The Japanese Walt Disney

Abstract

Japanese animation first emerged in 1917 when Shimokawa Oten (1892–1973), Kitayama Seitaro (1888–1945), and Kouchi Junichi (1886–1970), working independently of each other, sought to make the first animation in Japan. The three of them are considered to be the first generation of pioneers in Japanese animation, whereas the second generation included Yamamoto Sanae (1898–1981), Ofuji Noburo (1908–1961), and Murata Yasuji (1896–1966). To the third generation belonged Oishi Ikuo (1901–1944), Masaoka Kenzo (1898–1988), and Seo Mitsuyo (1911–2010). This chapter examines Masaoka’s contributions to the technical developments in Japanese animation. It first provides a background on the life of Masaoka before turning to a discussion of his animation career, including the works he did during the Pacific War as well as his animated films. The chapter concludes with a look at Masaoka’s animation career after the Pacific War, citing some of his works such as Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) and Suteneko torachan (Tora-chan the Abandoned Kitten).