If there is a controlling element for the fans of Dragon Ball, the focal point is undoubtedly the final installment of Dragon Ball Daima. Not only is this the last project that Akira Toriyama executed before crossing into the afterlife, but it also brings back Super Saiyan 4, a legendary transformation that had only appeared in Dragon Ball GT and was officially recognized as part of the franchise.
However, while there are many misunderstandings regarding Akira Toriyama’s involvement in every production aspect, the surprising fact here is that Toriyama has never designed the Super Saiyan 4 form that we see in Dragon Ball Daima. This information was revealed by the animators Katsuyoshi Nakatsuru and Chikashi Kubota at the Made in Asia event in Brussels, leaving many attendees astonished.
During the press conference, Nakatsuru spoke about the design process for Super Saiyan 4. Many were surprised to learn that Nakatsuru began his journey with Dragon Ball GT, and he was informed that this transformation existed… but Toriyama would not be responsible for the design. “The thing I remember most about the process is the sense of responsibility and the weight I felt,” he stated.
As for the foundation, everything depended on Nakatsuru, which is why he dedicated 24 hours a day thinking about how to create this new Saiyan form that conveyed a sense of primal strength. He drew inspiration from the might of Ozaru (the great ape form), seeking a way to merge the savage elements with a more refined and powerful aesthetic. “I truly engaged in this work because I knew it was important in many ways,” he explained.
When reflecting on the discussions with Toriyama, Nakatsuru noted that Super Saiyan 4 has always been a subject of reverence within the fan community. In fact, he reminisced about the poignant moment when Toriyama had even painted a fan art piece of this transformation for the Dragon Ball GT merchandise, which he regarded as a significant honor. However, the thing that left the most profound impression on him was realizing that this transformation would be represented once more in Dragon Ball Daima: “I feel very proud and happy because I feel Toriyama acknowledges me more.”
For the fans of Dragon Ball, this revelation is indeed a significant announcement. For months, people believed that Toriyama was the one behind the design of Super Saiyan 4, but we now know that all credit is due to Nakatsuru. With the appearance in Dragon Ball Daima, this transformation has become an official part of the story, closing a cycle and honoring the monumental legacy of Toriyama.
