Akira Toriyama Spots in Japan

**Akira Toriyama** was a legendary Japanese manga artist, best known for creating *Dragon Ball* and *Dr. Slump*. With his instantly recognizable art style, mechanical precision, and playful humor, he captured the hearts of readers across generations and continents.

Toriyama’s works combine laughter, adventure, and warmth. *Dr. Slump* overflowed with absurd humor and charm, while *Dragon Ball* embodied the spirit of growth, friendship, and thrilling battles. His creativity extended beyond manga into anime, games, and films, shaping global pop culture.

With his unique sense of design and joyful storytelling, Akira Toriyama remains an enduring symbol of imagination—a true master of humor and adventure.

[SPOTS]

Tenmen Tabou Aiueo

Yamasho Kiyosu Store

Bird Studio

Toei Animation Museum

Nobunaga Ramen

Tenmen Tabou Aiueo

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もっちぃ(@skmtysio)がシェアした投稿

Tenmentabo AIUEO, located near Hirabari Station in Tenpaku, Nagoya, is more than just a restaurant—it’s a pilgrimage site for fans of manga legend Akira Toriyama.

The story goes that Toriyama once visited the restaurant, tried their spaghetti peperoncino, and loved it so much that he drew illustrations of Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball characters right on the spot as a thank-you gift. Those original autographs and drawings are still displayed on the restaurant walls today, attracting fans from across Japan.

AIUEO is famous for its large portions, especially its flavorful peperoncino pasta, packed with garlic aroma and olive oil. The menu also offers Japanese-style dishes, pizza, and hearty set meals in a cozy, family-friendly setting.

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Yamasho Kiyosu Store

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Tadashi.Hara(@kitkat400r)がシェアした投稿

Located in Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture, Yamasho Kiyosu is a beloved local restaurant where visitors can enjoy both sushi and tonkatsu in a cozy Japanese atmosphere. Known for its crispy cutlets and fresh seafood, it’s a popular spot among locals.

What makes this restaurant especially noteworthy is its connection to Akira Toriyama, the legendary creator of Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. Situated near his family home, the restaurant proudly displays an autograph board featuring Arale-chan, drawn and signed by Toriyama himself. The cheerful illustration brings a warm smile to guests as they dine, making the restaurant a small but meaningful pilgrimage site for fans.

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Bird Studio

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二村将樹(@nimo7535)がシェアした投稿

Bird Studio was the private creative workspace of legendary manga artist Akira Toriyama, where he produced timeless works such as Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball. Every line, character, and world that shaped generations of readers began in this very studio.

The name “Bird Studio” comes from Toriyama’s own surname—“鳥 (tori),” meaning “bird.” It appeared in the credits of his works as ©Bird Studio/Shueisha, becoming an iconic mark of quality and imagination. Though modest in size, the studio was known for its precision, efficiency, and Toriyama’s personal touch in every detail of design and storytelling.

Sadly, Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1, 2024, leaving fans around the world in deep sorrow. The future of Bird Studio remains uncertain, but its spirit continues to live on through the laughter of Arale and the adventures of Goku—a legacy born from one artist’s extraordinary creativity.

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Toei Animation Museum

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K@Z(@kazu_wonderful)がシェアした投稿

The Toei Animation Museum, located in Nerima, Tokyo, is a museum dedicated to showcasing the history and works of Toei Animation, one of Japan’s most iconic animation studios. Visitors can explore exhibits and videos that celebrate decades of beloved anime creations.

For fans of Akira Toriyama, the museum holds special significance. Inside, you’ll find displays featuring popular characters from Dr. Slump and impressive panels from Dragon Ball, bringing Toriyama’s colorful world to life. From Arale’s playful smile to Goku’s dynamic poses, the exhibits capture the joy and energy that define his art.

With hands-on activities and rotating exhibitions, the Toei Animation Museum is a must-visit for anime lovers of all ages—a place where the legacy of Toriyama and the history of Toei Animation come together in perfect harmony.

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Nobunaga Ramen

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EOSH2014(@eosh2014)がシェアした投稿

Nobunaga Ramen Kiyosu Main Store is a ramen restaurant located in Kiyosu City, Aichi Prefecture, about a 5-minute walk from Owari Hoshinomiya Station on the Johoku Line. The restaurant specializes in ramen and accepts reservations. Business hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, closing when sold out, and it is open year-round (except during the New Year holidays).

The shop is especially famous for its “Red Ramen,” which looks very spicy because of its red appearance, but is known for having a mild heat with a rich umami flavor.

It is also well-known as a ramen shop frequented by Akira Toriyama.

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