Vocabulary:
- moniker /MON-i-ker/
- famed /feymd/
- diversity /dih-VUR-si-tee/
- pursuit /per-SOOT/
- confrontation /kon-fruhn-TEY-shuhn/
[noun] a name or nickname
Hillbilly is a moniker for someone who lives in a rural area
[adjective] famous or known by many people
Serge is famed for his superior knowledge in computers and the Internet.
[noun] different types of things or group of people included in something
Our oceans are home to a rich diversity of marine species.
[noun] the act of chasing something or someone to capture the person or thing
The police officers are currently in pursuit of a serial killer.
[noun] a fight or argument
Lauren noticed that Alice is not outstanding at confrontation.
A special event titled Osamu Tezuka – Manga no Kamisama is held at the Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum in Hyogo Prefecture to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Osamu Tezuka’s birth. Tezuka was the creator of the manga series Astro Boy and given the moniker manga no kamisama or the God of manga. He was also famed in France when the animated TV series of Astro Boy was shown in the country in 1980. The exhibition started on November 3, 2018, but is closed from December 2018 to March 2019 for renovation.
The exposition displays the transition of Tezuka’s style as a reaction to the diversity of Japanese society. It has five parts but currently focuses on the first three. The first part is called “The Age of Innocence” that contains titles released in the aftermath of World War II. The second part, “In Pursuit of Ideals, shows Tezuka’s works that were established during Japan’s reconstruction period. Confrontation with Reality” is the third part that introduces rebellious characters.
The exposition displays the transition of Tezuka’s style as a reaction to the diversity of Japanese society. It has five parts but currently focuses on the first three. The first part is called “The Age of Innocence” that contains titles released in the aftermath of World War II. The second part, “In Pursuit of Ideals, shows Tezuka’s works that were established during Japan’s reconstruction period. Confrontation with Reality” is the third part that introduces rebellious characters.
True or False:
- The art exhibit in Hyogo was held to celebrate Osamu Tezuka’s birthday.
- The exposition has five parts in total.
- Tezuka became famous in France when his creation “Black Jack” aired in the country.
- “Astro Boy” was shown in France in 2000.
- The second part of the art exhibit emphasizes Tezuka’s pieces about rebellious characters.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think Osamu Tezuka became well-known not only in Japan but also in Western countries?
- In your own opinion, why was Tezuka given the nickname “God of manga”?
- Do you like Tezuka’s works? Why or not why?
- Have you watched any of Tezuka’s creations? If yes, which one is your favorite and why? If not, which do you want to watch and why?
- Who are other famous manga artists in Japan? Please elaborate.
Express Your Opinion:
- Manga artists should be given more recognition than animators.
- Art styles should not influence the society of a nation.
- “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso