Osamu Tezuka, often called the “God of Manga,” revolutionized the world of Japanese comics and animation. However, his journey was not a smooth one—his career was marked by relentless challenges, groundbreaking innovations, and crushing setbacks. From pioneering the storytelling manga format to venturing into animation and facing industry rejection, his life was a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

The Birth of a Genius – The Origins of Osamu Tezuka

A Childhood of Imagination

Osamu Tezuka was born in 1928 in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture. As a child, he was fascinated by insects, a passion that influenced his pen name, “Tezuka Osamushi” (a reference to a type of Japanese beetle). However, his true obsession lay in movies and comics.

His father owned a film projector, and young Osamu would watch Disney films repeatedly, marveling at their fluid animation and emotional storytelling. This early exposure to cinema would later shape his revolutionary approach to manga. By the time he was in elementary school, he was already drawing his own comics, showcasing an innate ability to weave compelling narratives.

War and an Unwavering Passion for Manga

During World War II, Japan was in turmoil, yet Tezuka never stopped drawing. Despite the strict censorship and harsh conditions, his creative spirit remained unbroken.

After the war, he enrolled in Osaka University’s medical school. However, his love for storytelling continued to grow, and he soon faced a critical decision—should he follow the path of medicine or dedicate his life to manga?

The Manga Revolution – Redefining the Industry

The Impact of New Treasure Island – A Cinematic Approach to Comics

In 1947, Tezuka released New Treasure Island, a work that transformed Japanese comics forever. Before this, manga was primarily made up of short, four-panel gag strips. However, Tezuka introduced a long-form narrative with dynamic panel layouts inspired by film techniques.

The result? A nationwide sensation. Readers were captivated by the cinematic storytelling, and the success of New Treasure Island marked the birth of the modern manga industry.

Clashing with the Old Guard – The Struggle for Change

While readers embraced Tezuka’s storytelling approach, traditional manga artists were resistant to change. Many criticized his work as being “too different” from conventional comics. Yet, the younger generation was enthralled, and soon, story-driven manga became the new standard.

Building a Sci-Fi Universe – Astro Boy and Beyond

In 1952, Tezuka introduced Astro Boy, Japan’s first major science fiction manga. The story explored deep philosophical themes such as artificial intelligence, ethics, and human identity—all through the eyes of a childlike robot.

The character’s popularity skyrocketed, cementing Tezuka’s place as Japan’s leading manga artist.

From Tezuka Productions official channel

A Bold Leap into Animation – Triumph and Tragedy

The Birth of Japan’s First TV Anime – Astro Boy’s Historic Moment

In 1963, Astro Boy became Japan’s first animated TV series. This was a groundbreaking achievement, fulfilling Tezuka’s dream of bringing his characters to life on screen.

However, this success came at a cost.

The Disney Influence – Chasing an Impossible Dream

Tezuka deeply admired Walt Disney and aspired to create animation that could rival Disney’s masterpieces. Yet, the reality of Japanese animation production was far from the high-budget films of Hollywood. Tezuka’s studio, Mushi Production, was forced to cut corners, leading to what would later be called the “limited animation” technique.

Though this method allowed for lower costs and faster production, it also placed immense strain on Tezuka and his team.

The Collapse of Mushi Production – A Dream Turned Nightmare

Despite Astro Boy’s popularity, the financial burden of running an animation studio was overwhelming. Tezuka’s ambition led him to produce more and more shows at unprofitable rates. By the late 1960s, Mushi Production was drowning in debt, and in 1973, the studio went bankrupt.

The man who had built Japan’s anime industry was now left with nothing.

The Lonely Road to Redemption – A Legendary Comeback

The Fall from Grace – A Changing Industry

As the 1970s arrived, manga was evolving. The industry was now dominated by Weekly Shonen Jump and its new generation of artists. Tezuka, once the king of manga, found himself being pushed aside. Critics labeled his work as outdated, and many publishers lost interest in him.

For the first time in his career, Tezuka faced failure.

Reinventing Himself – Black Jack and Phoenix

But Tezuka was not one to give up. Instead of conforming to trends, he returned to his roots, creating masterpieces that would redefine his legacy.

• Black Jack (1973) – A medical drama featuring a rogue surgeon, blending intense storytelling with his deep knowledge of medicine.
• Phoenix (1967–1988) – A grand, philosophical saga exploring the cycle of life and death, hailed as his magnum opus.

These works rejuvenated his career, earning him a new generation of fans.

His Final Moments – Drawing Until the End

In 1989, Tezuka was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Even as his health declined, he continued to draw, refusing to let go of his passion.

His final words, spoken on his deathbed, reportedly were:
“Please, let me keep working…”

At the age of 60, Osamu Tezuka passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the world of entertainment forever.

The Legacy of Osamu Tezuka

Without Osamu Tezuka, Japanese manga and anime as we know them today would not exist. He pioneered the concept of long-form storytelling in comics, established the anime industry, and influenced countless creators, from Hayao Miyazaki to modern manga artists. Even decades after his passing, his stories continue to inspire new generations around the world. The “God of Manga” may be gone, but his legacy remains immortal.