Astro Boy and its Cultural Legacy
Osamu Tezuka
Astro Boy Episode 1: The Birth of Astro Boy (Tetsuwan Atom), 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpwbNYFvZy4
26:25
Series
Astro Boy was created in 1952 by Osamu Tezuka as a manga. The series, which drew inspiration from Western animation, would revolutionize Japanese manga and animation. In 1963, Tezuka's innovative storytelling and character development led to the creation of its animated TV show. These innovations truly set Astro Boy apart from other series during that era and became the genesis for the aesthetic style known as anime today.
Representation
Astro Boy is set in a science fiction world where robots and humans coexist. The story revolves around a young robot boy named Atom (Astro Boy) who possesses human emotions and desires. He was created by Dr. Tenma, a brilliant scientist who lost his own son and built Atom as a replacement. Throughout the series, Astro Boy encounters various challenges, battles evil forces, and fights for justice and peace.
We can look at Astro Boy as a personal and sociological response to WWII. On a personal level, Osamu Tezuka's ideals of peace and harmony are reflected in the compassionate and justice-seeking character of Astro Boy. Sociologically, the show's immense success resonated with post-war society, symbolizing Japan's collective desire for a better future while coming to terms with their recent traumatic past.
Astro Boy's Creation as a Rejection of Past War-Mongering Attitudes
In the aftermath of World War II, Japan underwent a significant cultural transformation, turning away from its previous militaristic ideologies. Astro Boy can be seen as a symbolic representation of Japan's rejection of war-mongering attitudes. The show emphasizes compassion, empathy, and understanding, portraying the young robot boy as a force for justice and peace rather than aggression and conflict.
The Optimistic Message of Astro Boy
As Japan rebuilt itself after the war, Astro Boy's optimistic worldview served as a source of hope and inspiration. The show conveyed the possibility of a brighter future through advancements in science and technology, encouraging audiences to embrace progress and envision a world free from the scars of war.
Technology as the Path to Progress in Astro Boy
Astro Boy epitomizes Japan's fascination with technological advancement as a means of progress and social betterment. By showcasing a world where humans and robots coexist harmoniously, the series exemplified the belief that technology could lead to a more prosperous and harmonious society.
The American Influence of Capitalism in Astro Boy
Astro Boy's theme of "manufacturing as the answer" reflects the influence of American capitalism on post-war Japan. The show propagates the idea that mass production and technological development can drive economic growth and prosperity, aligning with the values of capitalism.
"Little Boy"
Drawing insights from Takashi Murakami's book "Little Boy: The Arts of Japan's Exploding Subculture," we can delve into the idea that the prevalence of small child heroes in anime, like Astro Boy, may reflect post-war Japan's societal condition of stunted adolescence and optimistic naivety. Murakami explores how the trauma of war and the burden of reconstruction resulted in a collective desire to preserve innocence and youth. The emergence of these child protagonists embodies the yearning for a more hopeful future, unburdened by the horrors of the past. The child hero's sense of justice and unwavering optimism signifies Japan's aspiration to heal and rebuild, while also highlighting the nation's societal struggle to reconcile its wartime past with a vision of a better tomorrow.
The Economic Collapse of the 90s and the Shift in Anime's Focus
The dream of utopian sci-fi futures would die however in the 90s. The decade would be characterized by an economic collapse that challenged the once-pervasive optimism of the post-war era, and once again thrust the collective consciousness into existentialism dread. This period saw the emergence of anime series like "Serial Experiments Lain," "Ghost in the Shell," and "Evangelion". Akin to Astro Boy, they would deal with themes of identity and what it means to be alive. However, unlike its progenitor, these series’ would explore dystopian futures, questioning the consequences of humanity's over-reliance on technology, and exploring the darker themes of existence.
An interesting connection can be drawn between Dr. Tenma from Astro Boy and Dr. Kenzo Tenma from the manga and anime series of this time period; "Monster." While Astro Boy represents hope and progress looking forward, Dr. Kenzo Tenma from "Monster" delves into the consequences of the past, exploring themes of moral dilemmas and the impact of war trauma on individuals and society. The emergence of this darker and more introspective Dr. Tenma can certainly be viewed as emblematic of a shift in cultural consciousness, where there is no longer collective desire for naive optimism and faith in social advancement.
Today, Astro Boy has transcended its role as a mere animated show and has become a cultural icon and a recognized brand. Of course this is due to its success, but also, as mentioned, the natural consequence of shifting societal needs. Its legacy has been preserved through various adaptations, merchandise, and references in popular culture. Astro Boy's enduring presence in the collective consciousness demonstrates the impact it has had on generations of audiences, both in Japan and around the world.
Sources
“The Evolution of Japanese Animation | Contemporary Art | Sotheby's.” Sotheby's, 14 December 2021, https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-evolution-of-japanese-animation. Accessed 3 August 2023.
Murakami, Takashi. Little Boy: The Arts of Japan's Exploding Subculture. Japan Society, 2005.
