Want to work as an animator in Japan? Securing an animation job in Japan requires a combination of skill and passion. A strong portfolio is necessary to showcase your abilities, or consider studying animation at a vocational school.
In this article, we introduce all you need to know to become an animator in Japan.
First Published: 2021-04-07
Updated: 2024-03-06
Table of Contents
- A Look at the Animation Industry in Japan
- How to Land an Animation Job in Japan
- Requirements for an Animation Job in Japan
- Animator Salary in Japan
- 5 Animation Schools in Japan for International Students
- Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
A Look at the Animation Industry in Japan
In Japan, the animation industry is strongly focused on production of anime (アニメ), which is a distinct Japanese-style animation that has become widespread around the world as an iconic form of Japanese pop culture. However, the Japanese animation industry is not just limited to anime; it also includes games and Vtubers.
Japan’s animation industry, with anime at its centre, has contributed greatly to Japan’s economic growth and the spread of Japanese pop culture around the world. It has also had a great impact on tourism and education industries, with many people exposed to Japanese anime becoming interested in visiting Japan to see anime places and wanting to learn Japanese.
According to the Anime Industry Report 2022 Summary by The Association of Japanese Animations (AJA), there are over 811 companies involved in anime production in the year 2020. This includes various stages of anime production including key animation, script, colouring, background/art creation, CG, special effects, editing, and more. The majority of these companies, numbering 692 and 85.3% of the total, are located in Tokyo and concentrated in Suginami and Nerima wards.
The report also mentions a growing trend of anime production companies moving out of Tokyo due to difficulty in acquiring more human resources. The concentration of anime production companies in Tokyo means that people outside of Tokyo find it difficult to gain employment in the anime industry. With modern digitalization, there is no longer a need for anime studios to be in close proximity to broadcast companies, so an effective solution to gain much needed human resources going forward is to establish regional anime studios outside Tokyo.
※ AJA, “Anime Industry Report 2022 Summary” [2023.03.24] Pg. 7
When speaking about the animation industry in Japan, there is something that we cannot avoid talking about - animators being overworked and low pay. Is this true? It really depends. For a creative job with a tight deadline, overtime to maintain quality is sometimes inevitable, especially when involved with large projects - but large projects also means greater return. However, how much overtime, so much that it results in overwork and physical and/or mental distress, really depends on your workplace. Recent news has brought to light certain animation studios' unethical working conditions, but there are hundreds of animation studios in Japan, and not all of them practise the same thing. The most important thing is to find an animation studio that values your skill sets and promotes healthy working conditions. For salary, look more below.
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How to Land an Animation Job in Japan
As mentioned above, a problem the anime industry in Japan is facing is insufficient human resources. Which is why the industry has been looking at foreign nationals, freelancers, and outsourcing for manpower in various aspects of anime production, including animation. As such, there is great opportunity for anime enthusiasts and animators to land an animation job in Japan.
Here are some ways you can find an animation job in Japan.
Study Animation at a Japanese University or Vocational School
An option to consider is studying animation in Japan, then staying on to find an animation job in Japan. There are Japanese universities and vocational schools that offer animation courses - both have their own advantages. For example, university courses cover a wider range of studies and knowledge as course duration is longer, you can enjoy student life for longer but at higher tuition costs. As for vocational schools, courses can be completed faster as the curriculum is smaller but it's cheaper and many vocational schools offer job placement assistance.
Work a Part Time Animation Job or Do Internships as an International Student
Make the most of your time as an international student by working an animator part time job or doing an internship with an animation studio. Not only can you experience the job firsthand and pick up practical work skills, you can also earn money to support yourself. Additionally, there is also a chance to be hired at the animation studio you are working part time or interning at after graduation.
Apply to Animation Studios in Japan
There are many animation studios in Japan, including big-names like Studio Ghibli, Kyoto Animation and Toei Animation. If there is an animation studio you are interested in working with, go ahead and look them up online and reach out to them for any available positions. You can find out the name of an animation studio by looking up the anime or game’s details online, or in the ending credits scene.
Spread Your Name through Social Media Exposure
A common way for artists and animators to showcase their work is through social media, especially Instagram and X (previously Twitter). Your social media account with all your works can also act as a portfolio to show your progress in animation and demonstrate your skill sets. It is not unheard of for animators to have their talents discovered and scouted for employment through their social media page.
Freelance as an Animator
Freelance animators are also growing in number and popularity as people value their work life balance. In addition, animation studios also make use of freelance animator services for large projects and when they do not have sufficient human resources on hand. Freelancing can be a great job that offers you work flexibility but also take into consideration the lack of stable income and your visa status.
Requirements for an Animation Job in Japan
Each animation studio has its own set of requirements, but these are the general requirements to become an animator in Japan.
Education Background in Animation or Art
For Japanese animators, having an education background in animation or related fields is not a requirement, as long as you have the drawing skills and portfolio to back it up. However, for foreign animators looking to work in Japan, having a degree in animation or related fields (eg. digital media, visual arts, etc. arts courses), or alternatively 10 years experience in the field, is required to attain a work visa.
Portfolio that Showcases Your Skills
Strong drawing and illustration skills are fundamental for animators, as well as proficiency in animation software. A strong portfolio is essential, one that presents your best work and demonstrates your range of skills and creativity, including character designs, storyboards, and animation samples. Make sure to tailor your portfolio to the specific requirements of the position or animation studio you are applying to. Some positions may require a specialist in one area, while some may prefer a variety of skill sets for the position.
Japanese Language Proficiency
Proficiency in Japanese is not a strict requirement for animators in Japan, but you should have a sufficient level of understanding to be able to collaborate with colleagues and for communication in the workplace, which is the bare minimum for many animation studios. Additionally, having business (N2) or native (N1) level Japanese language proficiency will open up many more job opportunities.
Animator Salary in Japan
How much can an animator earn in Japan? The average annual salary of an animator in Japan is around 2.5 to 3.5 million yen, with a starting annual salary of around 2 million yen.
The greatest factor to salary for animators is workplace, type of animation work, skill and experience. The more experience and skilful you are, the higher your salary can be. There are animators who earn more than 4 million yen a year, and some that earn up to 7 million yen. As for type of animation work, animators that work on character design and animation directors earn substantially more.
Another important factor that affects animator salary is job type. There are many animators that work freelance which is why the average salary for animators is on the low end.
5 Animation Schools in Japan for International Students
Looking to study animation in Japan? Vocational schools are highly recommended for learning animation and finding a job after graduation. Many schools offer free trial lessons and hold open campus events, so check the website and inquire for more information.
Here are 5 animation schools in Japan that accept international students.
Tokyo Animation College (東京アニメーションカレッジ専門学校)
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— 東京アニメーションカレッジ専門学校 (@hagukin_) March 4, 2024
プロの講師から直接学べる体験授業を開催✨#アニメーター #漫画家 #イラストレーター #声優 に興味のある方！ぜひご参加お待ちしています！📢
⇓詳細はこちら！https://t.co/KIuPc75NBZ pic.twitter.com/ao7kRQ2AjV
Tokyo Animation College in Shinjuku, Tokyo is an accredited vocational school that specialises in animation and manga & illustration. They have 3 courses for animation:
- 3-Year Comprehensive Animation Course
- 2-Year Animator Course
- 2-Year CG Animation Course
Since 2015, the Tokyo Animation College has seen international students from 26 different countries including America, Canada, the Philippines, and more. They boast a successful employment of 88% for graduated international students, some of which have been hired by renowned animation studios like BONES (My Hero Academia), ufotable (Demon Slayer), and ANIMA (S.A.O., Tokyo Ghoul).
Tokyo Animation College’s international student support includes:
- Japanese Lessons (focus on communication for job-hunting and workplace communication)
- Job-hunting Training & Practice
- Graduation Support System (GSS) (post-graduate career support)
- Internships
- and etc.
Tokyo Animation College holds an open campus (event for potential students to visit and learn about the school) for potential international students on some days in March and April. Check their website for exact dates for open campus, and more information about courses including enrolment requirements.
Official Website for Tokyo Animation College - International Student Page here.
The Osaka Animation College (大阪アニメーションカレッジ専門学校) in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture is operated by the same group.
Tokyo College of Anime & E-Sports (東京アニメ・声優&eスポーツ専門学校)
The Tokyo College of Anime & E-Sports in Nishikasai, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo is an accredited vocational school that specialises in anime, voice acting and e-sports. They have 2 campuses in the same Nishikasai area which has several anime, cosplay and card game shops. School events including open campus (event for potential students to visit and learn more about a school) are held at the Kitakasai Campus.
Tokyo College of Anime & E-Sports offers a wide range of courses focused on anime, manga and e-sports. Their anime courses include voice acting, sound production, anime event staff, animation, producer, director, storyboard, editing, anime magazine, etc. There are so many, you will be spoiled for choice, so pick carefully after looking at the course details.
International student support at Tokyo College of Anime & E-Sports includes:
- International Student Career Centre (individual support including job hunting guidance, career counselling in native language, and support with acquiring work visa with hiring company)
- Senior (Senpai) International Student Support (overcome Japanese language problems with senior students to assist and accompany in daily lessons)
- Japanese Lessons (optional advanced Japanese classes for those aiming to obtain JLPT N1)
Check their website for exact dates for open campus, and more information about courses including enrolment requirements.
Official Website - International Student Page here.
Official English Website of Jikei COM Group
Yoyogi Animation Academy (代々木アニメーション学院)
Yoyogi Animation Academy has several campuses across the country. Faculties that accept international students are the Tokyo, Ikebukuro, Osaka, and Fukuoka campuses. Yoyogi Animation Academy has produced many graduates that have gone on to help create great titles including Pokemon, Kimi no Na wa (Your Name), Detective Conan, and Attack on Titan.
For April 2024’s enrolment, Yoyogi Animation Academy’s animation department offers 3 2-Year courses:
- Animator Course : All Campuses
- Animation Producer & Director Course : All Campuses
- Animation Background Art Course : Tokyo Campus only
※ Please check website for enrolment details. Courses may not be available at some campuses.
Check their website for exact dates for open campus, and more information about courses including enrolment requirements.
OCA Osaka College of Design and IT Technology (OCA大阪デザイン&テクノロジー専門学校)
OCA Osaka College of Design and IT Technology in Nishi-ku, Osaka Prefecture is an accredited vocational school that offers a wide range of courses - 15 majors in 5 fields of study, including a 3-Year Animation Major where students can learn to use different animation tools and software. They also offer several majors in the Game CG field.
OCA Osaka College of Design and IT Technology boasts an impressive 98.8% (past 5 years results) employment rate for students that completed the Animation Major. Hiring companies included Gohands, Trigger, Kyoto Animation, Ufotable, Studio Dean, and many more.
Check their website for explanatory meetings, open campus events, and information about courses including enrolment requirements.
Tokyo University of the Arts (東京藝術大学)
Last but not least, we introduce a postgraduate course for those who wish to further pursue an education in animation. The Graduate School of Film and New Media in Tokyo University of Arts offers postgraduate studies in the Department of Animation, known as “Geidai Animation” with fields of study in game research, creative expression, and research & theory.
Check their website for information about courses including enrolment requirements.
Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
WeXpats operates a service for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. There are jobs in a variety of industries including creative jobs. There are 3 patterns for finding jobs with WeXpats:
① Search Jobs Yourself
WeXpats Jobs is a job site for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. You can search for jobs in 11 languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese), including Japanese. Find jobs that suit you by specifying your Japanese language level, occupation, location, and etc.
② Receive Job Offers from Companies
Complete this short questionnaire on WeXpats Jobs to receive updates about jobs that match your desired work conditions. It’s completely free to use, so register as a member using the button below to find a job that suits you!
※ You can register from outside Japan, but only those living in Japan can apply for jobs.
③ Speak to a Career Advisor
WeXpats Agent is a career support service brought to you by WeXpats Jobs. Speak to our bilingual career advisors in English or Japanese, and get introductions for full time positions to companies that best fit you. As we receive job ads with the intention of introducing them to foreign nationals in Japan, we can suggest jobs to you right away.
※Currently, WeXpats Agent is only available to those living in Japan. ※The languages we currently support are English and Japanese. ※Only full time job recommendations are available on WeXpats Agent. For part time jobs, please check WeXpats Jobs.
