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Osamu Tezuka's Real Name: Osamu Tezuka
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Osamu Tezuka (手塚治虫) 本名: Osamu Tezuka (手塚治)
Answer: Osamu Tezuka's real name is 手塚治 (Tezuka Osamu). His pen name adds the character 虫 ("bug") because he loved insects; the reading stays "Osamu."
Osamu Tezuka was born on November 3, 1928, in Toyonaka, Osaka Prefecture, and grew up in Takarazuka. As a boy he was fascinated by insects, especially the ground beetle called osamushi (オサムシ). He added the kanji 虫 ("bug") to his given name 治, creating the pen name 手塚治虫. It is usually still read "Osamu."
Often called the "God of Manga" (漫画の神様), Tezuka created Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), Kimba the White Lion, Princess Knight, Black Jack and Phoenix. He also trained as a medical doctor. His film-like panel layouts and his TV anime studio, Mushi Production, shaped modern manga and anime.
He died on February 9, 1989. The Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum in Takarazuka documents his life, including the story of his pen name.
FAQ
Why is there a bug (虫) in Osamu Tezuka's name? He loved insects, especially the osamushi beetle, so he added 虫 to his given name 治.
What is Osamu Tezuka known for? Astro Boy, Black Jack, Kimba the White Lion and Phoenix.