The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum in Takarazuka, Hyogo, was inaugurated on 25 April 1994. It honors Osamu Tezuka, the cartoonist and animator widely called the god of manga.
Tezuka was born in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, on 3 November 1928 and died of stomach cancer in Tokyo on 9 February 1989. His prolific output and pioneering techniques earned him titles such as the father of manga and the god of manga, and he is often described as the Japanese equivalent of Walt Disney, a major early inspiration.
Though he trained in medicine, earning a doctorate, Tezuka helped launch what became known as the manga revolution in Japan with New Treasure Island, published in 1947. His later work spawned some of the most influential series in the medium, including the children's manga Astro Boy, Princess Knight and Kimba the White Lion, and the more adult-oriented Black Jack, Phoenix and Buddha.
Takarazuka holds a special place in his story. His mother frequently took him to the Takarazuka Grand Theater to see the all-female Takarazuka Revue, whose romantic musicals influenced his later work and costume designs. The performers' large, sparkling eyes also helped shape his distinctive art style, and he later said he felt a profound spirit of nostalgia for the city.
After his death had an immediate impact on the Japanese public and other cartoonists, the city of Takarazuka, where he grew up, opened a museum in his memory. Its Japanese name translates as Takarazuka City Tezuka Osamu Memorial Hall, and it stands across three floors.
In the basement is an Animation Workshop where visitors can make their own animation, alongside a mockup of the city of Takarazuka and a replica of the desk where Tezuka worked. The hands-on elements reflect his dual identity as both a manga artist and an animator who founded his own studios.
Outside the entrance, imitations of the hands and feet of several Tezuka characters are set into the ground in the manner of a walk of fame. Inside the entry hall sits a replica of furniture from Princess Knight, one of his signature creations.
The permanent exhibition is divided into two themes, Osamu Tezuka and the city of Takarazuka, and Osamu Tezuka the author. The same floor includes a permanent display of manga and a room for screening anime, tracing both his roots and his creative career.
Compiled from public records.
