Dragon Ball editor Yu Kondo was picked for being ‘untrained’

In a recent episode of the Japanese podcast KosoKoso, editor Yu Kondo revealed the unusual story behind how he became the second editor of the Dragon Ball manga — without even knowing the position was open.

Hosted by Kazuhiko Torishima and Yuji Horii (creator of Dragon Quest), the podcast often explores behind-the-scenes moments of Weekly Shonen Jump and the life of Akira Toriyama, who sadly passed away in March 2024. During the latest discussion, Kondo shared his unexpected promotion and his first strange meeting with Toriyama himself.

According to Kondo, it all happened rather suddenly. When Torishima was promoted to Editor-in-Chief at Shonen Jump, he chose Kondo to take over Dragon Ball. The only instruction? “Buy a fax machine.”

At an award event in December, Torishima pulled Kondo aside to meet a man in a tracksuit — that man turned out to be Akira Toriyama. The meeting was short and somewhat confusing, and Kondo didn’t realize what it meant until Torishima formally introduced him as the new editor.

Dragon Ball editor Yu Kondo was picked for being ‘untrained’

Kondo had only worked at Shonen Jump for six months. However, this lack of experience was precisely why Torishima felt he was a good match for Toriyama. As someone not yet shaped by the magazine’s demanding culture, Kondo could work with the legendary artist in a more relaxed and straightforward way.

Interestingly, Torishima chose not to prepare Kondo too much. He trusted Toriyama to point out any issues directly if they arose.

Kondo recalled the brief exchange they had: Torishima asked if he had read Dragon Ball. When Kondo said yes, Torishima told him: “Then do whatever you want.”

This freedom eventually helped shape the tone of Dragon Ball Z, which evolved into something more dynamic and engaging. Kondo and Toriyama’s working relationship became a key element in the series’ continued success.

via Você Sabia Anime