Dragon Ball Culture will change how you see Dragon Ball, and here’s a preview of the table of contents.

The book is divided into 3 parts.

Part 1: The Adventure Begins

Part 2: A New Journey

Part 3: The Quest Continues

Part 1: The Adventure Begins

Akira Toriyama

The Origin of Dragon Ball

Saiyūki

Dragon World

Son Gokū

Kinto’un

Nyoi-bō

Buruma

Hoipoi Capsules

Jan-ken

Kame-sennin

Uron

Yamucha and Puaru

Toninjinka

Gyūmaō

Chichi

Kamehameha

Pirafu

Dragon Balls

Shenron

Part 2: A New Journey

Kuririn

Ranchi

Shugyō

Tenkaichi Budōkai

Dōgi

Jackie Chun

Namu

Red Ribbon Army

Bora and Upa

Tao Paipai

Dodonpa

Karin

Senzu

Arare

Uranai Baba

Son Gohan

Kinkaku and Ginkaku

Gozen Shiai

Makai

Inoshikachō

Tsuru-sennin

Tenshinhan

Chaozu

Bukūjutsu

Tenmu

Taiyō-ken

Part 3: The Quest Continues

Pikkoro Daimaō

Yajirobē

Mutaito

Mafūba

Kami

Misuta Popo

Kikō

Ma Junia

Hakkero

There you have it. You will discover the cultural origin of every part of Dragon Ball.

See something you don’t know?

That means you will learn something new by reading this book.

Naming Conventions

I use the romanized Japanese names throughout the book. This is because I will reveal the culture of Dragon Ball as Akira Toriyama intended it, and I have to go straight to the source. It’s the only way to guarantee that the original cultural content is kept intact.

This is a sensitive topic for a lot of fans, and I deliberated on this issue for months. For example, should it be Krillin, Kuririn, or Kurilin? Bulma, Bloomer, or Buruma? Son Goku, Gokou, or Gokū?

At the end of the day there’s no way to please everyone, whether it’s the American fanbase, the Europeans, or whoever.

I provide a more detailed explanation of my rationale in the front of the book, but I’d love to know what you think of this decision.

Progress So Far

So far the Dragon Ball Culture book is 46% complete and I’m working on it every day, shooting for a late January release.

Is there anything in the table of contents that you want to learn more about?

Anything that you don’t see up there, but think should be?

I appreciate your enthusiasm and support. Thank you!