Dragon Ball DAIMA: How Did the Series Come to Be? A New Interview with Akio Iyoku
The Japanese website matan-web recently published an interview with Akio Iyoku, president of Capsule Corporation Tokyo and executive producer of the Dragon Ball franchise. In this discussion, Iyoku shares insights into the origins of Dragon Ball DAIMA, the latest animated series in the Dragon Ball universe, which has been airing globally since October 2024. In addition to revealing more about the series' development, Iyoku also sheds light on Akira Toriyama’s involvement.
Source: @Venixys on X (Translation of the interview only).
Why Was a New Animated Series Created?
The idea for Dragon Ball Daima first took shape around six years ago while we were working on Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. We wanted to develop a new series that stood apart from the movies, so we consulted Toriyama about his thoughts. Initially, the plan was for him to have only minimal involvement, but he became so deeply engaged in the project that he ended up overseeing almost every aspect of it. This marked the first time we created a TV series completely from scratch, and I believe Toriyama found the experience quite exciting.
Unlike movies, which have strict time limitations, we had more creative flexibility when crafting the story. We frequently exchanged ideas and even began producing the anime before the storyline was fully finalized. It felt like working on a weekly manga series, which helped maintain an ongoing sense of excitement.
Our target audience was primarily viewers in their 30s—those who grew up watching Dragon Ball GT and now have children of their own. The goal was to craft a new series that embodied the same spirit as GT. Looking back, making Goku smaller actually helped broaden the show’s appeal. Originally, we hadn’t planned for all the characters to be de-aged, but naturally, that was Toriyama’s idea.
While GT stands for "Grand Tour", referring to space exploration, DAIMA takes a different direction—an adventure set in the Grand Demon Realm. Unlike Super, which focused on Goku’s increasing strength, this series shifts gears, portraying him dynamically fighting with his Nyoibō (Power Pole). Toriyama noted that many people today may not be familiar with the original Dragon Ball story, where Goku was on a quest to collect the Dragon Balls while facing formidable enemies. So, we made sure that newcomers could easily follow the plot while also highlighting Goku’s growth, even in his rejuvenated form.
Although the series is designed to appeal to younger audiences, it is not overly childish. We needed to ensure that both the characters and storyline remained engaging. The goal was to encourage parents to enjoy the series alongside their children, which is why we paid special attention to its presentation.
Where Does DAIMA Fit in Dragon Ball’s Timeline?
Toriyama personally wrote the entire story, and it is directly linked to the Majin Buu saga. We wanted to emphasize how interconnected everything is within the Dragon Ball universe. For example, I was surprised to learn that all pointy-eared characters come from the Grand Demon Realm—a concept that Toriyama had apparently been considering for years!
Rather than introducing completely new concepts, we unearthed details that had always been part of the Dragon Ball lore. Our aim was to avoid straying too far from the core of the franchise, while at the same time introducing fresh elements to keep things exciting. Striking that balance is the true challenge.
We weren’t entirely sure how audiences would receive DAIMA, but we wanted to reach a global audience. In some regions, Dragon Ball is treated with the same significance as live-action TV series, so we had to think strategically about how to position it. This is more than just an anime—it’s a global cultural phenomenon.
What Does the Future Hold for Dragon Ball?
Producing anime and video games takes time, but we are constantly preparing for what’s next. Our ambition is to expand the franchise even further. There is no doubt that Dragon Ball will continue for *decades to come.
The final episode of DAIMA is set to air on February 28, and it promises to deliver an exciting conclusion.
Expect amazing action sequences and unexpected plot twists. You might think you’ve figured out the entire story, but we’re going to surprise you. Watching the series from the beginning could reveal new hidden details!
😂 Now I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a SSJ4-like transformation! I just hope they don’t ruin the ending. Check out this video—I highly recommend it! 🎥🔥 Spanish: