[1] Kanzaka is best known for writing the Slayers novels that were adapted into the hit anime series, OVA and manga spin-offs.
After graduating Kobe Art Technical College, Kanzaka worked as a salaryman until, on a whim, he submitted Slayers to the 1st Fantasia Awards (1989).
It was nominated as the runner-up,[2] and due to his home not having a telephone, he received the news via the mail.
[3] The same year, Slayers began serialization under the Dragon Magazine, making his official debut.
[4][5] During the early days of the light novel industry, most writers came from other non-writing professions, but nowadays most light novelists debut due to winning awards, a trend seemingly started by Kanzaka.