Ask John: Why Do Japanese Characters Have Big Eyes?

Question:
Why do Japanese characters have big eyes?

Answer:
The most commonly accepted explanation for the giant anime eyes phenomenon traces back to Osamu Tezuka, the creator of Astro Boy and Kimba, and the acknowledged “father” of modern Japanese animation. Growing up in American occupied, post-WWII Japan, Tezuka was heavily influenced by early Disney animation- particularly Mickey Mouse’s wide, round eyes. Believing that Western culture was destined to dominate the world, Tezuka began to draw his own cartoon characters with large, expressive, Western eyes. His style set the precedent that virtually every Japanese manga artist and animator has followed in the 30 years since.