
On February 15, 2023, the anime industry was hit with devastating news as Toei Animation announced the passing of their President and CEO, Osamu Tezuka, at the age of 62. Tezuka, who had been with the company for over 30 years, was a driving force behind some of the most beloved anime series of all time.
Tezuka began his career at Toei in 1992 as a production manager and quickly rose through the ranks. He was appointed President and CEO in 2015, succeeding Kozo Morishita. During his tenure, Tezuka oversaw the production of numerous successful anime series, including Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Sailor Moon.
RELATED | Top 25 Best Magic-Themed School Anime of All Time
Tezuka was known for his unwavering commitment to quality and his passion for storytelling. He believed that anime had the power to inspire and entertain people of all ages, and he worked tirelessly to create works that would do just that. He was a mentor to many young animators and a beloved figure in the industry.
Source: Anime News Network
RIP