More than four decades after its debut, no one can deny that Dragon Ball remains one of the most successful and influential anime franchises ever. Generations of fans around the world first encountered anime through the adventures of Goku.
Dragon Ball DAIMA is the final anime adaptation that Akira Toriyama directly worked on before his passing on March 1, 2024. He left fans with a last surprise: a brand-new Super Saiyan 4 form for Goku. Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, a veteran animator and character designer for the franchise, confirmed that Toriyama himself created this new form for Dragon Ball DAIMA.
This revelation not only strengthens the connection between Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball DAIMA but also deepens the nostalgia for longtime fans. It proves that Dragon Ball began with Akira Toriyama, and although the franchise continues, his creative influence will always remain. His personal design of the Super Saiyan 4 form cements the legacy he built over 40 years.
Akira Toriyama’s Vision Lives On Through Goku’s Super Saiyan 4
Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru has been a key animator and character designer for many Dragon Ball anime adaptations. From Dragon Ball Z to DAIMA, he has played a major role in shaping the franchise’s legacy alongside Toriyama. He is even known for having an animation style closest to Toriyama’s own drawing.
In an interview with DBTimes, Nakatsuru was asked about the new character designs and whether he created Goku’s new Super Saiyan 4 form.
He replied, “No, this time in DAIMA, Toriyama-sensei himself designed the Super Saiyan 4. He created it to be DAIMA’s unique version of Super Saiyan 4.”
The Super Saiyan 4 form was first introduced in Dragon Ball GT and has never officially returned since. However, the DAIMA version looks quite different. While Goku kept his black hair in GT, in DAIMA he sports a striking reddish-pink hair color. Since Nakatsuru previously animated the original form, Toriyama personally reviewing and adding his touch was a major surprise.
Dragon Ball GT and Dragon Ball DAIMA share some similarities but differ in style and tone. Reimagining Super Saiyan 4 allowed the form to make a lasting impact and fulfill Toriyama’s final vision.
Dragon Ball DAIMA: Toriyama’s Final Gift
Dragon Ball DAIMA premiered worldwide at the Dragon Ball Daimatsuri event, celebrating 40 years of the franchise.
Beyond redesigning Super Saiyan 4, Toriyama was deeply involved in the story, world-building, new characters, and everything else. He ensured this anime series was perfect, delivering something fresh while staying connected to the original story.
The series captures the classic Dragon Ball energy fans have long desired. New concepts open up many possibilities and stand as the author’s final mark. Although DAIMA won’t be the last Dragon Ball series, it serves as a sweet farewell to the classic era and Toriyama’s creative influence. Now, the responsibility to lead Dragon Ball’s new era belongs to Toyotarou.