‘Dragon Ball’ Daima Called “Trash” by Original Series Editor

The original editor of Dragon Ball, Kazuhiko Torishima, has sparked controversy by calling the recent anime series Dragon Ball Daima “trash.”

During a livestream interview with KosoKoso on September 15, 2025, Torishima stated, “It would be better to produce a Vegeta story than Dragon Ball Super. Dragon Ball Daima was a trash anime.”

Torishima is known for his blunt opinions on the franchise. Over the years, he has criticized Dragon Ball for continuing past Frieza and even commented on One Piece, saying it would not succeed.

While his comments about Daima are harsh, the anime has faced criticism from fans for its slow pacing, predictable plot, and heavy reliance on nostalgia. Some viewers also felt it was aimed at a younger audience, which clashed with expectations for a more mature continuation of the series.

Dragon Ball Daima aired from October 2024 to February 2025 on Fuji TV and was the sixth anime installment in the franchise.

It was set between Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super, following Goku, Vegeta, Bulma, Piccolo, and others as they were turned into younger versions of themselves by the demon king Gomah. Together with allies, they traveled across the Demon Realm to retrieve native Dragon Balls and undo Gomah’s wish.

Despite Torishima’s harsh critique, the series has received praise from other sources. Mariló Delgado of Espinof called it “an exercise in nostalgia” while giving it a 4/5, noting that the story takes time to develop.

CBR highlighted mixed pacing but said it offered what the franchise needed. Joshua Fox of Screen Rant praised the action and comedy, calling the eighth episode “what anime fans had waited decades for.” CBR’s Daniel Kurland gave the seventeenth episode a perfect 10/10, calling the animation “mind-blowing” and the fights cinematic. The nineteenth episode, “Betrayal,” broke records as the highest-rated anime episode of 2025, with critics praising the battle choreography and humor.

While the English dub was generally well-received, fans criticized the delayed streaming release, which made it harder for international audiences to follow the series in real time.

Dragon Ball Daima clearly divides opinion. Some see it as a nostalgic celebration of the franchise, while others, like Torishima, see it as a misstep. Personally, I think the series shows the franchise’s ability to evolve while keeping its iconic charm, even if it doesn’t hit everyone’s expectations. What do you think, was Daima a hit or a miss? Share your thoughts in the comments.