How to Work for a Japanese Animation Company

Anime attracts fans to conventions around the world.

Some Japanese animation, or "anime," fans express a desire to turn their hobby into a job. Getting a job with a Japanese animation company is not as simple as a move to Japan and a talent for anime-style art. Jan Scott-Frazier, one of the only foreigners to work for multiple Japanese animation companies in the 1980s and '90s, warns you cannot easily get an animation job in Japan. However, if you are serious, talented, committed and familiarize yourself with the necessary steps to get a job in the Japanese animation industry, you may have a chance.

Things You'll Need

• Japanese-language classes or tutorials
• Animation degree
• Tokyo classifieds
• Resume
• Art portfolio

Instructions

1. Study the Japanese language. If you can't speak with your co-workers, you can't work at an animation company. Enroll in Japanese classes to start. Study abroad, if possible, as full immersion helps you become fluent more quickly.

2. Get a degree in animation. You do not need to study in Japan. Do not seek out an "anime" school, as all art schools give a good foundation in art.

3. Move to Tokyo; all of the major animation studios are located there. However, you cannot spend a lot of time in Japan without a student or a work visa. Find another job or sign up for an educational program to buy time to live in Japan. Do not tell your other job you are seeking a different job while you are there.

4. Make connections. If you attend a school in Japan, see if any art professors have connections in the animation industry. Attend an art school course in Japan just to make a connection with an art teacher.

5. Search the Tokyo classifieds. Look for job openings and apply.

6. Leave your resume and art portfolio with Japanese animation companies.

Tips & Warnings

• English teachers in Japan make more money than animators and work fewer hours. Consider other careers in Japan and you are more likely to get a work visa. You still can enjoy anime as a fan while you are there.

• An animator in Japan needs to have a background in all kinds of art and animation. In fact, a Japanese animation company may only hire you if you can demonstrate rare artistic ability beyond the "anime" style. Animation companies need people to draw backgrounds and to digitally color images as well.

• Few foreigners find work in the Japanese animation industry in Japan, and fewer animators last more than a year. Have realistic expectations and a fall-back career plan.

References

• "Working in the Animation Industry"; General Info; Jan Scott-Frazier
• "Working in the Animation Industry"; Animation Schools in North America; Jan Scott-Frazier
• "Working in the Animation Industry"; Jobs (During School); Jan Scott-Frazier
• "Working in the Animation Industry"; Jobs in the Anime Industry; Jan Scott-Frazier