LogFAQs > #975981579

btw:

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/2000121-anime-and-manga-other-titles/78726096

M: Even so, how did you come up with the ideas behind organizing the story?
T: I studied Fist of the North Star.[2]
M: Oh! Fist of the North Star?! Thats surprising.
T: It was because the popularity of Dragon Ball had declined, so I had no choice but to study it. The most overwhelmingly popular series at the time was Fist of the North Star.
M: Thats true, isnt it?
T: So I researched it and read up to 3 volumes of Fist of the North Star.
M: What? To volume 3? Only up to that point?!
T: You only need to read that much of Fist of the North Star to understand it. I didnt care for it that much.
M: Oh?! How can you say that?!
T: Nah, its alright because its just my personal preference. I dont like it. But Fist of the North Star was so popular at the time, so I read it carefully and studied it, and thats how the future of Dragon Ball evolved. I decided the policies.
M: You mean in terms of story arrangement?
T: Yes, I made the story simple by reducing the amount of characters.
M: So thats it.
T: When I read Fist of the North Star I felt that it was a bit preachy. But I was struck by its dialogue, You are already dead. I dont qualify to live another day!! Because I love the same woman. And, I have no regrets in my life. Children think that such lines sound cool, of course. It had a lot of appeal in that regard, and was incredible.
M: How did you plan to change the policy of Dragon Ball?
T: Thats when I decided to make Dragon Ball a work without substance.
M: Without substance?
T: Thats right, Matsuyama-kun, have you ever learned anything by reading Dragon Ball, that you can remember?
M: Well, of course, um
T: No, theres nothing you can learn by reading Dragon Ball. Its not a lesson in life, its useless in our lives; its just a funny comic. And thats fine!