Matsuji Kishimoto

Matsuji Kishimoto held the vital role of production manager for both the original Dragon Ball anime and Dragon Ball Z until August 1990, when he departed after coordinating through episode 58 of DBZ. Production managers handle scheduling, resource allocation, and the day-to-day logistics that allow a series to stay on air. Kishimoto managed this responsibility across one of anime's most demanding franchises, overseeing multiple film productions alongside the weekly television grind. His tenure coincided with Dragon Ball's explosive popularity, making his work crucial to the franchise's successful adaptation.

Kishimoto produced multiple Dragon Ball Z films, including The World's Strongest and The Tree of Might, and worked on earlier entries like Curse of the Blood Rubies and Sleeping Princess in Devil's Castle. He also contributed to Toriyama's other adaptations, such as the Dr. Slump films and Taro the Dragon Boy.