After World War II, manga became an integral part of Japanese culture. The occupation by the Allied forces brought with them American comic strips and cartoons like Mickey Mouse, which influenced post-war manga styles. Osamu Tezuka, often called the “Godfather of Manga,” revolutionized the industry during this era by introducing narrative storylines and cinematic techniques in his comics, such as “Astro Boy” in 1952. His innovative approach led to the development of different genres in manga, each catering to various demographics—shonen manga for boys, shojo manga for girls, and later, seinen and josei manga for adult men and women respectively.

The 1960s and 1970s marked the golden age of manga, with the explosion of manga's popularity leading to the creation of weekly manga magazines that sold millions of copies weekly. Female manga artists like Moto Hagio pioneered the "Shojo" genre during this time, transforming it with complex plots and deep characterizations that pushed the boundaries of manga targeted at young women.

Manga's ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is a testament to its resilience and relevance as a cultural form. Its history not only reflects the changes in Japanese society but also its ability to influence and be influenced by the global stage.