Kenzō Masaoka

October 5, 1898 — Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Kenzō Masaoka (政岡 憲三, Masaoka Kenzō, October 5, 1898 - November 23, 1988) was an early anime creator. Masaoka was born in Osaka, Japan and died in Tokyo, Japan.

Masaoka was the first to use cel animation and recorded sound in anime. He worked at a number of companies as an animator and actor. His work as a special effects artist earned him the title "Japanese Méliès."

He also did work under the pseudonym Donbei Masaoka (正岡 どんべい, Masaoka Donbei).

Famous animators who worked under him include Mitsuyo Seo and Yasuji Mori.

Wikipedia contributors. "Kenzō Masaoka." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 27 Jan. 2021. Web. 3 Jun. 2021.

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