Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot developer CyberConnect2 halts business in mourning for Akira Toriyama  

On March 8, it was reported that Akira Toriyama, one of Japan’s most prolific manga artists, has died at the age of 68. As news of his passing spread, Toriyama’s numerous admirers, friends and colleagues from the industry expressed grief at his sudden death. Hiroshi Matsuyama, the CEO of Japanese game developer Cyber Connect2,  suddenly announced that the company will be temporary closing in mourning, encouraging his employees to return home for the day. 

Post translation:

To Whom it May Concern, 

The news of Mr. Akira Toriyama’s death was a shock to me, but since I always try to live my life by the motto “no despairing allowed,” I decided to try to turn the sadness into strength and channel it into creative work. However, it was impossible. 

Just now, in the middle of a meeting with another team, I started crying, and we were unable to resume the meeting. (I’m so sorry.) 

As we are a game company that has been entrusted with the “Dragon Ball” series, CyberConnect2 will temporarily close its doors in mourning. 

To all our staff, please go home. Take the time to be sad during sad times. 

Let’s try our best again on Monday. 

I will take care of whatever tasks I can accomplish on my own. 
 
CyberConnect2 is temporarily closed today in mourning. We sincerely pray for the repose of Mr. Akira Toriyama’s soul. 

Matsuyama’s very personal address to the public and CyberConnect2’s employees mentions the company’s ties with Toriyama’s widely acclaimed Dragon Ball Series. CyberConnect2 developed the 2020 action RPG Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, which is based on the Dragon Ball anime and manga and features the series’ beloved protagonist Son Goku. 

The CEO’s decision to honor Akira Toriyama’s death in this way has been met with warm reactions from Japanese users on social media.