A spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry joined Chinese netizens to express deep condolences for the death of renowned Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama.

Known for works such as Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, Toriyama passed away on March 1 due to acute subdural hematoma at the age of 68. Funeral service was held with his family and close relatives, according to an announcement made by Bird Studio, a manga and design production studio created by Toriyama.

"We express our deep condolences for the death of Akira Toriyama and express our sincere condolences to his family," said China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning at a regular news conference on Friday.

"Mr Toriyama is a famous manga artist, and his works are also very popular in China. I noticed that many Chinese netizens also expressed condolences for his death.

"We expect and believe that more people of insight in Japan will actively participate in Sino-Japanese cultural exchanges and the cause of friendship between the two countries," Mao said.

The announcement posted on the Dragon Ball official site stated: "It's our deep regret that he still had several works in the middle of creation with great enthusiasm … We hope that Akira Toriyama's unique world of creation continues to be loved by everyone for a long time to come."

Born in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture in 1955, Toriyama made his debut with Wonder Island, which was serialized in publishing firm Shueisha's popular Japanese magazine Weekly Shonen Jump in 1978. His series Dr. Slump, which began in 1980, became a major hit. He won the Shogakukan Manga Award, one of Japan's major manga awards, for Dr. Slump in 1982.

His iconic series Dragon Ball, which debuted in 1984 in Weekly Shonen Jump, achieved global recognition through translations and publications. The franchise expanded its reach into anime, spanning feature films and TV series, alongside ventures into video games and merchandise featuring its beloved characters.

He had worldwide fans and won a special award at the Angouleme International Comics Festival in France in 2013.

After learning about his death, a Chinese reader said on WeChat: "I sit beneath the sun-drenched window, reminiscing about those youthful days. Toriyama rides a divine dragon and departs. In Dragon Ball, there are too many regrets, just like the youth of oneself."

jiangxueqing@chinadaily.com.cn