The appeal and evaluation of the first season of Astro Boy: Reevaluating a timeless classic

Astro Boy: A masterpiece that symbolizes the dawn of Japanese animation

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

January 1, 1963 - December 31, 1966 Received the 2nd Television Press Association Special Award, the 1965 Minister of Health and Welfare Award, and the 4th Broadcast Critics Association Galaxy Award.

■Frequencies

24 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 193

■Original Story

・Original work: Osamu Tezuka

■ Director

・Director: Osamu Tezuka

■ Production

Mushi Production

■Works

©Tezuka Productions, Mushi Productions

■ Story

Dr. Tenma, the Director General of the Ministry of Science, pools all of his power to create a robot that looks just like his only son, Tobio, who died in a traffic accident. Dr. Tenma loves the robot as if it were his own son, Tobio, but is angry that the robot does not grow up like a human, so he sells it to a robot circus. He names Tobio "Atom" and works in the circus, but eventually robots are recognized as having human rights, and he is saved and set free by Dr. Ochanomizu, the new Director General of the Ministry of Science. Atom lives with his robot parents, created by Dr. Ochanomizu, in a house in the suburbs and goes to elementary school. However, whenever an incident occurs, Atom boldly confronts evil with his 100,000 horsepower of power...

■Explanation

The original is "Captain Atom" and its spin-off "Astro Boy" which Tezuka Osamu serialized in the magazine "Shonen" (Kobunsha) from 1951 (Showa 26). It was the first 30-minute TV anime series produced in Japan, and it became a long-running hit for four full years since it began airing on January 1, 1963 (Showa 38). The 30-minute, once-a-week format is the template for Japanese TV anime that continues to this day. The interesting story of the original and the underlying harsh gaze on humanity have led Japanese TV anime to move in the direction of cinematic reality and drama with strong messages rather than light-hearted gags. If we acknowledge that the pursuit of expression, technical refinement, and human resource development of Japanese animation have been carried out with TV works at their core, and have led to a unique cultural development, then this work can undoubtedly be said to be the starting point of all this. This popular show captured the hearts of children and had high viewer ratings. It started out on only six stations, but eventually expanded to 30 stations nationwide. In addition, Meiji Seika, the main sponsor, and various toy, stationery, and daily necessities manufacturers began releasing products featuring Atom designs. This success was a precursor to the character copyright business. It was also broadcast in America through NBC FILMS, becoming the first Japanese-made TV anime to be exported to the US.

■ Main staff

・Original story: Osamu Tezuka ・Director: Osamu Tezuka

■ Theme songs and music

・TM
・"Astro Boy"
Lyrics by Shuntaro Tanikawa; Music by Tatsuo Takai; Singer by Kamitakada Boys' Choir

■Detailed explanation and evaluation

Astro Boy is a work that combines the creative genius of Tezuka Osamu with the technological innovations of the time, and its influence is immeasurable. When the anime began broadcasting in 1963, it established a format of weekly broadcasts in a 30-minute time slot, which was groundbreaking at the time. This can be said to be the prototype of the current style of Japanese television anime. Tezuka Osamu not only wrote the original story, but also directed it, expressing his own vision to the fullest. The result was a work that deeply moves viewers and provokes thought.

The story depicts the adventures and growth of Atom, a robot created by Dr. Tenma, the Minister of Science, in the likeness of his son Tobio, who died in a traffic accident. The scene in which Dr. Tenma sells Atom to a robot circus shocked viewers. However, Atom is saved by Dr. Ochanomizu and regains his freedom. This development delves deeply into the themes of the relationship between humans and robots, and the human rights of robots. Atom's actions as he takes on crime teach children courage and a sense of justice, while also providing an opportunity for adults to think about social issues.

The success of "Astro Boy" can be seen not only in its viewership ratings, but also in its merchandising and overseas expansion. Many companies, including Meiji Seika, have released products using the Astro Boy character, making it a pioneer in the character copyright business. It was also broadcast in the United States through NBC FILMS, making it the first Japanese anime to expand overseas. These successes had a major impact on the development of Japan's entertainment industry.

■Character Introduction

Atom <br> The main character, Atom, is a robot created by Dr. Tenma. He has the power of 100,000 horsepower and various abilities, including the ability to fly and X-ray vision. Atom has a strong sense of justice and always stands up to any trouble that occurs. His growth and adventures have inspired and inspired viewers.

Dr. Tenma <br> He is the Minister of Science and the creator of Atom. He created Atom out of grief after losing his son Tobio, but was disappointed that Atom did not grow up like a human, so he sold him to a robot circus. Dr. Tenma's character symbolizes the relationship between humans and robots.

Dr. Ochanomizu <br> The new Minister of Science, he is the person who saves Atom. He gives Atom freedom and shows respect for the human rights of robots. Dr. Ochanomizu's presence has a great influence on Atom's growth and the development of the story.

■Production background and technology

Astro Boy was produced by Mushi Productions, a company founded by Tezuka Osamu. Tezuka Osamu not only wrote the original story, but also directed the film, bringing his vision to life. Producing animation was extremely difficult with the technology available at the time, but the efforts of Tezuka Osamu and his staff resulted in a high-quality work. Astro Boy's flight and battle scenes in particular had a visual impact that captivated viewers.

Tezuka Osamu also pursued cinematic realism in his pursuit of expression in animation, which had a major influence on the later development of Japanese television animation. Astro Boy was a pioneering work not only in terms of technical innovation but also in terms of storytelling, and its influence can still be seen in anime production today.

■ Social impact

"Astro Boy" has had a huge impact on not only children but also adults. Its portrayal of robot human rights and ethical issues in science and technology prompted viewers to think deeply. In addition, the success of the character copyright business contributed to the development of Japan's entertainment industry. Furthermore, its success in expanding overseas helped to spread Japanese culture around the world.

The series has received numerous awards, including the Special Award from the Television Press Association, the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Award, and the Galaxy Award. These awards attest to the high quality and social influence of Astro Boy. The high viewer ratings and successful merchandising also demonstrate the support of viewers.

■ Recommendations and ratings

"Astro Boy" is a work that brings together the genius creativity of Tezuka Osamu and the technological innovation of the time, and its influence is immeasurable. The depth of the story, the charm of the characters, and the social message move viewers and provoke thought. This work is a masterpiece that can be recommended to a wide range of people, from children to adults, and is an essential piece in the history of Japanese television animation.

This is a must-see for anime fans and Osamu Tezuka fans. It is also recommended for those who are interested in science, technology, and robots. Astro Boy has the power to attract viewers with its visual impact and deep story. Please give it a watch.

■ Related works and their influence

The success of Astro Boy had a major influence on later anime works, especially on other works by Tezuka Osamu and other robot-themed anime works. For example, Tezuka Osamu's works such as Jungle Emperor Leo and Black Jack are known for their depth of storytelling and characters. Robot anime such as Mazinger Z and Gundam were also influenced by Astro Boy.

Furthermore, Astro Boy has been adapted into movies, stage plays, and even anime remakes. New Astro Boy was broadcast in the 1980s, and Astro Boy: Astro Boy was produced in 2003. These works continue the themes of the original work but tell Astro Boy's story from new perspectives.

■ Summary

"Astro Boy" is an essential work in the history of Japanese television animation, and its influence is immeasurable. This work, which combines the genius creativity of Tezuka Osamu and the technological innovations of the time, deeply moves viewers and provokes thought. The depth of the story, the charm of the characters, and the social message make this a masterpiece that can be recommended to a wide range of people, from children to adults. Please give it a watch.