In a moment that feels both triumphant and deeply poignant, Dragon Ball Daima has been crowned Best Anime Series at the 2025 Astra TV Awards. The win, which took place on June 10, 2025, at the Taglyan Complex in Los Angeles, marks a significant moment for the Dragon Ball franchise and a bittersweet tribute to its legendary creator, Akira Toriyama, who passed away in March 2024. This award is one of the first major posthumous honors for Toriyama’s final project, cementing his legacy in the anime world.
The Hollywood Creative Alliance, which presents the Astra TV Awards, has been increasingly recognizing the global impact of anime. This is only the second year that the awards have included a “Best Anime Series” category, with the first season of Solo Leveling taking home the inaugural award in 2024. The fact that Dragon Ball Daima won in such a competitive year speaks volumes about its quality and the enduring power of the Dragon Ball saga.
Caption: Dragon Ball Daima features Akira Toriyama’s final character designs before his passing in March 2024. Credit: © BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION Source: CBR
A Crowded Field of Contenders
Dragon Ball Daima’s victory at the Astra TV Awards was no small feat. The series was up against a slate of heavy hitters, including the highly anticipated second season of The Apothecary Diaries, the action-packed third season of Fire Force, and the critically acclaimed DAN DA DAN. Also in the running was the second season of Solo Leveling, which had won the previous year, and the mysterious new series Lazarus. The win for Dragon Ball Daima is a testament to its ability to capture the hearts of fans and critics alike, even amidst such strong competition.
The award also highlights the growing trend of anime being recognized in mainstream award ceremonies. For years, anime was often relegated to niche categories, if it was included at all. The establishment of a dedicated anime category at the Astra TV Awards, and the high-profile nature of the nominees, shows that the industry is finally giving anime the respect it deserves. This is a huge win for the entire anime community, and it’s exciting to see where things will go from here.
What is Dragon Ball Daima?
For those who haven’t yet dived into Toriyama’s final adventure, Dragon Ball Daima is a 20-episode series that takes place in the ten-year gap between the defeat of Kid Buu and the end of Dragon Ball Z. The story kicks off when Goku and his friends are mysteriously transformed into children. To find a cure, they must journey to the Demon Realm, a previously unexplored corner of the Dragon Ball universe. The series is a delightful return to the adventurous spirit of the original Dragon Ball, with a fresh new setting and a host of new characters.
Toriyama was heavily involved in the production of Dragon Ball Daima, providing the original story, character designs, and overall creative direction. His signature blend of action, humor, and heart is on full display, and it’s clear that he poured his creative energy into this final project. The series is a fitting capstone to his incredible career, and the Dragon Ball Daima Astra TV Awards win is a well-deserved honor for his last gift to the world.
Caption: The series explores the Demon Realm with Goku and friends transformed into children. Credit: © BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA, TOEI ANIMATION Source: Dragon Ball Official Site
The Legacy of Akira Toriyama
The win for Dragon Ball Daima is more than just an award; it’s a celebration of Akira Toriyama’s enduring legacy. For over 40 years, Toriyama’s work has inspired and entertained millions of fans around the globe. From the early days of Dr. Slump to the global phenomenon of Dragon Ball, his creative genius has left an indelible mark on the world of manga and anime. His passing was a tremendous loss, but his work will continue to live on for generations to come.
The Dragon Ball Daima Astra TV Awards win is a reminder of the joy and excitement that Toriyama brought to the world. It’s a chance for fans to come together and celebrate his life and work, and to look forward to the future of the Dragon Ball franchise. While he may be gone, his spirit lives on in the adventures of Goku and his friends, and in the hearts of fans everywhere.
For those interested in the history of the franchise, our article on the evolution of comics from ink to infinity provides a great overview of the medium. And for a look at another iconic series, check out our article on the evolution of Spider-Man’s costume.
What’s Next for Dragon Ball?
With Dragon Ball Daima having concluded its 20-episode run, fans are already looking to the future. While there has been no official announcement of a new series, the world of Dragon Ball is vast and full of possibilities. The manga, currently penned by Toyotaro, continues to expand the story, and there are countless other avenues to explore. The franchise has a rich history of movies, video games, and other media, and it’s safe to say that we haven’t seen the last of Goku and his friends.
The Dragon Ball Daima Astra TV Awards win will undoubtedly bring even more attention to the franchise, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds. For now, fans can rewatch Dragon Ball Daima on Crunchyroll and Netflix, and celebrate the life and work of the legendary Akira Toriyama. His final adventure is a fitting tribute to his incredible legacy, and a reminder of why we all fell in love with Dragon Ball in the first place.
For more on the business of anime, check out this article from Forbes on the booming market. And for a deeper dive into the history of anime, the Wikipedia page is a great resource.
References
- Crunchyroll. (2025, January 17). So What Is Dragon Ball DAIMA? Crunchyroll News. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/guides/2025/1/17/what-is-dragon-ball-daima
- Anime News Network. (2025, June 12). Dragon Ball Daima Wins Best Anime Series at 2025 Astra TV Awards. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-06-12/dragon-ball-daima-wins-best-anime-series-at-2025-astra-tv-awards/.225508
- Crunchyroll. (2025, June 13). Dragon Ball DAIMA Named Best Anime Series at 2025 Astra TV Awards. Crunchyroll News. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2025/6/13/dragon-ball-daima-best-anime-series-2025-astra-awards
