If you love anime, you’ve probably wondered: who started it all? Who was the person that created the foundation for the anime we know today? The answer might surprise you. Because while one man is often called the “father of anime,” the story is more complex than it seems.

Before we name the legendary figure, it’s important to understand that anime didn’t appear out of nowhere. Animation in Japan has roots that go back over a century!

In 1917, Japan saw its first animated films, created by pioneers like Jun’ichi Kōuchi, Seitaro Kitayama, and Ōten Shimokawa. These were short, silent films inspired by Western animation techniques. However, they were very different from the anime we know today.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Disney and Fleischer Studios were creating iconic animations like Steamboat Willie (1928). These films made a huge impact on Japan’s early animators, showing them the possibilities of storytelling through moving drawings.

The title of “father of anime” is most often given to Osamu Tezuka. He wasn’t the first Japanese animator, but he revolutionized the industry and shaped modern anime as we know it.

Born in 1928, Tezuka grew up fascinated by both manga and animation. He was deeply inspired by Disney films like Bambi and Snow White, which influenced his signature style—large expressive eyes, fluid movement, and deep emotional storytelling.

His greatest achievement? Creating the first-ever TV anime series: Astro Boy (1963).

Tezuka didn’t just create Astro Boy—he introduced techniques and ideas that became the foundation of anime. Here’s how he changed everything:

Before Tezuka, Japanese animation didn’t have the distinctive large eyes and expressive emotions that anime is known for. He took inspiration from Disney characters and adapted the style for manga and anime.

Creating a full-length animated series was expensive and time-consuming. Tezuka invented “limited animation”, where fewer frames were used, but clever camera work and dynamic angles made everything feel fluid and engaging. This allowed anime to be produced on a tighter budget—without losing quality.

Western cartoons at the time were mostly episodic, meaning each episode was a standalone story. But Tezuka brought the concept of continuous storytelling—where episodes built upon each other, just like in a novel or live-action drama.

Without Osamu Tezuka, the anime industry would not be what it is today. His work directly influenced every major anime creator, from Hayao Miyazaki (Studio Ghibli) to Akira Toriyama (Dragon Ball). Even modern hits like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer follow the storytelling principles he established.

Tezuka created over 700 manga titles and worked on numerous anime projects, including:

• Kimba the White Lion (1965) – One of the first full-color anime TV series.
• Black Jack – A medical drama that influenced many later anime series.
• Phoenix – A deep philosophical story about life and reincarnation.

While Tezuka is the most commonly recognized “father of anime,” some historians argue that other figures also played a crucial role:

• Ōten Shimokawa – Created Japan’s first known animation in 1917.
• Noburō Ōfuji – Pushed the boundaries of Japanese animation in the 1930s.
• Yasuji Murata & Mitsuyo Seo – Pioneered animated propaganda films in the 1940s, which later influenced anime techniques.

However, none of them had the same long-term influence and global impact as Tezuka. That’s why most experts still call him the true “father of anime.”

Next time you watch your favorite anime, whether it’s One Piece, Naruto, or Your Name, remember that it all traces back to one man’s vision.

Osamu Tezuka didn’t just create anime—he transformed it into an art form that millions love today. Without him, the world of anime would look completely different.

So, is he the “father of anime”? The answer is a resounding yes.