On April 25th I went to the “Tezuka Osamu’s Buddha exhibition” that traces back the life of the Buddha with statues and mangas; held in the Tokyo National museum.

（special exhibition “Tezuka Osamu’s Buddha Exhibition”）

First, I would like to simply introduce what kind of person “Tezuka Osamu” is.

（Tezuka Osamu）

He was born on November 3rd, 1928 in Osaka prefecture Toyonaka city; he was born the oldest of 3 boys.

He always had affection with mangas and animation since his childhood; he was supposedly a very imaginative boy. Although he became a medical expert after learning the importance of lives after the World War 2, in the end he chose to become his number one dream occupation a “manga/animation artist”. His works are drawn based on the theme that lives are important and irreplaceable.

The manga he has drawn has changed the concept of the Japanese mangas, has created manga using new expressions, and has transformed manga into art. Also, his works have influenced every genre of literature and films.

At the same time, he has left a big foot print in animations as well. For example he created Japan’s first consecutive anime television show-“Tetsuwan Atom” and consecutive color television animation “Jungle Taitei”; Japan was immersed by him.

Also, not only Japan but his works were exported to America, Europe, Asia countries; has received a high appraisal internationally as well.

On February 9th 1989, he passed away at the age of 60.

This exhibition “Tezuka Osamu’s Buddha exhibition” displays the “Buddha” that Tezuka Osamu finishing creating on his last year for over 10 years. This “Buddha” is drawn by his very own way of expressing the originator of Buddhism and the life of “Buddha”. His works that enables you to feel his eternal theme “the importance of life” are displayed, along with other original pictures and Buddha statues from all over the world, makes it possible for you to trace back Buddha’s life.

（Important cultural fortune, Mayabunin statue Asuka period 7th century, Tokyo national museum storehouse）

(“Buddha” autographed manuscript Tezuka Osamu’s complete manga, Buddha second edition cover page ©Tezuka Productions)

(“Buddha” autographed manuscript Tezuka Osamu’s complete manga, Buddha third edition cover page ©Tezuka Productions)

（Bodhisattva standing statue, Pakistan/Gandara Kushan, 2nd century Tokyo national museum store house）

（Buddha standing statue Pakistan/Peshawar area Kushan, 2nd~3rd century Tokyo national museum storehouse, photographer: Kamimoto Junko (Persimmon)

(“Buddha” autographed manuscript Tezuka Osamu’s complete manga, Buddha third ｅｄｉｔｉｏｎ cover page ©Tezuka Productions)

（Important cultural fortune Butsunehan statue, Kamakura period 13th century, Nara/Okadera storehouse）
This time at the same time as “Tezuka Osamu’s Buddha exhibition”, the film “Buddha akai sunayo! Utsukushiku ichi (Buddha the red sand! Beautiful first” will be opened to the public. Please do take yourselves both to the “Tezuka Osamu’s Buddha exhibition” and the film “Buddha akai sunayo! Utsukushiku ichi”.

“Tezuka Osamu’s Buddha exhibition”
Tokyo national museum main building
[Opened hours]
April 26th (Tues) ~ April 30th (Sat) 10:00am ~ 4:00pm
May 1st (Sun) ~ June 26th (Sun) 9:30am ~ 5:00pm
(Saturdays, Sundays, holidays until 6:00pm). *Fridays ~8:00pm closed

[Closed hours]
May 16th (Mon), May 23rd (Mon), June 13th (Mon), June 20th (Mon), June 21st (Tues)
May change depending on circumstances.
HP : https://www.budda-tezuka.com