project—rumored to be a special theatrical event or a high-budget limited animation—will focus on the “origins” of the franchise, potentially exploring untold stories from the early days of Goku’s journey or the history of the Saiyan race.
Akira Toriyama manga art comes to life as an animation and scored by Hans Zimmer for the Dragon Ball 40th anniversary! pic.twitter.com/6ZBhDGxGiM
— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) January 25, 2026
40 Years of Impact
Since its inception, Dragon Ball has grown from a martial arts adventure inspired by “Journey to the West” into a multi-billion dollar empire encompassing:
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Manga: Over 260 million copies sold globally.
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Anime: Multiple series (Dragon Ball, Z, GT, Super, Daima) translated into dozens of languages.
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Video Games: Hits like Dragon Ball Sparking! ZERO continue to dominate sales charts.
What’s Next?
While specific details of the new project are being kept under wraps for a full reveal at the upcoming “Dragon Ball Battle Hour,” official sources confirmed that the work will incorporate unused sketches and concepts left behind by Toriyama. This move is seen as a final tribute to the legendary mangaka, ensuring his vision continues to guide the series into its fifth decade.
In addition to the new animation, fans can expect a massive global tour featuring orchestral concerts, pop-up stores, and exclusive merchandise releases starting in the spring of 2026.
“Dragon Ball is more than just a story; it’s a shared language across generations,” a spokesperson for Shueisha stated. “As we look toward the future, we return to the heart of what made Goku a hero for millions.”