Relive childhood memories as Astro Boy creator’s original manuscripts go on display

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

The manga of Japan’s “God of Comics,” Osamu Tezuka, has accompanied many through their formative years, with works like “Astro Boy,” “Black Jack,” “Kimba the White Lion,” and “Prince Planet” forming warm memories from childhood. From now until October 6, 9:00–18:00, the “Tezuka Osamu’s World” special exhibition will be held at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, featuring the first public display of over 130 authentic signed manuscripts by Tezuka, as well as life-sized scene recreations from four iconic manga series, allowing fans to get an up-close look and take photos.

Tezuka was not only the first in Japan to adapt single-panel and four-panel comics into long-form manga, but also the first to turn best-selling manga into TV cartoons. Over his more than 40-year career, he dedicated himself to drawing 150,000 pages of manga and creating over 60 animated works. The driving force behind Tezuka’s creations was to convey to children the importance and dignity of life—not just for humans, but for animals, plants, even the Earth and the universe. Makoto Shigemitsu, president of Tezuka Productions, stated that every one of Tezuka’s works speaks of “the dignity of life,” “the importance of peace,” and “the tragedy of war.”

During the exhibition period, visitors are invited to “Find Tezuka.” Simply take photos of the exhibition promotional materials at three designated locations, upload them to the official website, and you can download and print an on-site ticket discount coupon worth 180 NTD, with a chance to win alarm clocks or phone cases featuring Astro Boy or Black Jack. Regular tickets are 220 NTD, but those holding current tickets to other exhibitions such as Picasso, the Moving Along the River During the Qingming Festival, Chagall in Taichung, or Chocolate in Kaohsiung can enjoy discounted prices when purchasing on-site.

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