Osamu Tezuka

Osamu Tezuka (手塚 治虫, born 手塚 治, Tezuka Osamu; November 3, 1928 - February 9, 1989) was a Japanese cartoonist, manga artist, and animator. Born in Osaka Prefecture, his prolific output, pioneering techniques, and innovative genre redefinitions earned him titles such as "the God of Manga" (マンガの神様, Manga no Kami-sama), "the Father of Manga" (マンガの父, Manga no Chichi), and "the Godfather of Manga" (マンガの教父, Manga no Kyōfu). Furthermore, he is frequently regarded as the Japanese equivalent of Walt Disney, who was a major inspiration to Tezuka during his formative years. Though this phrase praises the quality of his early comic books and animations, it also obscures the significance of his later, more literary, gekiga works.

With the publication of New Treasure Island in 1947, Tezuka launched what became known as the Japanese comic revolution. His work spawned some of the most influential, successful, and well-received comic series of all time, including the children's mangas Astro Boy, Princess Knight, and Kimba the White Lion, as well as the adult-oriented series Black Jack, Phoenix, and Buddha, all of which won multiple awards.

Osamu Tezuka died in 1989 of stomach cancer. His death shocked the Japanese public as well as other cartoonists. Tezuka's memory and life works were honored with a museum in Takarazuka, and he received numerous posthumous awards. At the time of his death, several animations were in the works, as were the final chapters of Phoenix, which were never released. He is among the most important historical figures in Japan.