osamu tezuka (, tezuka osamu, november 3, 1928 – february 9, 1989) was a famous japanese cartoonist, manga artist, animator, producer and doctor of medicine, although he never practiced medicine. he was born in osaka prefecture. he created "astro boy", "kimba the white lion" and "black jack". he is often credited as the "father of anime", and is often considered the japanese equivalent to walt disney, who was a major inspiration for tezuka.