The legendary manga and anime series "Dragon Ball" celebrates the 40th anniversary of its television debut, which took place on February 26, 1986. To mark the occasion, the Japanese TV station Fuji TV has prepared a special 40-minute episode that blends the original story of Goku and Bulma with new animation. This is the first major project since the death of its creator, Akira Toriyama. Simultaneously, the brand announces the continuation of the popular series "Dragon Ball Super." The anniversary highlights the franchise's enduring popularity, which has shaped global pop culture for decades and remains one of Japan's most important cultural exports.

40th Anniversary of TV Debut

Exactly on February 26, 1986, the "Dragon Ball" anime series was first broadcast on Japanese television station Fuji TV, launching a global phenomenon. This anniversary is the starting point for the celebratory events and reflections on the series' impact.

Anniversary Special Episode

Fuji TV will broadcast a special 40-minute episode titled "Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special." It blends archival fragments of the original 1986 story, featuring the meeting of Goku and Bulma, with new animation to create a new whole.

Continuation of Dragon Ball Super Series

Beyond the retrospective, the franchise's future looks bright. The creation of a new film and anime series within the "Dragon Ball Super" series has been announced, indicating a strategic decision to continue developing the universe after Toriyama's death.

Legacy of Akira Toriyama

The celebrations have a particularly nostalgic tone following the death of manga creator Akira Toriyama in March 2024. The production of the anniversary episode and new projects is being done with respect for his vision, and fans are paying tribute to him.

Cultural and Economic Phenomenon

Over 40 years, "Dragon Ball" has become a global cultural phenomenon, generating billions of dollars in revenue from manga, anime, games, and numerous products. The series has shaped entire generations of viewers worldwide and remains an icon of Japanese pop culture.

The Japanese franchise "Dragon Ball" celebrates the 40th anniversary of its television premiere this week. On February 26, 1986, the Fuji TV station first aired an episode of the animated adaptation of Akira Toriyama's manga, beginning a story that would dominate global pop culture for decades. To mark the occasion, the broadcaster has prepared a special program designed to blend nostalgia with novelty.

The manga "Dragon Ball" by Akira Toriyama was serialized in the Japanese weekly "Shonen Jump" starting in 1984. Its anime adaptation, which began airing two years later, contributed to the global explosion in popularity of Japanese animation, known as anime, and became one of the cornerstones of the so-called "Cool Japan" strategy—the promotion of Japan's soft power through popular culture.

The main anniversary event will be a 40-minute special episode titled "Dragon Ball 40th Anniversary Special." Its broadcast is scheduled for Fuji TV. The program is retrospective and nostalgic in nature, combining restored fragments of the first episode from 1986—featuring the legendary meeting of young Goku and Bulma—with completely new animation sequences. This project is seen as a tribute to the series' roots and a way to attract both older fans and a new generation of viewers.

The celebrations have a particularly bittersweet character due to the death of creator Akira Toriyama in March 2024. His passing has made this anniversary a moment of reflection on the immense legacy he left behind. The production of the special episode and the announced continuation plans are being carried out in a spirit of respect for his original vision and the world he created. Fans worldwide are using the anniversary to express their appreciation for Toriyama and his work.

Meanwhile, the franchise is not resting on its laurels and is actively planning its future. The development of new projects within the ongoing series "Dragon Ball Super," which is a direct continuation of the manga's events, has been announced. Plans include both a new feature film and another TV series. This decision shows that despite the death of its founding father, the "Dragon Ball" brand has strategic plans to maintain its position as one of the world's most important and profitable entertainment franchises.

„This special is a love letter to the fans who have grown up with Goku and to the legacy of Akira Toriyama-sensei. We are bridging the original adventure with new animation to celebrate these incredible 40 years.” — Fuji TV spokesperson

The impact of "Dragon Ball" on global pop culture is hard to overstate. The series, which blended science fiction with mythology and intense battles, defined the aesthetic and narrative for the entire shonen anime genre. Its characters, such as Goku, Vegeta, and Frieza, have become icons recognized far beyond Japan's borders. Economically, the franchise has generated billions of dollars in revenue from manga sales, TV broadcasts, video game licenses, toys, and countless merchandising products. Therefore, Dragon Ball's 40th birthday is a celebration not only for fans but also for the entire entertainment industry, which has benefited from this phenomenon for decades.

Mentioned People

  • Akira Toriyama — The late creator of the "Dragon Ball" manga and anime.