Bulma has long been the most beloved female character in Dragon Ball, and there’s a deep reason why: she perfectly fits the ideal woman Akira Toriyama revealed in a 1987 interview.
The creator shared: “I’m quite impatient, so I can’t stand people who just dawdle. Attractive women who are efficient are wonderful.” It’s Bulma’s intelligence, efficiency, and charm that made her Toriyama’s favorite character.
From various plot points to her role in the main story, many moments in Dragon Ball clearly show Bulma as Toriyama’s favorite female character because she embodies nearly every quality he sought.
Bulma perfectly matches Toriyama’s preferences for women
Even after his passing, looking back on Toriyama’s life reveals much about how he shaped his ideas. The whole story of Bulma is surprisingly nuanced.
Bulma is smart, sharp, and incredibly efficient. She invented the Dragon Radar, a device that drives the entire Dragon Ball story forward. Moreover, she never hesitates to speak her mind, even when facing powerful figures like Beerus or Vegeta. That boldness is the essence of Bulma and perfectly fits Toriyama’s taste.
Even her style and fashion evolve through each story arc, reflecting her confidence and independence. It’s clear Toriyama enjoyed shaping her into a standout character, and it all feels very natural. This makes it seem like Toriyama truly wrote Bulma based on his ideal woman.
Toriyama’s shocking joke
In that same interview, when asked if he would ever cheat on his wife, Toriyama joked that he might consider it if he knew he wouldn’t get caught. He said: “But if I knew I wouldn’t be found out, I’d want to try a little.” Coming from the creator of Dragon Ball, this was quite a surprising statement.
Imagining that scenario with someone like Bulma adds even more drama. If Bulma existed in real life with her confidence, intelligence, and boldness, one could imagine Toriyama acting on his words. Still, Toriyama always showed sincere respect and admiration for his wife, making this idea at odds with his real life.