The press conference that Osamu Tezuka attended at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in 1983, at the time of the serialization of 'A Telling to Adolf,' has been published on the YouTube channel History Channel.
Osamu Tezuka attending a press conference in 1983
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Osamu Tezuka: Freedom of Expression and Taboos “Historical Testimony ~What was said that day~”
Tezuka commented at the press conference, 'To put it bluntly, I think we are in the same situation as Japan, which is isolated from the rest of the world. Manga that are more and more deeply engrained in Japanese ethnicity are coming out. What I want most is for Akira Kurosawa to appear in the Japanese manga world.' Regarding writing while self-restricting, he says, 'When you're pressured to do so by superiors, you have to fight for freedom of speech.' 'I don't think something like this will happen in the 21st century. I want to focus on something like international exchange of minds.' He also talked about what he was thinking about while drawing 'The Telling of Adolf.'
You can also see an illustration that Tezuka drew of Astro Boy from 'Astro Boy' with the idea of 'what would happen if an American drew him?'
The Significance of the Press Conference
The press conference provides valuable insights into Tezuka's thoughts on freedom of speech, manga, and international exchange. It is a rare opportunity to hear from the legendary creator himself, and gain a deeper understanding of his work and legacy.
Tezuka's Legacy
Osamu Tezuka's work continues to inspire and influence new generations of manga creators and fans. His commitment to freedom of speech and international exchange of minds is a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic expression and cultural exchange.
