The Making of DragonBall Daima: Akio Iyoku Explains the Series' Bold New Direction

Exploring the Inspiration, Development, and Impact of the Latest Dragon Ball Series

The Dragon Ball franchise has remained a global phenomenon for decades, and now, with Dragon Ball Daima, the series continues to evolve. In a recent interview with ManTan Web, Akio Iyoku, executive producer of the Dragon Ball series and a key figure at Capsule Corporation Tokyo, provided insight into the creation of Daima, its inspirations, and how it connects to the larger Dragon Ball universe. With Daima marking the first new Dragon Ball anime series in six years since Dragon Ball Super ended in 2018, fans have been eager to understand its origins and how it fits within the franchise’s history.

The Birth of DragonBall Daima

According to Iyoku, the idea for Dragon Ball Daima started taking shape during the production of Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero. While Toei was developing the film, discussions began about launching a new series that would follow a different path than the theatrical releases. Initially, the focus was on allowing Akira Toriyama to take a break from heavy involvement, but as the project developed, Toriyama became increasingly enthusiastic and contributed significantly to the story and character designs.

Unlike previous Dragon Ball projects, Daima was created entirely from scratch rather than being based on a pre-existing manga. This gave the team the creative freedom to explore new settings and concepts while staying true to the essence of Dragon Ball. One of the most intriguing aspects of this new series is its setting in the Great Demon World, an unexplored realm filled with fresh challenges and unique characters. The series also introduces a major plot twist—Goku and his allies have been transformed into smaller versions of themselves, a creative decision that immediately caught the attention of fans.

The Inspiration from Dragon Ball GT

One of the most noticeable elements of Dragon Ball Daima is its thematic and visual similarities to Dragon Ball GT. Like GT, Daima features a young Goku embarking on a grand adventure, reminiscent of classic Dragon Ball. Iyoku acknowledges that GT served as a reference point for the new series, especially in terms of its adventurous tone and the focus on Goku in a smaller form. However, he emphasizes that Daima is not a retelling of GT but rather a fresh take on the Dragon Ball universe, designed to appeal to both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.

The decision to shrink Goku and his allies was intended to widen the series’ appeal. While Goku’s transformation into a child may remind fans of GT, Iyoku explains that the shift in perspective allows for dynamic storytelling opportunities. The use of the Nyoi-Bo (Power Pole) in action sequences also adds a nostalgic yet refreshing twist to Goku’s combat style.

A Series for All Generations

One of the key goals of Dragon Ball Daima was to create a series that parents and children could enjoy together. With Dragon Ball spanning over 40 years, multiple generations have grown up with the franchise. Iyoku wanted Daima to capture the essence of classic Dragon Ball while making it accessible for new audiences who may not have experienced the earlier series.

This philosophy is reflected in the animation style, which blends modern visuals with a nostalgic touch. The series also features a pre-opening sequence that recaps Goku’s journey, helping introduce new viewers to the Dragon Ball lore while evoking nostalgia for longtime fans. This balance of familiarity and innovation makes Daima a unique addition to the franchise.

How Daima Connects to the DragonBall Universe

Another major point Iyoku addressed was Daima’s place within the Dragon Ball timeline. While the exact placement is still a topic of discussion among fans, Iyoku confirmed that Daima is set after the events of the Majin Buu Saga. He also hinted that the series will reveal new details about important aspects of the DragonBall world, such as the origins of the Kaioshin, the Namekians, and even the deeper connections to Majin Buu.

One surprising revelation was the existence of a common physical trait among the residents of the Great Demon World—their ears. This seemingly small detail hints at a broader world-building effort that may tie into established Dragon Balllore in unexpected ways. Iyoku also suggested that while Daima tells its own story, there are subtle connections to other parts of the Dragon Ball universe that fans might uncover as the series progresses.

A Bold New Direction for DragonBall

With Dragon Ball Daima, the production team aimed to challenge expectations while maintaining the core essence of what makes Dragon Ball beloved. Iyoku noted that while they wanted to stay true to fan expectations, they also sought to introduce new elements to keep the series fresh. He emphasized that Daima is not simply a continuation of Super—it follows its own path, focusing more on adventure and world-building rather than the constant power escalations seen in Super.

This approach has led to Daima feeling more like a throwback to early Dragon Ball, where adventure and exploration played a larger role than just power progression. While action remains a key element, the focus on storytelling and character dynamics adds a different layer to the experience.

The Global Impact and Future of Dragon Ball

As Dragon Ball Daima is distributed worldwide, the franchise continues to reach new audiences. Iyoku noted that Dragon Ball is perceived differently across various regions, with some countries treating it as a cultural phenomenon comparable to live-action blockbusters. The international reception of Daima will likely shape how future Dragon Ballprojects are approached, as the franchise continues to expand beyond anime into games, merchandise, and manga adaptations.

With Daima set to conclude on February 28, anticipation is building for how the series will wrap up its story. Iyoku teased that the final battle will exceed fan expectations, delivering intense action sequences and surprising story developments. As the series nears its end, fans can expect a mix of both expected and unexpected twists.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball Daima represents a fresh take on the franchise, blending classic adventure elements with modern storytelling. Akio Iyoku’s insights highlight the careful planning and passion that went into creating this series, from its roots in GT to its broader connections within the Dragon Ball mythos. While the series offers something new, it still respects the legacy of what came before it, ensuring that fans both old and new can find something to love.

As we approach the final episodes, the excitement for what’s next in the Dragon Ball universe continues to grow. Whether Daima is a stepping stone to even bigger projects or a self-contained story, its impact on the franchise is undeniable. One thing is for sure—Dragon Ball isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

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