Osamu Tezuka (November 1928 – 9 February 1989 (aged 60)) was a Japanese cartoonist, manga artist, animator, producer, activist, and medical doctor, who never practiced medicine. Born in Osaka Prefecture, he is best known as the creator of Astro Boy, Kimba the White Lion, and Black Jack. He is often credited as the "Godfather of Anime" and is often considered the Japanese equivalent to Walt Disney, who served as a major inspiration during his formative years. His prolific output, pioneering techniques, and innovative redefinitions of genres earned him such titles as "the father of manga", "the god of comics", and "kamisama of manga". Osamu Tezuka was born, as the eldest son of three children of Tezuka family, in Toyonaka City, Osaka.