# Osamu Tezuka

> Japanese cartoonist and animator (1928–1989)

**Wikidata**: [Q193300](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193300)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osamu_Tezuka)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/osamu-tezuka

## Summary
Osamu Tezuka was a Japanese cartoonist and animator (1928–1989) who pioneered modern manga and animation, creating iconic characters like Astro Boy and establishing influential studios like Tezuka Productions. His work revolutionized the medium, shaping global comics and animation.

## Biography
- Born: November 3, 1928, in Osaka, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Osaka Municipal Commercial High School, Osaka University of Arts (now Osaka University of Arts)
- Known for: Pioneering modern manga and animation, creating Astro Boy, founding Tezuka Productions
- Employer(s): Tezuka Productions, Mushi Production, Nara Medical University
- Field(s): Cartooning, animation, manga, film production, television production

## Contributions
Osamu Tezuka created numerous influential manga series, including *Astro Boy* (1952), *Black Jack* (1964), *Kimba the White Lion* (1955), *Phoenix* (1954), and *Dororo* (1969). He founded Tezuka Productions in 1968, which produced landmark anime series like *In the Beginning: The Bible Stories* (1978) and *Wonder Beat Scramble* (1977). Tezuka also directed the film *The Three-Eyed One* (1985) and contributed to the development of *Jetter Mars* (1977). Additionally, he published the avant-garde manga magazine *COM* (1967–1972), which significantly influenced the evolution of manga. His work spanned over 40 years, producing over 100 manga series and numerous animated films and TV shows.

## FAQs
**What were Osamu Tezuka's most famous manga series?**
Osamu Tezuka created iconic manga series such as *Astro Boy* (1952), *Black Jack* (1964), *Kimba the White Lion* (1955), *Phoenix* (1954), and *Dororo* (1969), which became foundational works in manga history.

**Where did Osamu Tezuka study?**
Osamu Tezuka attended Osaka Municipal Commercial High School and later enrolled at Osaka University of Arts (now Osaka University of Arts), where he pursued his education in the arts.

**What animation studio did Osamu Tezuka found?**
Osamu Tezuka founded Tezuka Productions in 1968, which produced notable anime series like *In the Beginning: The Bible Stories* (1978) and *Wonder Beat Scramble* (1977).

**What was Osamu Tezuka's most influential magazine?**
Osamu Tezuka published *COM* (1967–1972), an avant-garde manga magazine that significantly influenced the evolution of manga with its experimental and progressive approach.

**What awards did Osamu Tezuka receive?**
Osamu Tezuka received numerous awards, including the Inkpot Award, Asahi Prize, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Shogakukan Manga Award, Kodansha Manga Award, Eisner Award, Winsor McCay Award, and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.

## Why They Matter
Osamu Tezuka is considered the "God of Manga" for his groundbreaking contributions to the medium. His work revolutionized manga and animation, influencing generations of artists and creators. Tezuka's innovative storytelling, dynamic characters, and technical advancements set new standards for the industry. His iconic characters, such as Astro Boy, have become cultural symbols worldwide. By founding Tezuka Productions and publishing influential magazines like *COM*, Tezuka shaped the evolution of manga and animation, leaving a lasting impact on global pop culture.

## Notable For
- Creating *Astro Boy*, one of the most influential manga series of all time.
- Founding Tezuka Productions in 1968, a key animation studio in the industry.
- Publishing *COM* (1967–1972), an avant-garde manga magazine that influenced manga evolution.
- Receiving the Inkpot Award, Asahi Prize, and Order of the Sacred Treasure for his contributions.
- Winning the Shogakukan Manga Award, Kodansha Manga Award, and Eisner Award for his work.
- Being honored with the Winsor McCay Award and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.
- Having an asteroid named after him: 3998 Tezuka.
- Influencing numerous artists and creators, including Hayao Miyazaki and Yoshihiro Tatsumi.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Osamu Tezuka was born on November 3, 1928, in Osaka, Japan. He attended Osaka Municipal Commercial High School and later enrolled at Osaka University of Arts (now Osaka University of Arts), where he pursued his education in the arts. His early exposure to art and commercial design laid the foundation for his future career in cartooning and animation.

### Career and Influences
Osamu Tezuka began his career in the 1940s, working as a cartoonist and animator. He was influenced by Western animation techniques and Japanese manga artists, which shaped his unique style. Tezuka's early work included contributions to the magazine *Shonen Sunday*, where he published his first manga series, *Shin Takarajima* (1950). His breakthrough came with *Astro Boy* (1952), which became a global phenomenon and is considered one of the most influential manga series of all time.

### Major Works and Contributions
Osamu Tezuka created numerous iconic manga series, including *Black Jack* (1964), *Kimba the White Lion* (1955), *Phoenix* (1954), and *Dororo* (1969). He also directed the film *The Three-Eyed One* (1985) and contributed to the development of *Jetter Mars* (1977). Tezuka's work spanned over 40 years, producing over 100 manga series and numerous animated films and TV shows.

### Founding Tezuka Productions
In 1968, Osamu Tezuka founded Tezuka Productions, a key animation studio in the industry. The studio produced landmark anime series like *In the Beginning: The Bible Stories* (1978) and *Wonder Beat Scramble* (1977). Tezuka Productions became a significant player in the animation industry, contributing to the development of anime and manga.

### Publishing COM Magazine
Osamu Tezuka published *COM* (1967–1972), an avant-garde manga magazine that significantly influenced the evolution of manga. The magazine's experimental and progressive approach set new standards for the medium. *COM* played a crucial role in shaping the future of manga and animation.

### Awards and Honors
Osamu Tezuka received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the industry. He won the Inkpot Award, Asahi Prize, Order of the Sacred Treasure, Shogakukan Manga Award, Kodansha Manga Award, Eisner Award, Winsor McCay Award, and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. His work was recognized with the highest honors in the manga and animation industry.

### Legacy and Influence
Osamu Tezuka's legacy extends to his influence on other artists and creators. He inspired numerous mangaka and animators, including Hayao Miyazaki and Yoshihiro Tatsumi. His innovative storytelling, dynamic characters, and technical advancements continue to shape the manga and animation industry. Tezuka's iconic characters, such as Astro Boy, have become cultural symbols worldwide.

### Affiliations and Collaborations
Osamu Tezuka was affiliated with several notable institutions and organizations, including the University of Osaka, Nara Medical University, and Mushi Production. He collaborated with renowned artists and creators, contributing to the development of manga and animation. His work was recognized and celebrated by the manga and animation community.

### Personal Life and Later Years
Osamu Tezuka passed away on February 9, 1989, in Tokyo, Japan. His contributions to the manga and animation industry continue to be celebrated and honored. Tezuka's legacy lives on through his iconic characters, influential works, and lasting impact on the medium. His innovative storytelling and technical advancements remain a source of inspiration for new generations of artists and creators.

## References

1. [1920代：年譜：手塚治虫について：TezukaOsamu.net(JP) 手塚治虫 公式サイト. Tezuka Productions](https://tezukaosamu.net/jp/about/1920.html)
2. [1920s：History：ABOUT TEZUKA OSAMU：TezukaOsamu.net(EN). Tezuka Productions](https://tezukaosamu.net/en/about/1920.html)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. [Source](http://www.skwigly.co.uk/osamu-tezuka-manga-is-my-wife-animation-is-my-lover/)
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9. [Source](http://www.theage.com.au/news/dvd-reviews/tezuka-the-experimental-films/2007/09/12/1189276789692.html)
10. The Fine Art Archive
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14. [Source](https://www.comic-con.org/awards/inkpot)
15. [Source](https://www.comic-con.org/awards/2000s)
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21. [一般社団法人　日本SF作家クラブ　会員名簿](http://sfwj.jp/members/)
22. [Source](https://tezukaosamu.net/en/about/1980.html)
23. CiNii Dissertations
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30. [Source](https://www.tofugu.com/japan/osamu-tezuka-history/)
31. [A Yiddishe Manga: The Creative Roots of Japan's God of Comics](http://media.wix.com/ugd/aa7d16_761fb1e8c44a48a6b42f22e3bb8d1b23.pdf)
32. Virtual International Authority File
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37. The Movie Database