National Anime Day
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Osamu Tezuka and the birth of TV anime. Osamu Tezuka, a manga artist who had trained as a physician, founded. Mushi Productionin1962and produced. Astro Boy(Mighty Atom) as the first popular animated Japanese television series in1963. Tezuka's innovations defined the medium: he developedlimited animation techniquesthat made weekly TV production economically viable, and his character designs, featuringlarge expressive eyesinfluenced by Disney's Bambi, became the visual signature of anime. Astro Boy was also the first anime exported to Western markets, airing on NBC in the United States
History
Osamu Tezuka and the birth of TV anime. Osamu Tezuka, a manga artist who had trained as a physician, founded. Mushi Productionin1962and produced. Astro Boy(Mighty Atom) as the first popular animated Japanese television series in1963. Tezuka's innovations defined the medium: he developedlimited animation techniquesthat made weekly TV production economically viable, and his character designs, featuringlarge expressive eyesinfluenced by Disney's Bambi, became the visual signature of anime. Astro Boy was also the first anime exported to Western markets, airing on NBC in the United States
How It's Celebrated
National Anime Day is observed by recognizing the importance of the day, learning about its background and significance, and sharing awareness with others through conversation and social media. Many people take time to reflect on the meaning of the observance and participate in relevant activities or community events.