[Apply Now] Become a Character Designer in Japan: What You Need to Know
I am enlightened.
This week I had lunch with a friend from high school.
He is working in Japan as a game designer.
I am here to deliver you the insights he provided me.
There’s a lot to cover so let’s get started.
Overview: What Does a Character Designer Do in Japan?
A Character Designer in Japan’s gaming industry is responsible for designing the characters that define a game’s identity.
Whether it’s a heroic protagonist, mysterious rival, or quirky NPC, the character designer creates the visual language players connect with.
In Japan, Character Designers often:
Develop concept art used by 3D modelers and animation teams
Collaborate with planners, 3D artists, and programmers
Contribute to the visual direction of the game
Occasionally support background design or other artistic elements
Guide art quality and visual consistency in more senior roles
Character Designers are especially crucial in console, mobile, and RPG game development, where the success of a title can depend heavily on compelling characters.
Core Responsibilities of a Character Designer
Tasks include:
Designing original 2D characters and setting illustrations
Creating reference art for 3D modeling and animation
Collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams across art, planning, and engineering
Interpreting gameplay needs into visual assets
Providing feedback and art direction in leadership roles
You may also find adjacent roles like 3D Character Modeler, Motion Designer, or Background Artist—each requiring similar foundations in game art and concept design.
Skills & Tools for Game Character Design
You'll need creative and technical skills to land a job as a Character Designer in Japan.
Key Skills:
Strong drawing and composition abilities
Understanding of visual storytelling and character psychology
Ability to match your style with the project’s tone and vision
Flexible mindset to adapt to creative feedback and change
Team collaboration skills—especially in Japanese work environments
Tools & Software:
Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint (for 2D design)
Substance Painter (for texturing)
MotionBuilder (for animation pipelines)
DCC tools (Digital Content Creation software)
Knowledge of animation principles is also useful—especially in studios where you’ll work closely with R&D or motion teams.
Japanese Language Requirements
Character Designer jobs in Japan require business-level Japanese proficiency.
Here’s why:
Communication with internal teams is often in Japanese
Creative feedback sessions and project meetings are held in Japanese
Some studios require written communication skills for documentation
While bilingual (Japanese + English) designers are in demand, few companies hire English-only creatives. Especially for permanent roles.
Resume & Portfolio Tips for Creative Jobs in Japan
Resume Best Practices:
Write in English or Japanese depending on the role
Include 3–4 pages of detail (longer than Western CVs)
Add: company names, project types, platforms, job titles, dates, and team size
Specify your contribution to each game or asset
Portfolio Tips:
Tailor your portfolio to the type of job (e.g., 2D art, 3D character modeling)
Include project context—not just isolated images
Label software/tools used, techniques applied, and your creative process
Keep your work original—avoid fan art for protected IPs like Pokémon when applying to Game Freak
Be prepared for language tests or art assessments during the application process.
Career Progression: Character Design Path in Japan
Typical titles in a character design career path include:
Junior 2D Art Designer
Graphic Designer: Character Model (Junior)
2D Art Designer
Lead Artist / Art Director
Section Director (managing multiple art teams)
Creative Director or Game Director (for senior creatives)
Top studios in Japan often promote based on both technical mastery and leadership ability.
Salary Range for Character Designers in Japan
Here’s a breakdown based on Game Freak’s job listings and industry trends:
| Position | Approx. Annual Salary (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Junior 2D Art Designer | ¥4M–¥7M |
| Junior Character Modeler | ¥4M–¥7M |
| 2D Art Designer | ¥6M–¥10M |
| Staff Level | ~¥10M |
| Lead Designer | ~¥15M |
| Section Director | ~¥20M |
| Director | ~¥25M |
Note: Chinese and US-based studios operating in Japan offer higher salaries or bonus incentives for bilingual or senior candidates.
Insights from Industry Expert Jordan Sugimoto
Jordan Sugimoto, a consultant in Japan’s gaming industry, shared a few key takeaways relevant to creative roles:
Understand the differences between Western and Japanese development cultures
Know that some Japan-based AAA studios focus more on marketing and localization, not full-scale development
Many designers are motivated by love for specific IPs, so tailor your applications accordingly
Studios hiring bilingual creatives need to understand the limited candidate pool
FAQs: Character Designer Jobs in Japan
Do I need to speak Japanese to be a Character Designer in Japan?
Yes. Most jobs require business-level Japanese (JLPT N2 or higher). Some may include a language test.
What should I put in my portfolio?
Original character designs, 2D or 3D work relevant to games, clear project context, and details about your creative process.
Are there entry-level roles for foreigners?
Yes—but competition is high. A strong portfolio is essential for junior candidates.
Is overtime or 'crunch' common?
Sometimes, especially near launch dates. But more studios are prioritizing work-life balance.
Do I own the IP for the characters I design?
No. In Japan, IP typically belongs to the studio. This can motivate senior creators to eventually start their own studios.
