Dragon Ball Celebrates 40 Years with Special Video Featuring Hans Zimmer

Dragon Ball Celebrates 40 Years of Legendary History

In 2026, Dragon Ball celebrates an incredible milestone: 40 years since Akira Toriyama first introduced the world to Son Goku and his extraordinary adventures. To mark this anniversary, a special commemorative video was officially released during the Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri event in Japan.

This anniversary video serves as a tribute to one of the most influential franchises in anime and manga history, bringing together nostalgia, modern animation, and a prestigious musical collaboration.

A Tribute Animated Video Honoring Akira Toriyama

Produced by Toei Animation and directed by Naoki Miyahara, the 40th anniversary video revisits iconic moments from the Dragon Ball universe. The animation blends classic 2D artwork inspired by Akira Toriyama’s original illustrations with modern 3D techniques, creating a visually striking homage to the series’ evolution.

Rather than telling a single story, the video functions as an emotional retrospective, highlighting the characters, battles, and themes that have defined Dragon Ball for four decades.

Hans Zimmer Brings a Powerful Musical Dimension

One of the most surprising and celebrated aspects of this project is the involvement of Hans Zimmer, the world-renowned composer behind legendary film scores such as The Lion King, Gladiator, and Dune.

Zimmer composed an original piece titled “Infinite Future” exclusively for the Dragon Ball 40th anniversary video. Performed by a full orchestra, the music enhances the emotional weight of the visuals, blending epic intensity with reflective nostalgia.

The result is a rare and powerful crossover between Japanese anime culture and Hollywood-level cinematic composition.

A Celebration of the Past and the Future

Fans around the world quickly reacted with enthusiasm, praising both the animation quality and the unexpected musical collaboration. The video not only honors Dragon Ball’s past but also reinforces its ongoing relevance in modern pop culture.

Alongside this anniversary tribute, new Dragon Ball projects, including anime and game announcements, were also revealed, confirming that the franchise continues to evolve while respecting its roots.

Dragon Ball’s Legacy After 40 Years

Four decades after its debut, Dragon Ball remains a global phenomenon, inspiring generations of fans, artists, and creators. This 40th anniversary special video stands as a heartfelt celebration of Akira Toriyama’s legacy and a reminder of why Dragon Ball continues to resonate worldwide.