Teduka Osamu

author: jigger cheh

Let me introduce the pioneer of Japanese Anime, Teduka Osamu. He is not only the most productive cartoonist in the world but also a medical doctor. In his 61 years more than 45 years were contributed to Anime with thousands masterpiece left. The amazing productivity of Osamu left other cartoonists far behind is due to his survival in the world war that he swear he would devote all his life to arts.  Since the huge amount of work he carried drafts all around that he could carry on his work even in a driving car or flying jets. He took only 4 hours in sleep and drew more than 50 manuscripts a day.

  The reason why he influences the world a lot is simply due to the humanity of philosophy in his work.  The disrespect of life and totally ignorance of morality would lead to the extinction of human race thus life and morality should be the spirit in Anime. That is the most valuable legacy of Osamu left behind.

  I would like to recommend “Space Firebird” which was made in 1955. The firebird in that work was not a ordinary bird but the symbol of life. Everyone related to that bird was obsessed to eternal life and tried to escape from death. The obsession would finally lead to various pains. This work discussed the paradox between life and death, and come with one simple question should it be correct to seek eternal life.

  The most distinguished characteristic of Osamu is that he could make the fanciest idea to stories and build to a colorful world of images based on those stories. Such fascinating characteristic never fade in time and make his work so much attractive even in nowadays.