The work of Osamu Dezaki has been a profound inspiration for countless artists, including myself. Let me take you on a journey through the remarkable legacy of this animation virtuoso.

The Pioneer’s Journey
Starting his career at Mushi Production under the legendary Osamu Tezuka, Dezaki would later become one of the most influential figures in anime history. Alongside his inseparable creative partner Akio Sugino and producer Masao Maruyama, he helped establish Madhouse studio, which would become a cornerstone of mature, sophisticated animation in Japan.
The Magic of Postcard Memories
What particularly drew me to Dezaki’s work, especially when creating the French rapper’s Super Héros clip from Demi Portion, was his revolutionary “Postcard Memory” technique. These stunning still images, which sometimes replace entire sequences of animation, were initially developed as a cost-saving measure but evolved into a powerful artistic statement.


The technique involves using celluloid with only character outlines, adding color on paper underneath to create a watercolor-like effect. These moments, often reminiscent of traditional Japanese prints, can express much more than several seconds of animation. They freeze crucial narrative moments in time, allowing viewers to absorb their emotional weight fully.
Technical Innovations Beyond Postcards
Dezaki wasn’t just a one-trick pony. His technical arsenal included:
- Paraffine effects on celluloid for creating unique smoke and atmospheric effects
- Dramatic lighting and shadow work that became industry standard
- Off-frame light rays that influenced generations of animators
- Split-screen compositions that enhanced dramatic tension
- Rapid and efficient storyboarding abilities that set industry standards
Throughout his career, Dezaki developed a remarkable set of directing techniques that would become his signature style. His most notable innovation was the three-episode pan, where he would revisit the same scene multiple times, each viewing revealing new layers of meaning and emotion. But perhaps his most celebrated technique was “Harmony” – where time itself seemed to pause, transforming crucial moments into stunning illustration-style paintings that burned themselves into viewers’ memories.
His mastery of lighting effects was equally revolutionary. Using a clever combination of cel overlays and twinkling lights during film shooting, he created what became known as the “incident light technique.” This method produced magnificent rays of light pouring across the screen, while his ‘paraffin shadow’ technique painted portions of the screen in deep, theatrical blacks, creating dramatic spotlight effects worthy of the finest stage productions.
The Master’s Touch
What made Dezaki’s work particularly special was his cinematic approach to animation. He believed in adaptation over direct translation, focusing on emotional impact and character development. His partnership with character designer Akio Sugino was crucial in developing their signature style, which combined realistic character designs with dramatic visual techniques.

Notable Works and Legacy
Dezaki’s filmography reads like a greatest hits of anime history:
- Ashita no Joe (1970-1971): A groundbreaking boxing drama that pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling


- The Rose of Versailles (1979-1980): A sophisticated historical drama that showcased his mature narrative style


- Space Adventure Cobra (1982): An adventure series that demonstrated his versatility


- Golgo 13: The Professional (1983): Perhaps his technical masterpiece, featuring the first use of CGI in anime


- Black Jack OVAs: Where he perfected his signature techniques
Personal Memories
I discovered these images during lunch breaks that split the day in two back in the 1990s in France, when television programs broadcast many Japanese animations from the 70s and 80s. While I didn’t know it was Dezaki’s work at the time, those impactful images that could stay on screen for several seconds left an indelible impression on my young mind.
Lasting Impact
Dezaki’s influence extends far beyond his own works. His innovative techniques and storytelling approaches have inspired countless directors, including Yoshiaki Kawajiri and Satoshi Kon. His ability to create emotional depth through visual innovation has become a fundamental part of anime’s visual grammar.
Sadly, Dezaki passed away in 2011 due to cancer, but his legacy lives on in every dramatic pause, every stylized frame, and every emotional crescendo in modern anime. His work reminds us that animation isn’t just about movement – it’s about creating moments that resonate in viewers’ hearts long after the screen goes dark.
Through Dezaki’s Postcard Memories technique and his other innovations, he created a unique storytelling style that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. His work proves that sometimes the most powerful moments in animation come not from movement, but from knowing exactly when to pause and let the emotion sink in.