The exhibition links to Japan’s first world’s fair: Expo ’70. Held in Osaka, the event was a bold philosophical statement about human progress, a theme that resonated deeply with Tezuka’s own narrative. Decades later, as Expo 2025 explores “Designing the Future Society for Our Lives”, Tezuka’s Phoenix continues to serve as a powerful meditation on the nature of existence, renewal, and the quest for a better future. When Expo ’70 opened, it presented a vision of a rapidly changing world, but behind its futuristic spectacle lay a deeper existential question: what is the fate of humanity? The event, held in the wake of Japan’s postwar economic miracle, was imbued with both optimism and a keen awareness of the transience of civilizations.

Tezuka, who grew up in Osaka and later visited Expo ’70, was deeply influenced by its themes. He was particularly moved by its exploration of scientific progress, space exploration, and the coexistence of different cultures. These elements permeate Phoenix, which frequently juxtaposes primitive societies with highly advanced civilizations, raising ethical questions about technological dominance, environmental destruction, and the spiritual cost of progress. Whether set in the distant past or the distant future, the manga’s stories remind us that human ambition, greed, love, and sacrifice remain timeless.

Just as Expo ’70 inspired a generation to consider the future of civilization, and just as Expo 2025 aims to redefine life in a changing world, Phoenix serves as a bridge between these moments, a timeless work that challenges us to rethink our place in the great cycle of life.

Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the “God of Manga”, stands as an unparalleled figure in the history of Japanese comics and animation. His legacy, spanning from the post-war era to the late 1980s, transformed manga from a niche entertainment form into a sophisticated and expansive medium. With an oeuvre exceeding 700 works and over 150,000 pages of manga, Tezuka not only defined modern manga storytelling but also laid the foundation for the anime industry as we know it today.

Born in 1928 in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, Tezuka was raised in an intellectually stimulating environment. His father, an avid film enthusiast, introduced him to Western cinema, while his mother encouraged his artistic inclinations. This fusion of influences, through American animation, German expressionist films, and traditional Japanese storytelling, shaped his unique artistic vision. At an early age, he became enamored with Walt Disney’s animated films whose fluidity of movement and emotional depth left a lasting impression on his style. Tezuka initially pursued medicine, obtaining a degree in the field, yet his passion for storytelling soon took precedence. His scientific background, however, would later influence many of his works, infusing them with themes of ethics, biology, and the consequences of technological advancement.

In the late 1940s, Tezuka’s breakthrough work, Shin Takarajima (New Treasure Island, 1947), revolutionized the manga industry. Unlike the short, simplistic comics of the time, Shin Takarajima introduced cinematic paneling, dynamic angles, and a complex narrative structure, drawing readers into an immersive storytelling experience. This innovation laid the groundwork for the modern manga format. His signature work, Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy, 1952-1968), exemplified his deep engagement with themes of humanity, artificial intelligence, and morality. Astro Boy, the iconic robotic boy with a human heart, resonated deeply with post-war Japan, embodying both hope and the ethical dilemmas of scientific progress. Astro Boy became Japan’s first feature-length animated television series in 1963, establishing conventions in anime that persist to this day.

Tezuka’s artistic innovations set the gold standard for manga. His distinctive large-eyed character design, influenced by early Disney animation, became a hallmark of manga aesthetics. He employed cinematic techniques such as “camera movement” within panels, varying perspectives, and close-ups, transforming manga into a dynamic, emotionally engaging medium. But beyond his technical prowess, Tezuka’s narratives broke conventional boundaries. He introduced morally complex characters, intricate storylines, and social commentary rarely seen in comics of the time. Works like Black Jack (1973-1983) reflected his medical knowledge, featuring a rogue surgeon performing miraculous yet ethically ambiguous procedures. Meanwhile, Buddha (1972-1983) reimagined the life of Siddhartha Gautama with a blend of historical depth and Tezuka’s signature storytelling brilliance.

Even after his passing in 1989, Tezuka’s works continue to be studied, adapted, and revered worldwide. His ability to infuse profound philosophical questions within accessible, visually captivating narratives remains unmatched. His innovations paved the way for future generations of artists and creators, including luminaries like Hayao Miyazaki and Naoki Urasawa. His establishment of Mushi Production in the 1960s pioneered Japan’s animation industry, influencing both domestic and international markets. He was a visionary who reshaped Japanese pop culture and elevated manga to an art form. His legacy, like the Phoenix he depicted, continues to be reborn with each new generation of readers and creators, ensuring that his influence will never fade.

Osamu Tezuka’s HINOTORI Exhibition
“Phoenix” is the Dynamic Equilibrium against Increasing Entropy and is the Symbol for Cosmic Life.
Date: March 7th – May 25th, 2025
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 (Last admission: 21:00)
Place: Tokyo City View
Address: 52F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
https://hinotori-ex.roppongihills.com