Kenzô Masaoka
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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The Roots of Japanese Anime Until the End of WWII: 1930-1942 (2008)
Director
Tora-chan's Clang Clang Bug (1950)
Director
Torachan and the Bride (1948)
Director
Little Tora, The Abandoned Cat (1947)
Director
Cherry Blossom: Spring Fantasy (1946)
Director
The Spider and the Tulip (1943)
Director | Writer
Fuku-Chan’s Surprise Attack (1942)
Director
Benkei vs. Ushiwaka (1939)
Director
Monkey and Crabs (1939)
Director
The Sparrows' Lodge (1936)
Director
Ta-chan's Underwater Adventure (1935)
Director
The Dance of the Chagamas (1935)
Director
Chikara to Onna no Yo no Naka (1933)
Director
The 26 Martyrs of Japan (1931)
Special Effects
Nonsense Story, Vol.1: Monkey Island (1931)
Director
Sea Palace (1927)
Director | Screenplay | Editor | Producer