When it comes to the most iconic shonen manga, Akira Toriyama’s masterpiece Dragon Ball always stands out in fans’ minds. While it may not be the best-selling manga like One Piece, Dragon Ball has transformed the manga industry in many ways and continues to have a huge impact even after the tragic passing of its creator.
Last year, Dragon Ball faced many challenges following Akira Toriyama’s death, including an indefinite pause of the manga and delays in several projects. However, now there is confirmed news: Dragon Ball will make a spectacular return in 2026.
Dragon Ball’s Big Return in 2026
While 2025 is expected to be a relatively quiet year for Dragon Ball, 2026 promises to be an exciting and lively year for the pioneer of shonen manga. Several major projects are ready to be announced.
The most anticipated event is Dragon Ball GENKIDAIMATSURI, scheduled for January 26, 2026. This event is set to be a major milestone for the series and will showcase the launch of several large-scale projects.
First, there are strong rumors that a new Dragon Ball video game will be revealed. Dragon Ball games rarely disappoint fans, and the community is eagerly awaiting to see what innovations the new title will bring.
Beyond the game announcement, the GENKIDAIMATSURI event is also expected to unveil two other major projects. Details remain under wraps, but many speculate these could include new animated content, possibly a brand-new Dragon Ball series, a new season of Daima, or even a blockbuster Dragon Ball movie.
Star-Studded Guest Lineup
To add weight to the announcements, Dragon Ball GENKIDAIMATSURI will feature many important guests, including Masako Nozawa, the legendary voice actress of Goku, and Akio Iyoku, a key figure involved in the Dragon Ball anime series.
The presence of these high-profile anime contributors strengthens fans’ belief that the upcoming announcements will be closely tied to the anime. Additionally, fans will enjoy a live performance by singer Kageyama, known for performing iconic Dragon Ball theme songs.
Speaking on Dragon Ball’s influence, One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda once expressed deep respect for Akira Toriyama:
“Toriyama-sensei’s existence means more to me than anything else… In terms of art, his influence is the greatest. The reason I entered the Shonen Jump new artist contest was simply because I wanted to reach the place where Akira Toriyama once was…”
The DB GENKIDAIMATSURI event is set for January 26, 2026, running from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST). Fans worldwide should keep a close eye on this event to be among the first to learn all the exciting news about Dragon Ball’s promising return.