'Dragon Ball Daima' is the ultimate celebration of the Dragon Ball franchise. It wasn't meant to be that; at the time it was envisioned it was simply the next project… Until Akira Toriyama passed away unexpectedly. With its original creator as the master of ceremonies by writing the story, designing the characters, and supervising the scripts — what would become the last project he ever worked on — this new show feels like a massive celebration for all Dragon Ball fans.
'Daima' started in 2021 as a little side project, but as it grew, Toriyama got more and more involved. It is, by far, the TV show where his involvement is most keenly felt. Toriyama wrote the outline of the entire series, handed it to the writers at Toei and personally oversaw every script, infusing this show with his signature creativity, charm and humor, ensuring the series stays true to its roots.
The latest installment in the iconic franchise boasts an impressive roster of talent behind its creation, blending veteran artists with fresh faces to bring this new adventure to life with a new energy.
The opening of 'Dragon Ball Daima' (first heard in the 2nd episode) is one of the greatest gifts from fans to other fans. The melody for 'Jaka Jaan' was composed by artist Zedd and CK (Zedd is a die-hard fan of Akira Toriyama's work). The lyrics were written by legendary lyricist Yukinojo Mori (the 70-year-old lyricist also known as Joe Lemon), who has written the lyrics for nearly every opening in the Dragon Ball universe ('Cha-La Head-Cha-La'; 'We Gotta Power/Bokutachi wa Tenshi Datta' from 'Dragon Ball Z'; 'Kuu•Zen•Zetsu•Go' from 'Dragon Ball Kai'; 'Chōzetsu☆Dynamic!' and 'Genkai Toppa x Survivor' from 'Dragon Ball Super'). Jaka Jaan is the Japanese onomatopoeia for the sound a guitar makes. The melody is a vibrant and catchy track that blends nostalgia with a fresh, modern sound, making it a fitting addition to the Dragon Ball franchise while also being incredibly reverential to Akira Toriyama. His name appears romanized in the opening credits.
was translate to:
Whoopsie daisy!
Even when your heart shrinks & you feel low
Dreams are everywhere
Don't worry about it
Never give up
That's the kind of stuff that's going to get lost in translation, I'm afraid. The song's upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm capture the sense of excitement and wonder 'Daima' aims to evoke, harking back to the playful and adventurous spirit of the original Dragon Ball while still feeling contemporary.
The last images of the ending song 'Nakama' represent the author, since 'tori' means "bird" in Japanese, and he founded his own production company, Bird Studio.
Composer Kōsuke Yamashita is a newcomer to the Dragon World, but he's joined the party for this project. He's known for his work in the 'Digimon' franchise.
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| Aya Komaki |
Aya Komaki is at the helm of this project. She has worked on several successful series like 'One Piece' (in the storyboard department, as an assistant director and as a director). She had a similar role in the series 'Gegege no Kitarō'. In her debut in the Dragon Ball universe, she Shinzō Yuki contributed to episodes 5, is none other than the Series Director for 'Dragon Ball Daima'. She also storyboarded the opening and ending credits, as well as episodes 13, 18 and 20.
Yoshitaka Yashima is a veteran animator for the Dragon World (well known for animating episodes single-handedly). His vast experience brings valuable expertise to the new series. His first major role was as an animator in the celebrated film 'Fist of the North Star' (1986). He worked on renowned series such as 'Gegege no Kitarō', 'Digimon Adventure' and 'One Piece' with the triple task of creating storyboards, animating and directing episodes. His entry in the Dragon World was through the 'Z' era films ('Dragon Ball Z: Broly' and 'Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge'), but he contributed extensively in 'Dragon Ball Super' Storyboards (11 episodes), Animation Director (19 episodes), 2nd Key Animation (eps. 79, 109), Assistant Animation Director (eps. 109, 131), and Key Animation (28 episodes). He has served as director and storyboard artist for 7 episodes of the 'Dragon Ball Daima'.
Yūko Kakihara is responsible for the series' composition and script. She wrote all 20 episodes, ensuring a narrative that honors the legacy of the franchise, while introducing new elements, bringing Akira Toriyama's inventive new world to life. 'Digimon' fans will recognize her name.
The visual style of 'Dragon Ball Daima' is a testament to its stellar art and animation team. Maya Kasai serves as Art Director, contributing to all 20 episodes and the opening/ending sequences, while a talented group of art contributors like Bun Sun Lee, Eiji Hamano, and Shinzō Yuki add depth to the backgrounds. The character designs, rooted in Toriyama’s work, are refined by Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru, who also serves as Animation Character Designer and Chief Animation Director for the entire show.
The art department plays a pivotal role in bringing this whimsical world to life.
Under the leadership of Maya Kasai, the visual landscapes in this show are vibrant and dynamic. As Art Director, Maya Kasai worked in all episodes. She's responsible for establishing the overall visual tone, translating Akira Toriyama’s original concepts into detailed, animated environments. She had previously worked as a background artist in 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero'. Shinzō Yuki contributed to episodes 5, 7, and 9. His role appears more selective but no less impactful, since he's been with 'Dragon Ball' ever since the beginning (both tv shows and movies). In fact, he has worked on 'Dr. Slump & Arale-chan: Hoyoyo! The City of Dreams, Mechapolis' as a background artist. The Demon Realm demands wholly original designs — dark, mystical, and teeming with Akira Toriyama's quirky sensibilities. Overall, the art department delivers a visual experience that honors Akira Toriyama's imagination. Their work transforms Daima’s quirky premise into a believable, breathtaking world, proving that even in a universe of shrinking heroes and demonic villains, the art can remain larger than life.
Maybe, that I’d be able to have you draw for me. (laughs) Anyway, when I had them show me one of your actual illustrations, it was really amazing! Even now, I sometimes can’t tell them apart — “did I ever draw something like this?” But then, I think, “the muscles are drawn better than I can do… so it must be Nakatsuru-kun’s.” (laughs) [...] What was it, again? I forget, but you drew Savings Warrior Cashman for Monthly V-Jump, right? At that time, I thought even more, “he’s this amazing?” It’s like, Nakatsuru-kun’s illustrations are even more me than my own work."
In 'Dragon Ball Daima', this dynamic is particularly poignant, as Nakatsuru honors Toriyama's last designs by preserving his quirky "Mini" concept while ensuring the characters remain recognizable and engaging. Bringing miniaturized characters to the screen in a large scale adventure story, and especially bringing back Super Saiyan 4 Goku, I'm sure must feel very nostalgic for him. His key animation in the ending credits offers a final tribute to both Toriyama and the fans who've followed his career, and a testament to his enduring impact on this beloved universe.
The Chief Animation Directors of 'Dragon Ball Daima' (in charge of overseeing the animation process) form a powerhouse team responsible for ensuring the series' visual consistency and quality across its 20-episode run. This group brings a mix of veteran expertise but also a modern flair to the project.
Chikashi Kubota brings a modern edge to the Dragon Ball universe. A fan of Dragon Ball since elementary school, he's been improving his drawing skills ever since, and got his first gig as a key animator in 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly' and 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero' (he animated the excellent recap from the Red Ribbon Army arc). Kubota excels at fluid, impactful action animation, and his drawing style closely resembles Toriyamas's as well. His involvement in the premiere episode of 'Dragon Ball Daima' likely set a high-energy tone, introducing the first images we see in the beginning of every episode with polished visuals. Outside of the Dragon Ball universe, he animated the second Fullmetal Alchemist opening (Ready, Steady Go), worked on 'One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island', 'One Punch Man' and 'Gurren Lagann'.
Miyako Tsuji (credited for episode 3) contributes early in the series, possibly refining the Mini characters' debut antics on a foundational action scene (Goku's first fight). She was also a key animator on episode 6 (Goku's fight with Glorio). Her experience on Dragon Ball Super aligns her with the franchise’s modern era, and her work here ensures the animation gels with Nakatsuru’s designs. She worked extensively on 'Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F', 'Dragon Ball Super', and 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly'.
Naohiro Shintani has loved Dragon Ball since elementary school, going to the movies with his older brother to see the new films. He was directly selected by Akira Toriyama for 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly' after a character designer audition, but his first assignment for a work in the Dragon Ball universe was as a key animator in 'Dragon Ball: Yo! The Return of Son Goku and Friends!!' He was also an Animation Director in 'Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero'. He brings a sleek, cinematic style to episodes 4 and 10 and contributed with his own key animation in episodes 4 and 10 of 'Dragon Ball Daima'.
Tadayoshi Yamamuro has been both praised and criticized by his work on the Dragon Ball universe, but no one can argue that he's one of the most prolific and respected contributors the franchise has ever seen. He has been connected to the Akira Toriyama universe since his work on 'Dr. Slump'. He has been with the Dragon Ball universe since 1986, doing everything: from storyboarding to In-Between Animation; doing Key Animation; being an Animation Director and Chief Animation Director throughout all the eras of the franchise, culminating in the position of Character Designer on 'Dragon Ball Super' (for which he was criticized by the fandom). His classic style—rooted in Toriyama’s original aesthetic — was adored by fans of the 'Z' era of the franchise. His martial arts training in a Shaolin Temple at an early age sure were helpful in realistically coordinating the fight scenes. Yamamuro's presence ties 'Dragon Ball Daima' to its roots, delivering iconic fight scenes with a traditional flair. Other works of his include the movie 'Angel's Egg' and studio Ghibli's 'Laputa: Castle in the Sky', as well as the 'Digimon' and the 'One Piece' franchises.
Takeo Ide, pretty much like Tadayoshi Yamamuro, has extensive experience working in the Dragon Ball universe, including working as an in-betweener on 'Dr. Slump'. He worked as a Key Animator, Assistant Animation Director, and Animation Director throughout the different TV shows and movies. His participation on 'Dragon Ball Daima' is extensive: Chief Animation Director (episodes 11, 17), Animation Director (episode 1), Assistant Animation Director (episode 20), as well as Key Animation (episode 11). He helped kick off this new show with a bang, while his Chief roles focused on maintaining momentum, with intense Demon Realm confrontations and Mini character heroics.
Yūya Takahashi is a rising star in the Dragon Ball universe. Born in 1984, he began his career as an animator in 2008. He animated one of the most exciting episodes of 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' (episode 47) and has worked on series such as 'Lupin III' and 'One Piece.' As a freelance animator in the Dragon Ball universe, he made his debut as an animation supervisor on episode 114 of 'Dragon Ball Super.' His work has a sharp, angular style that's easily identifiable. He was also a key animator for the first opening and episode 13 of 'Dragon Ball Super,' and worked on the movie 'Battle of Gods,' 'Resurrection 'F' and 'Broly.' On 'Dragon Ball Daima,' his fluid, kinetic style — seen in the Tournament of Power — makes him a fan favorite, especially because he mimics the coolest character designs from the Majin Buu arc. His animation direction (episode 20) and assistant work (episodes 7, 13, 18) amplify his impact, ensuring that 'Daima's' finale delivers an absolute visual spectacle. You can catch a little bit of it here.
The blend of classic Dragon Ball grit (Yamamuro) and modern polish (Shintani, Kubota, Takahashi) reflects 'Daima's' dual nature as both a nostalgic tribute to Toriyama and a fresh adventure. Together, they ensure that 'Daima' feels like Dragon Ball—familiar yet evolved. Their efforts honor Toriyama's legacy, delivering a series that's visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and true to the franchise's spirit.
The key animators are the artists who draw the critical frames that define a scene's movement and emotion, serving as the foundation for in-between animators to complete the sequence. In 'Dragon Ball Daima', they form a diverse and talented group that brings the series' dynamic action and expansive Demon Realm settings to life. With a roster of over 70 artists contributing across 20 episodes, this team blends veteran contributors with international talent and fresh faces.
Ken Ōtsuka is also no stranger to the Dragon Ball universe or the animation industry. He was a key animator on renowned series such as 'Sailor Moon', 'Cowboy Bebop' (both in the series and in the film), 'Naruto', 'Naruto Shippūden; 'Mobile Suit Gundam', 'InuYasha', 'One Piece', 'Digimon' and 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'. This gentleman did everything: from the storyboard department, secondary animation, key animation and direction. His involvement in the Dragon Ball universe began in 2008 with 'Dragon Ball: Yo! The Return of Son Goku and Friends!!', did storyboards and was a main animator on Dragon Ball Super (the 2nd opening and the Tournament of Power episodes) and the movie 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly'. In 'Dragon Ball Daima', he was also the main animator for the opening action scenes.
Masahiko Maruyama is a new voice in the Dragon Ball universe, though not to the animation business. He has worked as a key animator in 'Bleach'; 'Digimon Ghost Game'; 'Hunter × Hunter'; 'One Piece'; 'Tiger Mask W', and 'Yes! Precure 5 GoGo!'. He was also an Animation Director on 'The Rising of the Shield Hero', and an Assistant Animation Director for one episode of 'Parasyte-the maxim'. He first worked as a key animator on 2 episodes of 'Dragon Ball Super' and 10 episodes of 'Dragon Ball Daima'.
Takenori Tsukuma is another new voice in the Dragon Ball universe but he has a vast experience in the animation business since 1990. He has worked on several memorable shows as a Key Animator, like 'Attack on Titan The Final Season'; 'Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III'; 'Blade of the Immortal'; 'Bleach'; 'Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion'; 'Cowboy Bebop'; 'Detective Conan'; 'Digimon'; 'Eureka Seven'; 'Fairy Tail'; 'Fist of the North Star'; 'Ghost in the Shell'; 'InuYasha'; 'JoJo's Bizarre Adventure'; 'Mobile Suit Gundam'; 'My Hero Academia'; 'Naruto'; 'Naruto Shippūden'; 'Saint Seiya'; 'Vinland Saga', and as an Animation Director in shows like: 'Altair: A Record of Battles'; 'Aoashi'; 'Black Clover'; 'Mushishi: The Next Chapter', and 'Seven Deadly Sins'. He also worked on key animation for 'Batman: Gotham by Gaslight'. He first worked as a key animator on 7 episodes of 'Dragon Ball Super' and 10 episodes of 'Dragon Ball Daima'.
Shūichirō Manabe may be a little-known name to some folks, but he's been involved with the Dragon Ball universe since 'Dragon Ball Super', working for 20 episodes as an assistant animation supervisor and animation supervisor. He was also the key animator for 17 episodes as well as the second opening ('Genkai Toppa x Survivor'). He also worked as key animator on 'Dragon Ball Super: Broly'. In 'Dragon Ball Daima', he was a key animator in the opening as well as 9 episodes.
Yōhei Sasaki has participated in plenty of shows from studio Sunrise and studio Bones (including 'Fullmetal Alchemist' e 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'). He's best known for his work on 'Gintama'. His first work in the Dragon Ball universe was as a key animator on 'Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods'. In 'Dragon Ball Daima', he participated in 8 episodes (including animating the fight between Goku and the Gomah's Military Police and the last two episodes). He was also a key animator on the series' opening.
This series also counted with a strong international Group of animators, like Aarón Rodríguez (Episode 13), Alex Torres (Episodes 18, 20), Alexandre Gomes (aka Sanda) (6 episodes), Mehdi Aouichaoui (Episode 18) (he also worked on the 'Broly' movie), and others like Berkant Dumlu, Jonghyun Jung-Boix, Levent Kotil, Olivier Lescot, and Pierre Eric Takeshi Sugita.
Last, but not least, Takashi Kojima is a very versatile artist: he's a storyboard artist, an in-betweener, a 2nd key animator (worked on the movie 'Look Back'), a key animator (worked on 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'), an Animation Director (worked on 'Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2') and Episode Director (worked on 'Your Lie in April'). He was brought in is a key animator to work on this first Dragon Ball project: the last episode of 'Daima'. Not just the last episode, either: he was the key animator of the very last scene of the show. I can genuinely say this was the closest Dragon Ball has ever felt to be animated by studio Ghibli. You can see an entire breakdown of that scene here.
This team's diversity — joining the veterans like Shida and Yamamuro, with modern stars like Shintani and Kubota, and the international contributors creates a vibrant mix. Their work honors Akira Toriyama's legacy, with Nakatsuru's designs animated fluidly by Ōtsuka's action, Shintani's polish, and Shida's intensity. Their collective effort transforms Toriyama's final vision into a worthy Dragon Ball chapter.
I would gladly fill this post with praises on everybody who worked on 'Dragon Ball Daima': the Director of Photography, the Producers, the 2nd Key Animators, the In-Between Animators, the Background Artists, and the Digital Artists... This show was blessed with a stellar staff!
I just wanna share a few words for the voice talent that participated on this show. 'Dragon Ball Daima' has a remarkable ensemble of veteran actors, rising stars, and versatile talents.
For the first time in the history of the franchise, there was an almost entire substitution of the cast to accommodate the mini versions of the characters. All actors were switched, except for one:
Masako Nozawa's portrayal of Goku remains iconic, infusing Mini Goku with youthful exuberance while retaining his heroic spirit. There's no way you don't feel goosbumps when he's powering up his final Kamehameha. That's nothing short of epic, especially for a veteran actress 88 years young.
Shrinking our favorite characters to childlike form required a whole new cast to adapt their performances with playful, youthful tones while preserving the core personalities of the characters we've been listening to for decades.
Yūdai Mino's portrayal as Mini Vegeta is a hilarious standout, retaining the prince's haughty attitude in a pint-sized package. The exaggerated bravado in his voice coming out of such a small body nails the comedic contrast.
Mai Nakahara's portrayal as Mini Bulma is spunky and mischievous, capturing the character's intellect with a youthful edge. It somehow reminds me of Hiromi Tsuru in the early days of Dragon Ball. Her chemistry with Mino's Vegeta sparks a delightful banter throughout the entire series.
Tomohiro Yamaguchi's portrayal as Mini Piccolo perfectly laces his well-known stoicism with a certain amount of vulnerability, making the shrunken Namekian endearing but stil a formidable warrior.
Yumiko Kobayashi's portrayal as Mini Kaioshin faithfully follows that of Shinichirō Ōta, who played the character in 'Dragon Ball Super'.
Showtaro Morikubo is known as the voice of Bartolomeo in 'One Piece', and the voice of Shikamaru Nara in 'Naruto Shippūden'. He makes his debut in the Dragon Ball universe as the voice of King Gomah. As the central antagonist, he is cunning and charismatic, with a sly delivery that makes him a compelling foil to Goku. His versatility shines in Gomah's scheming moments.
Yōko Hikasa, known as the voice of Frīda Reiss em 'Attack on Titan', is Dr. Arinsu; a cold and calculating Glind, perfect for the villainous scientist. She brings a sense of mistery and menace to the Demon Realm's schemes.
Kōki Uchiyama does the voice of Glorio as a "double-agent"; a reluctant and conflicted ally to Goku and his friends. His nuanced performance, blending friendship with doubt, gives an interesting flavor to a character who slowly but surely warms up to Goku and his friends.
Fairouz Ai does the voice of Panzy, the Princess of the 3rd Demon World, and she's feisty and endearing. Her energetic delivery makes this new character a fan favorite.
Tomokazu Seki, known for his performance as Nobuo Terashima in 'NANA', does the voice of Majin Kuu and brings a wonderful energy to the clumsy (but unimaginably smart) fighter conjured up by Dr. Arinsu.
Fukushi Ochiai does the voice of Majin Duu, the second Majin conjured up by Dr. Arinsu and Marba; he's a very immature and naïve character, closer to Majin Buu in strength and has an undeniable sweet tooth, and the voice is very important to convey that childlike nature.
Hiroshi Naka does the voice of Neva, the old, wise and mysterious Namekian from the 2nd Demon World. The voice actor was born in 1960, which is amazing when you think how great his 'elder' voice is. According to his page, this was his first time playing a character in the Dragon Ball universe, but it's not his first time playing an elder.
Kenta Miyake does the voice of the Tamagami from the 3rd Demon World, as well as the voice of Scar in 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'. The 3rd Tamagami is a very boisterous character, who shares Goku's love for fighting and fairness in combat. He's so impressed by Goku that he's seen imitating his iconic Kamehameha pose.
Last but not least I'd like to mention Hideyuki Umezu, who does the voice of the Tamagami from the 2nd Demon World. You may know him as the narrator from 'Akira' as well as Barry the Chopper from 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood'. These and many other roles speak for themselves when it comes to the actor's ability, but 'Dragon Ball Daima' was his last performance before he passed away in May 2024. His performance during his fight with Mini Vegeta is a testament to his immense talent.
This voice cast is a masterclass in balancing legacy and innovation. Veterans like Nozawa, Horikawa, and Furukawa anchor 'Daima' in Dragon Ball's history, their performances evoking 'Z' and 'Super' while adapting to the Mini twist. Newcomers inject fresh energy, making characters like Gomah, Panzy, Glorio and Neva instant classics. Their ability to switch between humor, heart, and action mirrors Toriyama's storytelling, making 'Daima' a fitting tribute to his legacy. Their work is a love letter to Dragon Ball.
