Acclaimed anime director Rintaro has been awarded the 28th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize for his autobiographical manga, “My Life in 24 Frames per Second” (1-byō 24-koma no Boku no Jinsei). The award, which commemorates the contributions of Osamu Tezuka, the pioneer of manga, recognizes works that best follow in his tradition.
A Celebration of a Lifetime in Anime
Rintaro, whose real name is Shigeyuki Hayashi, is a legendary figure in the world of Japanese animation. Born in 1941, he began his career at Toei Animation at the young age of 17 and has been a driving force in the industry ever since. His extensive filmography includes landmark anime such as “Galaxy Express 999,” “Harmagedon,” “X/1999,” and “Metropolis”.
“My Life in 24 Frames per Second” is an autobiographical manga that chronicles Rintaro’s life and career, from his post-war childhood to his directorial debut and subsequent success. The manga was initially published in France in early 2024 as “Ma Vie en 24 Images par Seconde” before being released in Japan. It offers a unique and insightful look into the history of Japanese animation through the eyes of one of its most influential figures.
A Journey Through Anime History
The manga delves into Rintaro’s early fascination with film, sparked by traveling cinemas in his childhood. It recounts his experiences working with Osamu Tezuka on iconic series like “Astro Boy” and “Kimba the White Lion,” providing a firsthand account of the development of Japanese anime culture.
Rintaro’s work is known for its distinctive visual style, characterized by a sharp contrast between light and shadow. “My Life in 24 Frames per Second” showcases this artistic sensibility while also offering a personal and reflective narrative.
The Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize
The Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the manga industry, honoring the legacy of Osamu Tezuka, often referred to as the “God of Manga.” The awards are presented annually by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper to recognize works that embody Tezuka’s artistic vision and contribute to the evolution of manga culture.
The award categories include:
- Grand Prize: Awarded to the most outstanding work of the year.
- New Creator Prize: Recognizes new talent and innovative expression.
- Short Work Prize: Honors excellence in short-form manga.
- Special Award: Acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of manga.
In addition to Rintaro’s Grand Prize win, the 28th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize also recognized Shiho Kido for “When the Chameleon Flowers Bloom” (New Creator Prize) and Shunji Enomoto for “The Kinks” (Short Work Prize). The Yokote City Masuda Manga Art Foundation received the Special Prize for its contributions to promoting manga culture.
Other Nominees
This year’s nominees for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize included several other notable works:
- “Battle Scar” by Kazuya Kuramoto
- “Oshi no Ko” by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari
- “Haibaiyoushi Mizuiro” by Mari Okazaki
- “Ocean Endroll” by John Tarachine
- “Chizu ni Nai Basho” by Yuki Andou
- “Never Say Ugly” by Arako Toaru
A Reverse Import
Interestingly, “My Life in 24 Frames per Second” was initially published in France before being released in Japan. According to an afterword in the book, Rintaro spent six years creating the manga in place of a failed animated adaptation of his autobiography that a French animation company had attempted to produce. This “reverse import” highlights Rintaro’s significant reputation as an animation director in France.
Rintaro’s Enduring Legacy
Rintaro’s career spans decades and includes involvement in some of the most influential anime productions of all time. He directed episodes of the original “Astro Boy” series and served as chief director for “Kimba the White Lion,” the first full-color TV anime in Japan.
His later works, such as “Galaxy Express 999” and “Metropolis,” further cemented his status as a visionary director. Rintaro’s unique visual style and innovative storytelling have inspired countless artists and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
What’s Next?
The awards ceremony for the 28th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize is scheduled to take place in Tokyo on June 5th, 2025. Rintaro will receive a bronze statue and a prize of 2 million yen (approximately US$13,300) in recognition of his achievement.
“My Life in 24 Frames per Second” is a valuable contribution to the history of anime and a testament to Rintaro’s enduring influence. The Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and his impact on the world of animation.
