Biography
Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the "God of Manga", is an iconic figure in Japanese comic books and animation. Born on November 3, 1928, in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, he grew up in a creative environment surrounded by manga and animated films. A passionate insect lover, he adopted the character “虫" (mushi – insect) in his pen name, reflecting his love of nature.
After completing medical studies at Osaka University, where he earned his degree in 1951, Tezuka chose to devote himself entirely to art. His medical background deeply informed works like Black Jack, featuring a brilliant and unlicensed surgeon. Tezuka revolutionized manga storytelling by integrating cinematic techniques such as dynamic framing and innovative page layouts, which brought a new level of narrative fluidity to the medium.
Over his prolific career, he created around 700 titles, including masterpieces such as Astro Boy, Princess Knight, Kimba the White Lion, Phoenix, and Buddha. In 1961, he founded Mushi Production, a pioneering animation studio that helped shape Japanese television animation with iconic series like Astro Boy. His influence transcends national borders, inspiring creators like Hayao Miyazaki and Frank Miller.
Tezuka received numerous awards throughout his life, including the Shogakukan Manga Award in 1957, the Kodansha Manga Award in 1977, and the Eisner Award posthumously. He passed away on February 9, 1989, leaving behind an immense cultural legacy. In tribute, the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum was opened in 1994 in Takarazuka, the city where he spent his childhood.
Even today, Tezuka's work continues to be celebrated in exhibitions, such as the one dedicated to Phoenix at Tokyo City View in 2025.
Nationality