While Dragon Ball Daima is a fresh entry into the franchise, it also serves as a tribute to its rich history. With series creator, Akira Toriyama having returned to oversee the story and character designs during production, Daima has generated significant buzz with its blend of nostalgia and innovation. In a recent interview, Daima Producer Akio Iyoku details the delicate balance between honoring the late Toriyama’s original vision and crafting a compelling new adventure.

Since its debut nearly 40 years ago, Dragon Ball remains one of the most influential and beloved anime franchises worldwide. Toriyama’s series continuously evolves, introducing new storylines, characters, and even animation styles. The latest series, Daima, follows Goku and his friends after they are mysteriously transformed into smaller versions of themselves and set off on an adventure in the Great Demon Realm. Akio, Daima’s executive producer, shares insights into the making of the series, providing a deeper understanding of the creative process behind this highly acclaimed anime.

Dragon Ball Daima Producer Discusses the Series' Development

Iyoku Details Finding the Right Balance Between Akira Toriyama's Original Vision and the Final Product

Initially, Toriyama was asked to provide minimal input on the project, but as development progressed, he became increasingly enthusiastic. This energy snowballed, and Toriyama eventually contributed much more than anticipated. This led to Dragon Ball Daima, a series that harkens back to Goku’s early adventures while expanding the franchise’s lore in bold directions.

"About six years ago, when I was making Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, I began wanting to do a new project that was different from the movie... I thought about having [Akira Toriyama] check it out for a while but didn't want to burden Sensei... I pitched it, and as I proceeded, Sensei was very enthusiastic. The anime is different from my original plan, but after working with Sensei, we made the most of it.” - Akio Iyoku, Mantan-web

Iyoku also emphasizes the importance of making Daima accessible to multiple generations. With Dragon Ball spanning decades, many current fans are parents who grew up watching Dragon Ball GT or Dragon Ball Z. As a result, Daima was designed to appeal to both longtime viewers. Remarkably, work on the anime commenced before the entire story was finalized, leading to an experience the producer likens to a serialized manga, where plot elements evolved dynamically during production.

Dragon Ball Daima Continues to Surprise and Delight

The Latest Dragon Ball Series Honors the Past While Charting New Territory

One of the most exciting aspects of Daima is its setting in the Great Demon Realm, a previously unexplored territory in the Dragon Ball universe. According to Iyoku, Toriyama played a crucial role in shaping this new world, coming up with ideas for its inhabitants and design. Given the anime’s extended format compared to a movie, the production team had to pace the storytelling carefully, ensuring it retained the exhilarating twists and turns that define Dragon Ball. Instead of constantly chasing after stronger transformations, Daima leans into creative combat choreography, showcasing Goku’s agility and technique rather than sheer brute force.

Looking ahead, Dragon Ball Daima is set to conclude its 20-episode run on February 28, 2025. Iyoku teases that the climax will be packed with thrilling action sequences, surprising twists, and satisfying character moments. He assures viewers that some plot developments will completely defy expectations and keep the audience on edge until the very end. With its worldwide release and growing global audience, four decades on, Dragon Ball continues to cement its legacy as one of the most enduring and influential anime series of all time.