3 November: Remembering Osamu Tezuka on Birthday

OV Digital Desk
3 Min Read
Osamu Tezuka

Osamu Tezuka (3 November 1928 – 9 February 1989) was a Japanese manga artistcartoonist, and animator.  He was widely regarded as the “Godfather of Manga” for his pioneering work in the development of the medium.

Life and Career

He was born on 3 November 1928, in Osaka, Japan.

Tezuka began creating manga as a child and went on to study medicine in college, but he eventually dropped out to pursue a career in the manga. In 1947, he published his first professional work, “Ma-chan’s Diary,” which was well-received and led to further opportunities in the industry.

Tezuka’s most famous work is the manga series “Astro Boy,” which he created in 1951. The series became a massive success and was adapted into several anime series and films. Tezuka also created other popular manga series, including “Kimba the White Lion,” “Black Jack,” and “Phoenix.”

In addition to his work as a manga artist, Tezuka was also a pioneering figure in the animation industry. He established his own animation studio, Mushi Production, in 1961, which produced several groundbreaking anime series, including “Astro Boy” and “Kimba the White Lion.”

He died on 9 February 1989, in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 60.

Tezuka’s influence on manga and anime is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence creators around the world. In 2003, he was posthumously awarded the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of manga and anime.

Award and Legacy

Osamu Tezuka’s impact on manga and anime is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence creators around the world. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of Japanese popular culture.

In recognition of his contributions to the medium of manga, Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize was named after him. The award is given annually to creators who have made outstanding contributions to the development of manga and anime.

Tezuka’s impact on the animation industry was also significant. He established his own animation studio, Mushi Production, which produced several groundbreaking anime series, including “Astro Boy” and “Kimba the White Lion.” His use of limited animation techniques helped to establish the industry standard for anime production, and his influence can be seen in the work of many modern animators.

Tezuka’s work has also been celebrated in numerous exhibitions and retrospectives around the world. In 2009, the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum was established in his hometown of Takarazuka, Japan, to celebrate his life and work and promote the art of manga.

On 6 April 2008, Google celebrated the 80th anniversary of Osamu Tezuka with a doodle.

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