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The passing ofDragon Ballcreator Akira Toriyama had a huge impact on so many people. From YouTubers to influencers, actors, government officials, and entrepreneurs,Dragon Ball‘s popularity has transcended its medium and stepped into the realm of global pop culture.
But of course, that doesn’t mean it did not mean anything to manga authors. Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto wrote tear-jerking messages that stayed in the minds of fans for a long time. Another message that stuck by was fromHunter X Hunter‘s creator, Yoshihiro Togashi.
Hunter X Hunter author’s hidden message to Toriyama found in a Volume cover
On July 25, 2025,Weekly Shonen Jump’s official X accountannounced thatHunter X Hunterwill return with its latest chapter on October 7. The staff members further revealed thatHunter X Huntervolume 38 will also be out on September 4.
They shared the volume cover drawn by authorYoshihiro Togashi.
#ジャンプPRESSにて発表！『HUNTER×HUNTER』の最新話は10月7日(月)発売の週刊少年ジャンプ45号に掲載されます。さらに、最新コミックス38巻は9月4日(水)発売です。書影はこちら！#ハンターハンターpic.twitter.com/qxo4cIQJew
Togashi made a hilarious comment about the new volume by advising fans not to believe that Gon will appear in that volume based solely on the volume cover.
Please note that Gon Freecss did not appear in volume 38. Thank you for understanding.
One Japanese fan on Xpointed out the cover is not random and it’s a homage forAkira Toriyamaafter his death.
Akira Toriyama May Have Stopped Drawing Dragon Ball for the Same Reason Yoshihiro Togashi Can’t Give us More Hunter x Hunter
The fan noticed that Gon has the number 38 printed on his shirt. In Japanese, 38 can be read as Sa-ya. If 3 and 8 are split into 2 separate parts, then 3 is referred to as “San” and 8 as “Yattsu”.
And if the two words are joined together, the word “Saiyajin” or “Saiyan” will appear, referring to Goku’s Saiyan origins.
The fan also pointed out 3 interesting things.
The volume number written on the license plate is also reminiscent ofDragon Ballvolume covers. The orange color on the number and “X” is a reference to the color of the Dragon Balls and Goku’s outfit. Also, Gon is doing a punch pose of gratitude, respecting Goku’s expertise in martial arts.
This isn’t the first time Togashi referencesDragon BallinHunter X Hunter.One fan onTumblrfound two characters inHunter X Hunterliterally mentioning Dragon Ball and Spirit Bomb in their conversation.
These are just examples for Togashi’s love forDragon Balland Toriyama’s works in general and this is reflected on his message while redrawing aDragon Ballvolume cover.
Togashi’s message to Toriyama for Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary
In the September 2021 edition of Shueisha’s Saikyō Jump magazine, a “Dragon Ball Super Gallery” series was launched to celebrate the forthcoming 40th anniversary of theDragon Ballfranchise.
The event seeks to enlist many artists to provide their own interpretation of the original 42 tankōbon covers. These pictures, along with a corresponding comment, will be featured on the back cover of the magazine.
The September 2024 issue of Saikyo Jump featured Togashi’s version ofDragon Ballvolume 5 and his comments therewith.
Dragon Ball Volume 5 Cover by Yoshihiro Togashi, author of Hunter x Hunter!pic.twitter.com/LcYTtUMtq6
As translated by the folks at Kanzenshuu, Togashi’s heartwarming message was filled with strong emotions that would make any anime fan cry. The message showcases how much he looked upto Toriyama and his works.
Drawing this piece was like going back to those times, so it was really fun! When I finished drawing, I came to my senses, and was overcome with emotion so strong I could almost cry, so I just read Dragon Ball Volume 5, which was right in front of me. Yup, I’m not lonely at all! Toriyama-sensei is right here!!
Fortunately, this wasn’t the first time Togashi had drawn a piece ofDragon Ballas well.During the series’ 30th anniversary, Togashi had blessed fans with a wonderful art piece of Goku raising his hand charging up his Ki.
“I will not try”: Yoshihiro Togashi Went Against Weekly Shonen Jump and Ended Yu Yu Hakusho Because of His ‘Own selfishness’
BothHunter X HunterandDragon Ballfans are eagerly waiting for October 2024 as it not only marks the return of Togashi’s manga but also the release ofDragon Ball Daima, the final work of the late Akira Toriyama.
Hunter X HunterandDragon Ballare both available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Anand Bhaskaran
Articles Published :134
A Dragon Ball fanatic who also loves to read and talk about Indian spirituality. An MBA finance graduate with a passion for doing everything that is unrelated to it. Anand has over 4 years of experience under his belt, having worked with leading content heads in the anime community. Currently, he’s more into Slice of Life and Romcom shows than actual Battle Shonen. But unfortunately, he’s stuck with a job writing ONLY about Battle Shonen (smh).
