Animator Jobs in Japan: Update Companies List 2024

Japan stands out as one of the biggest players when it comes to animation. It is highly regarded, especially for its famous characters which are found all over the world, and its signature artistic style. In the light that Japan has a deep-rooted history and a thriving industry, the country provides these two groups of people who want to experience a career as an animator with varied possibilities.

From this article, you will be able to make well-informed choices owing to all the factual information that will be provided in this article regarding an animation job.

10+ Companies Currently Hiring Animators In Japan

Here is the updated list of companies with direct Job links that are actively hiring Animators In Japan:

How to get an animation job in Japan?

To get an animation job in Japan, follow these steps:

1. Improve Skills: Master animation basics and software (e.g., Adobe Animate, Toon Boom).
2. Portfolio: Create a portfolio with varied works showcasing your animation skills.
3. Learn Japanese: Achieve conversational fluency for better communication in studios.
4. Network: Connect with industry professionals through anime conventions and events.
5. Job Applications: Apply for jobs or internships directly on studio websites or specialized job boards.
6. Education: Consider attending animation schools in Japan for training and networking.
7. Visa Requirements: Secure a job offer for visa sponsorship if you’re a non-Japanese citizen.
8. Persistence: Be prepared for entry-level positions and adapt to the work culture.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Animator

The tasks that an animator is responsible for and ready to do include a lot of issues which are all important for the production of the animation content. Here are the major roles and responsibilities:

• Visual Storytelling and Character Design: Collaborate with directors and artists to storyboard and design characters that fit the project’s vision, focusing on their appearance, personality, and movements.
• Animation Techniques: Utilize frame-by-frame animation and CGI to bring characters and scenes to life, including keyframing, in-betweening for smooth motion, and lip-syncing for realistic dialogue.
• Enhancing Narratives with Design and Effects: Design engaging backgrounds and integrate special effects to enhance the animation’s quality and realism, ensuring consistency with the film’s mood and narrative.
• Team Collaboration and Software Proficiency: Work closely with the production team, using industry-standard software, like, Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Autodesk Maya, Blender to develop and refine animated elements.
• Project Management: Balance creativity with adherence to deadlines, incorporating feedback and revisions to deliver high-quality animation that aligns with project goals and timelines.

Companies Hiring Animator in Japan

Japan has a high number of animation studios and gaming companies being one of the preferable international destinations in this area. Some of the prominent companies hiring animators include:

Studio Ghibli

Requirements:

• Working with animation software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate is one of the essentials that you should be able to master to acquire these skills.
• Highlighting a profound portfolio, that shows developed animation skills.
• Age 20 years or older
• Preference given to those with working experience.

Apply Here: https://www.ghibli.jp/info/

Toei Animation

Requirements:

• Tactics like involving us through participation and hands-on interactions can develop in us a deeper understanding of the history of animations.
• The capacity to work together in a team setting as part of the wider group.
• Basic knowledge of Japanese language is an advantage

Apply Here: https://corp.toei-anim.co.jp/en/contact.html

Square Enix

Requirements:

• Mastery in using Autodesk Maya or Blender, as working in 3D animation tools, among others.
• Game character graphics being my forte.
• Established knowledge of game development cycles/routes.

Apply Here: https://www.square-enix-games.com/en_US/careers

Studio Pierrot

Requirements:

• Expertise in animation software, for example, Adobe Animate or software such TVPaint.
• Effective drawing skills and the mastery of animation principles.
• Animation systems must be flexible and able to accommodate different styles and techniques.

Apply Here: https://pierrot.jp/employment_grad/

Bones Studio

Requirements:

• Scheduling for 2D and 3D animation techniques skills as my future career.
• On the other hand, skills in dedicated software like Autodesk Maya or Adobe After Effects are required.
• Have very effective communication skills and my ability to find a common ground among team members is beyond doubt.

Apply Here: https://bones.studio/career/

Madhouse

Requirements:

• Proficiency in animation software such as Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe Animate
• Strong portfolio showcasing diverse animation styles and techniques
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines

Apply Here: https://www.madhouse.co.jp/

Wit Studio

Requirements:

• Strait to dealing with keyframe animation as well as motion graphics.
• Being familiar with these software tools including Adobe After Effects or Blender is crucial to be successful.
• Passion for visual storytelling and creating immersive animation experiences

Apply Here: https://www.witstudio.co.jp/recruit/

Sunrise Inc.

Requirements:

• All employed 2D and 3D animation skills.
• The skills that superimpose on Autodesk Maya or Toon Boom Harmony will help us as well.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines

Apply Here: https://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/international/

A-1 Pictures

Requirements:

• A profound facility of character animation and storytelling that is a crystal-clear.
• To start, having mastered animation packages like Adobe Animate or Clip Studio Paint is important.
• Ability to themself fit into the need depending on animation styles and techniques that are used.

Apply Here: https://a1p.jp/recruit/

Kyoto Animation

Requirements:

• 2D animated character and digital painting experience.
• Knowledge of software like Adobe Photoshop or TVPaint by hand.
• The thoroughness with detail and devotion to quality

Apply Here: https://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp/recruit/

Job Portals

For aspiring animators seeking employment opportunities in Japan, several job portals cater to the animation industry:

• Daijob: Daijob is Japan’s foremost job site for recruiting bilingual and multilingual professionals with approximately 540,000 bilingual users.
• Creative Village Japan: Offers a wide range of creative job listings, including animation.
• GaijinPot: GaijinPot is the No. 1 job board for foreigners in Japan. The site has more than 6 million users across the globe offer employers access to foreigners based in japan, mobile to Japan as well as bilingual Japanese talent.

Salary of an Animator in Japan

The salary for animators in Japan can differ based on items such as experience, animation level, and firm they work with. Typically, animators should expect a ¥3,000,000 and ¥6,000,000 income on a yearly basis.

Experience Wise Salary Trend for an Animator in Japan

Generally, experience is one of the major components which are working during the calculation process of salary for the animators in Japan. Here’s a breakdown of the salary trend based on experience:

Experience Level	Salary Range
Entry-level (0-2 years)	¥2,500,000 – ¥3,500,000
Mid-level (3-5 years)	Approx. ¥3,500,000 – ¥5,000,000
Senior-level (6+ years)	¥5,000,000 – ¥7,000,000

Conclusion

In conclusion, animator jobs in Japan are perfect for such people who got talents in animation and they wanted to explore what they green in it. The country is full of opportunities for the animators in the film industry, being the leader in the area of animation that Japan is today.

Animator Jobs in Japan – FAQs

What qualifications do I need to become an Animator in Japan?

Not every formal certificate is necessary; a good portfolio will always have the space for art and animation skills. Besides, being competent at the required software and enthusiasm towards animation have a major role.

Can a foreigner become an Animator in Japan?

Yes, quite a number of Japanese animation studios do indeed attract foreign workers. While this may not be a requirement for all positions, a certain level of proficiency may be vital for certain positions.

What are the main duties of animators in Japan as a profession?

Typically, this type of work involves making characters with motion, storyboarding, setting scenes, and working with directors and other team members in order to turn ideas into reality.

What can I do to enhance my chances to get employed as an animator in Japan?

Work diligently to make a good portfolio, improve animation skills, focus on networking within the industry, and learn Japanese. These things can make a huge difference.

What are the visa requirements for working as an animator in Japan?

To work as an animator in Japan, you typically need a Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, requiring a relevant degree or professional experience and a job offer from a Japanese company to sponsor the visa.