Tezukas

Tezukas refers to people bearing the Japanese surname Tezuka (written 手塚) and to entities and works associated with the artist Osamu Tezuka, a central figure in the history of manga and animation. The name is of Japanese origin, and while most references focus on Osamu Tezuka, the term can also apply to other individuals who share the surname.

Osamu Tezuka (1928–1989) is the most prominent bearer of the name. He was a Japanese manga artist and animator often regarded as the "God of Manga" for shaping modern Japanese comics and anime. His prolific output includes Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), Black Jack, and Phoenix. Tezuka helped develop long-running serialized storytelling, innovative panel layouts, and character-driven narratives that influenced both manga artists and animation studios. He founded Mushi Production, a major animation studio, and his work set standards that shaped the direction of the medium for decades.

The Tezuka name also appears in cultural institutions and awards honoring his legacy. The Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize, established in the late 1990s, recognizes excellence in manga and aims to promote new talents while celebrating Tezuka’s influence on the field. In addition to the prize, Tezuka’s career is frequently cited in scholarly and critical discussions of manga history, narrative technique, and the development of anime.

Beyond Osamu Tezuka, the surname Tezuka is borne by other individuals in Japan across various fields. The term Tezukas, in encyclopedic use, thus covers both the family name and the body of work and impact associated with Osamu Tezuka and his enduring influence on manga and animation.