The building where Dragon Ball was born appears to be coming down. Akira Toriyama’s Bird Studio, the home and workplace in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, where the late manga artist drew Dr. Slump and Dragon Ball, is being prepared for demolition, according to photos shared online, as reported by Anime Hunch.
Images posted on Oct. 25 show work at the site along with a road occupancy permit issued by Kiyosu City. The document refers to scaffolding being installed for “Toriyama Bird Studio demolition work.” It was issued on Oct. 19 and covers a period from Oct. 21 to Nov. 20, 2026. Further photos posted on Oct. 30 show scaffolding and protective sheeting around the distinctive yellow building.
Neither Toriyama’s family nor Bird Studio has made any announcement, and no reason has been given. Some people online have speculated that inheritance tax on the property may have played a part, but that has not been confirmed.
People who worked with Toriyama reacted with sadness. Chikashi Kubota, chief animation director on Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, wrote that “it’s far too soon for Toriyama-sensei’s home to be demolished. This is heartbreaking,” according to ComicBook.com. Kazuhiko Torishima, Toriyama’s former editor, wrote: “The place I visited once a month… The place where so many characters and works were born is disappearing. So he’s really gone…”
Toriyama established Bird Studio in 1983 after the success of Dr. Slump, and he is said to have designed the building himself. It remained his base for decades, through Dragon Ball, his video game character designs for Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger, and later work including Sand Land. Toriyama died in March 2024 at the age of 68.
For fans, the building has long been a pilgrimage spot. In Japan, some fans are now urging others not to visit the site during the work, out of respect for Toriyama’s family and the neighbors living nearby.
The news lands during a difficult season for manga, which recently lost Tetsuya Chiba, the creator of Ashita no Joe, at 87. Dragon Ball itself continues, with new anime and games still in production.
