The anime industry is mourning the loss of one of its most prolific talents, Yoichi Onishi, a veteran animator whose contributions to series like Dragon Ball Super, Saint Seiya, and Digimon Adventure left an indelible mark on the medium. News of his passing was revealed by his close friend and fellow animator Eisaku Inoue, known for his work on One Piece and Dragon Ball Z. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Inoue shared his regret of not spending more time with Onishi before his passing.
Dragon Ball remains one of the most popular franchises in the crowded anime and manga markets. Akira Toriyama’s tale of Goku and the Z-Fighters became a worldwide hit in the late ’90s thanks to its inclusion in Cartoon Network’s Toonami programming block. With the increased profile of, and demand for, Dragon Ball, working on the series could propel the career of an artist, writer, or voice actor to new heights, and that was certainly the case with Onishi.
The World Mourns the Passing of Yoichi Onishi
A Master of Animation and Visual Storytelling Behind Anime’s Most Iconic Franchises
Onishi’s connection to the Dragon Ball franchise dates back well before Dragon Ball Super. He first entered the world of the Z-Fighters through the feature-length movie The Path to Power, which reimagined the early adventures of Goku. His talent as a key animator continued to shine in several iconic films, including:
Dragon Ball Z: The Return of Cooler
Dragon Ball Z: Super Android 13
Dragon Ball Z: Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan
Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
These films showcased Onishi’s ability to balance high-octane action with emotional storytelling, hallmarks of the Dragon Ball franchise.
The Dragon Ball franchise has encompassed over 30 years of adventures for Goku and the Z-Warriors. Here's how old the character is in every saga.
Onishi's work on Dragon Ball Super began with episode #49, “A Message From the Future: The Incursion of Goku Black!” during the "Goku Black Saga", a pivotal storyline that elevated the Super series' popularity and global appeal. Onishi’s ability to bring dynamic battles and heartfelt moments to life on screen played a crucial role in solidifying the sequel series as a cornerstone of modern anime. But his career spanned decades and Dragon Ball is only one of the iconic franchises he worked on.
Onishi Leaves Behind a Legacy That Will Endure
The Anime Legend’s Body of Work Includes Much More than Dragon Ball
Onishi’s talents extended far beyond Dragon Ball. His extensive resume includes work on beloved series such as Assassination Classroom, A Certain Scientific Railgun, Saint Seiya, Edens Zero, and World Trigger. Notably, Onishi contributed to the original Digimon Adventure, where he helped shape a new, unseen vision of what a digital world could be. With decades of experience, he brought a distinct energy and fluidity to every project he touched, earning the respect and admiration of his peers in the anime industry.
As news of Onishi’s passing spread, fans and colleagues have been quick to honor his legacy. Tributes have poured in from around the world, highlighting not only his technical expertise but also his passion for storytelling. His ability to capture the essence of each character and bring their struggles and triumphs to life remains an inspiration for animators everywhere. Eisaku Inoue’s tribute, though brief, encapsulates the shared sense of loss within the anime community. It serves as a reminder of the friendships and collaborations that fuel the creative process behind beloved series like Dragon Ball.
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku's never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
Created by
Akira Toriyama
First Film
Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
Latest TV Show
Super Dragon Ball Heroes
First Episode Air Date
April 26, 1989
Latest Episode
2019-10-05
Cast
Sean Schemmel
, Laura Bailey
, Brian Drummond
, Christopher Sabat
, Scott McNeil
Summary
From the creative mind of Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball is a mega multimedia franchise that spans back to the 1980s. Dragon Ball expanded quickly, starting as a serialized manga for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan. It made its way overseas via manga and an anime adaptation that is enjoyed worldwide. Dragon Ball was the initial starting animated series that followed the adventures of the young Son Goku as he sought after the Dragon Balls. These mystical orbs would grant the wish of any who gathered them together. Then, the series would branch off into the immensely popular Dragon Ball Z, which followed Goku as an adult and featured high-intensity battles and Goku's never-ending search to be the strongest. The series has also enjoyed several popular video game adaptations and continues to release several new animated series and theatrical films up to the recent popular Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.
English (US) ·