Manga artist and character designer Takashi Okazaki has won an Emmy for his work on Star Wars: Visions Volume 3, marking another major achievement for the Japanese creator and the anime-inspired anthology series.
The Television Academy named Okazaki the winner of Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for his character design work on The Duel: Payback. The award was presented during the second night of the 78th Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on September 6, 2026.
Okazaki Earns Emmy Recognition for The Duel: Payback
The Duel: Payback is a sequel to the original The Duel from the first volume of Star Wars: Visions. Produced by Kamikaze Douga and ANIMA with Lucasfilm, the short continues the story of the Ronin, a wandering former Sith portrayed through a distinctive samurai-inspired visual style.
The short follows the Ronin as he confronts the mysterious Grand Master, with Sith warrior Aneé-san becoming an unexpected ally. Its predominantly monochrome animation, Japanese influences and stylized character designs make it one of the most visually distinctive stories in the Star Wars anthology.
Speaking after his Emmy win, Okazaki told The Japan Times The Japan Times, “I have always sought to try new things,” while also expressing his love for Star Wars and his happiness at receiving recognition for his work on the franchise.
Okazaki’s win adds another Emmy to Star Wars: Visions. The anthology previously earned recognition for Screecher’s Reach, while Volume 3’s BLACK is also nominated for Outstanding Animated Program at the 2026 Emmys.
Okazaki himself previously received an Emmy nomination in 2009 for Afro Samurai: Resurrection. His latest victory further highlights how Star Wars: Visions has allowed anime creators to reinterpret the franchise through different artistic traditions.
