Anime enthusiasts have their calendar marked for a singularly enthralling event each year – Goku Day. Known as a global anime holiday, this day has transcended from merely being a fan-celebrated occasion to a platform where exciting news regarding the Dragon Ball franchise is unveiled. With May 9, 2023, just around the corner, the anime community is on the edge of its seat, more so with the announcement of a mysterious new project by Toei Animation slated to be unveiled on this revered day. Here’s a stroll down the excitement-laden avenue that leads to Goku Day, shedding light on its inception and the whirl of anticipation that accompanies it annually.
The Origin Tale of Goku Day
Goku Day made its inaugural appearance on the global anime stage in 2015, credited to the Japan Anniversary Association. The day celebrates the legendary Dragon Ball franchise, the brainchild of Akira Toriyama. However, the choice of May 9 as Goku Day is anything but arbitrary. It stems from an interesting linguistic play:
the number 5 (五) is pronounced as ‘go’ or ‘ko’, and 9 (九) as ‘ku’ or ‘kyu’ in Japanese, collectively resonating with the name ‘Goku’.
This tidbit is not merely hearsay but is shared on the official Dragon Ball website, subtly accentuating the engaging aura that Dragon Ball exudes even in its celebratory tradition.
The Glamour and Mystique of May 9
While Goku Day has become a beacon of communal celebration among Dragon Ball aficionados, it is also eagerly awaited for the announcements it brings forth regarding the franchise. The tradition of breaking exciting news has been part of this annual festivity since 2019, with the studio showcasing results of fan polls, revealing favorite Goku outfits, and even announcing new movie titles like “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero” in 2021.
This year, the whisper of anticipation has morphed into a roar, following a teasing announcement from Toei Animation. While they have kept the details under wraps, the words ‘new project’ have been enough to send a ripple of excitement across the fandom. The shroud of mystery has led to a storm of speculations online, with fans conjecturing the reveal of a new anime in the Dragon Ball universe. Although the lack of concrete information leaves room for endless possibilities, the assurance of something grand coming keeps the excitement alight.
A Whisper of More Surprises?
The extravagance of Goku Day seemingly knows no bounds. Reports suggest that Toei might have something in store for One Piece fans too, potentially aligning it with Luffy’s birthday on May 5. If the conjectures hold true, the first week of May could indeed be a grand spectacle for the broader anime community. This conjecture underscores the passion and sense of community that thrives within the anime realm, enriching the allure of Goku Day manifold.
When Goku’s heart and mind are calm his true nature is revealed. Goku’s words to Moro and every villain he shows mercy, are an echo of the words of his grandfather the day he was discovered. When his heart is not calm he becomes Bardock with an Earthling twist. pic.twitter.com/lU6KlDgMBk
— Jordan Lee (@JordanLDurham) January 12, 2023
Conclusion
Goku Day is more than just a date on the calendar for Dragon Ball lovers. It’s a symbol of communal camaraderie, a beacon of exciting news, and a tribute to a franchise that has etched itself indelibly in the hearts of many. The clock ticks down to May 9, 2023, and as the mystery project announcement looms closer, the heartbeats of fans across the globe synchronize in hope and anticipation. As with every Goku Day, the promise of something extraordinary awaits, and perhaps, this time, the reveal might catapult the Dragon Ball saga into a new era of awe and adventure.
