For months, fans have been wondering: how does Dragon Ball Daima look so clean, detailed, and alive? Now, the mystery has finally been revealed — and it’s more impressive than anyone expected.
In a recent commentary shared with the Blu-ray release of Dragon Ball Daima, the creative team pulled back the curtain on how hidden CGI was quietly woven into the animation — creating scenes that looked entirely hand-drawn but had digital depth you’d never notice at first glance.
The Hidden Art Behind Dragon Ball Daima CGI
According to co-director Yoshitaka Yashima, along with producers Akiyo Iyoku and Aya Komaki, CGI wasn’t just used for flashy fight effects or backgrounds.
It was actually integrated into the vehicles themselves — things like Gomah’s personal transport and other mechanical designs that appear throughout the series.
The team admitted that this wasn’t a quick or easy process. The goal wasn’t to replace traditional art, but to enhance Toriyama world, making it feel more alive from every camera angle.
Yashima shared that Akira Toriyama himself left behind incredibly detailed design notes about how every vehicle, machine, and gadget should work. From the way an engine glows to the way a wheel spins, Toriyama had already imagined the smallest mechanical details long before CGI entered the mix.
No Shortcuts, Only Precision
In today’s anime industry, CGI is often used as a way to save time — but not here.
The Dragon Ball Daima staff proudly revealed that they refused to take shortcuts.
The process was described as “long and difficult”, with countless rounds of trial and error. The animators made sure that every shot, every frame, and every vehicle matched the hand-drawn art style perfectly.
That level of dedication explains why fans felt something different about Daima’s visuals. Even though it looked traditional, the animation had a modern depth — the kind of subtle magic you can only achieve through patience and perfectionism.
A Farewell Gift From Toriyama
It’s important to remember that Dragon Ball Daima isn’t just another anime season — it’s the final story written by Akira Toriyama before his passing.
Released in 2024, the series takes place shortly after Majin Buu’s defeat and Dabura’s death, bridging the classic and modern eras of Dragon Ball. The plot introduces Gomah, a mysterious self-proclaimed Supreme King of the Demon Realm, who turns Earth’s heroes — including Goku — into child versions of themselves.
The result is an emotional and nostalgic return to Dragon Ball’s adventurous roots, blending humor, mystery, and deep lore in a way that feels like a love letter from Toriyama to his fans.
A Visual Love Letter to Classic Dragon Ball
When Dragon Ball Daima first aired, it took fans and critics by storm. The show’s visuals were praised as some of the most beautiful in franchise history, and now it’s clear why.
That “hidden CGI” wasn’t just a technical trick — it was a creative tool used to make Toriyama’s imagination come alive.
Fans who grew up with the original Dragon Ball immediately felt the same sense of wonder. Daima captured the spirit of adventure that made the early episodes of Goku’s childhood so special — but this time, with stunning animation and cinematic flair.
It wasn’t just nostalgia. It was Toriyama’s world reborn with the latest technology, yet keeping its pure, hand-drawn soul intact.
The Heart of Goku Still Beats Strong
No Dragon Ball story would be complete without the voice of Masako Nozawa, the legendary actress behind Goku for over four decades.
In the same Blu-ray commentary, Nozawa reflected on her journey and the secret behind Goku’s timeless energy.
“I’m sure there is one,” she said, “but I’ve never been conscious of anything I’d call a ‘secret.’ If I had to say, maybe it’s being positive. Perhaps being optimistic is a good thing.”
She also spoke about the emotional connection between Goku and his fans — especially the younger generation.
“One thing that makes me very happy is when children give me their milk bottle caps or stickers they’ve collected. They give them to me because they truly love Goku and think of him as a friend. At those times, I feel happy that I can breathe a voice into such a Goku, and I truly feel it was good.”
Her words remind us that beyond all the CGI, the battles, and the power-ups, Dragon Ball’s real strength has always been its heart.
Legacy of a Legend
Dragon Ball Daima is more than just an anime. It’s a celebration of everything Akira Toriyama stood for — creativity, imagination, humor, and heart.
Even after decades, Dragon Ball continues to evolve without losing its soul. The blend of hidden CGI and traditional artistry shows how far the anime industry has come, while still staying true to its roots.
For longtime fans, Daima is a reminder that Toriyama’s spirit still shines through every punch, every smile, and every fiery aura.
Where to Watch
Dragon Ball Daima is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, with Blu-ray editions available for collectors who want to dive into behind-the-scenes features and commentary from the creators.
And who knows? The next time you rewatch an episode, you might spot that hidden CGI magic that helped bring Toriyama’s final vision to life.
Final Thought
Behind every glowing aura and breathtaking battle, there’s an artist pushing the limits of what’s possible.
Dragon Ball Daima isn’t just a show — it’s a final love letter from Akira Toriyama, powered by the same creative fire that started it all.
