The first Japanese animated TV series to be shown and marketed internationally.
Was originally a live action TV series. It flopped, so they decided to make it a cartoon.
Although originally intended only for the US airings of the show, the name "Astro Boy" proved to be popular among Japanese viewers as well, and so the names "Astro Boy" and "Tetsuwan Atomu" are interchangeable in Japan.
The first animated television series to be shown overseas from its originating country.