A Musical Journey: How Dragon Ball Saved Me
In a pivotal moment of my life, when the darkness threatened to overwhelm me, it was the music of Dragon Ball that became my guiding light. Four years ago, at the age of 28, I experienced a psychosis while far away from home in Egypt. It felt as though my grip on reality was slipping away, and I found myself grappling with inner demons. It was then, in the midst of this turmoil, that the soundtrack of Dragon Ball Z played a crucial role in my salvation.
I vividly remember standing in the shower, feeling besieged by the turmoil within me, when I decided to play "SSJ Transformation" from Faulconer Productions on my phone. As the music enveloped me, I imagined myself facing Frieza, the embodiment of my struggles, on a solitary island. In that moment, the music became my catalyst for transformation, pulling me back from the brink of despair.
Reflecting on that challenging period, I've come to realize the profound impact stories have on our lives. They reside within us, shaping our identities and guiding us through adversity. During my psychosis, my mind surged with heightened creativity and a newfound ability to discern patterns, akin to superhuman abilities, yet tinged with the fragility of paranoia. Amidst this internal battle, the childhood memories of watching Dragon Ball Z emerged as a beacon of hope.
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, holds a special place in my heart for its depth and sincerity. Through its characters, Toriyama imparted invaluable lessons that resonated deeply with me during my darkest hours. Gohan taught me the importance of self-compassion in the face of failure, emphasizing that setbacks are opportunities for growth. Trunks exemplified the idea that no darkness is insurmountable when you draw strength from within. Characters like Vegeta and Piccolo illustrated the potential for redemption, showing that even those labeled as villains harbor profound struggles and aspirations. Above all, Goku's unwavering resolve reminded me that resilience and inner strength can overcome any adversity, no matter how overwhelming it may seem.
To express my gratitude and admiration, I embarked on a personal tribute to Toriyama through music—a Symphony for Toriyama. Inspired by "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku," a poignant track associated with Dragon Ball's transformations, I collaborated with Antonia Brightwell to create a choir arrangement. Each piece of the symphony symbolizes a different theme from the Dragon Ball universe, celebrating its legacy and emotional depth:
- Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku (Izumi Sakai and Tetsurō Oda) - Symbolizing Childhood and Generations
- Universes Restored/Vegeta's Sacrifice (Norihito Sumitomo) - Echoes of Battle
- Mystical Journey (Takeshi Ike, Seiichi Kyōda, Onikado Izumi) - The Story of Dragon Ball and Friendship
- We Were Angels (Takeshi Ike, Osamu Tozuka, Yukinojō Mori) - Gohan's Rage in Dragon Ball Z
- SSJ3 Powerup (Julius Dobos) - Transformation
- Compromise (Norihito Sumitomo) - Victory and Peace in Dragon Ball Super
- Universes Restored (Reprise) - The Tournament of Power and Breaking Limits
- Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku (Reprise) - Sacrifice and Love
Creating this symphony was a labor of love, involving meticulous video editing and color correction to ensure a fitting tribute to Toriyama's profound influence on my life. I envisioned the characters themselves singing "Dan Dan Kokoro Hikareteku" in my composition, a testament to the enduring impact of Toriyama's creations.
As I reflect on my journey with Dragon Ball—from childhood escapades to moments of adult crisis—I am reminded of its timeless message: the power of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. Akira Toriyama's legacy will forever resonate in my heart, a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of hope.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to Toriyama-sensei. Your creation not only entertained but also inspired and healed—a legacy that will continue to echo through generations. Farewell, and may you find joy among the Kais, The Destroyers, and Grand Zeno.
Tags: #akiratoriyama #dragonball #dragonballz #dragonballsuper
By sharing my personal journey through Dragon Ball, I hope to inspire others to find solace and strength in the stories that resonate deeply within them, just as I have.
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