Since its debut, the Dragon Ball franchise by Akira Toriyama has had a considerable impact on global popular culture.[1][2] In 2015, the Japan Anniversary Association officially declared May 9 as "Goku Day" (悟空の日, Gokū no Hi) after the main character; in Japanese, the numbers five and nine can be pronounced as "Go" and "Ku".[3] It is similarly influential in international popular culture across other parts of the world.[1] Dragon Ball is widely referenced in American popular culture, from television and music to celebrities and athletes, and the show has been celebrated with Goku making an appearance at multiple Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parades,[4] and with murals based on Dragon Ball appearing in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Kansas City, and Denver.[2]
- ^ a b Muncy, Julie (January 17, 2019). "The Everlasting (and Still Growing) Appeal of 'Dragon Ball'". Wired. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
- ^ a b "Celebs, athletes give 'Dragon Ball' pop culture super status". The Plain Dealer. January 15, 2019. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
- ^ "May 9 'Officially' Recognized as Goku Day". Anime News Network. May 9, 2015. Archived from the original on November 13, 2016.
- ^ Park, Gene (March 8, 2024). "Akira Toriyama laid the bedrock of modern action storytelling". Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 13, 2024. Retrieved December 31, 2024.