3D Animator job at Kojima Productions, Tokyo

Elevate your career at Kojima Productions, the world-renowned independent studio founded by visionary Hideo Kojima. Located in the heart of Tokyo, our studio is a sanctuary for creators who seek to push the boundaries of digital entertainment and “Homo Ludens” (those who play). We are looking for a dedicated 3D Animator to join our Art Department to help craft the highly detailed, emotionally resonant, and technically groundbreaking experiences our fans expect.

At Kojima Productions, we don’t just follow industry standards; we define them. This role is perfect for an artist who possesses a deep cinematic sensibility and a passion for merging high-end technology with soul-stirring storytelling.

Job Overview: 3D Animator

Detailed Job Description

3D Animator at Kojima Productions is more than just movement; it is the bridge between the player and the narrative. Whether it is the subtle twitch of a facial muscle in a high-stakes dialogue or the heavy, realistic stride of a character traversing a rugged landscape, our animators are responsible for maintaining the “immersion of reality.” You will work on projects that challenge the status quo, requiring a blend of hyper-realism and artistic flair.

Core Responsibilities

• In-Game Animation: Design and implement fluid, responsive character motions that integrate seamlessly with gameplay mechanics. You will focus on “weight,” “momentum,” and “physics-based” movement to ensure every action feels earned.
• Cinematic Cutscenes: Produce high-fidelity cinematic animations that rival major motion pictures. You will be responsible for bringing the Director’s vision to life through intricate keyframe work and the refinement of performance capture data.
• Asset Creation: Develop animations for a diverse range of subjects, including human characters, complex mechanical structures, vehicles, and otherworldly creatures.
• Pipeline Collaboration: Work closely with the Art Director, Technical Animators, and Game Designers to ensure all animations are optimized for our proprietary engine while maintaining maximum visual quality.
• Iteration & Polish: Proactively identify areas for improvement in existing motions and refine them to reach the “Kojima Standard” of excellence.

Requirements & Qualifications

Kojima Productions is looking for individuals who prioritize quality above all else.

• Practical Experience: Extensive hands-on experience with keyframe animation using industry-standard software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Softimage.
• Shipped Titles: For experienced candidates, a minimum of one shipped AAA title as an animator is preferred.
• Inclusive Hiring: * New Graduates: We welcome applications from talented new graduates. If you have a passion for the medium and a strong foundational portfolio, we want to hear from you.

• • Industry Career-Switchers: If you have high artistic ability from another field (e.g., film, VFX), we encourage you to apply and demonstrate how your skills translate to the gaming environment.

Preferred Expertise & Technical Skills

To excel at Kojima Productions, candidates should ideally possess:

• Facial Animation Mastery: A keen eye for expressing human emotion through subtle facial movements and eye contact.
• Motion Capture Expertise: Experience modifying, cleaning, and adjusting high-density motion capture data to achieve a natural look.
• Technical Rigging: Basic knowledge of rigging and skinning to help facilitate smoother animation workflows.
• Mocap Tools: Proficiency in Motion Builder is highly desirable for real-time motion editing.
• Industrial & Creature Design: The ability to animate non-human entities, ensuring that vehicles feel heavy and monsters feel threatening and organic.

Required Application Documentation

Kojima Productions values the “thinking” behind the art. Please provide:

1. Japanese CV (Rirekisho): Including a photo (if available/applicable).
2. Technical CV: Detail the specific tools you use, your years of experience, and a comprehensive list of past titles/duties.
3. Insight Paper: Provide brief responses to the following:

4. • Visual Excellence: Which recent game or film do you believe represents the pinnacle of current animation technology, and why?

   • Tech Trends: Which emerging technology (e.g., AI-assisted animation, real-time physics) excites you most?

   • Personal Passion: What game have you played recently that you found truly “fun,” and what specific mechanic or animation stood out?

5. Portfolio/Reel: A digital reel viewable on Windows. We look for reels that demonstrate a strong sense of timing, weight, and “the breath of life.”

Compensation & World-Class Benefits

Financial Rewards

• Competitive Salary: Annual salary based on a holistic review of your skills and portfolio.
• Performance Incentives: Our incentive system rewards excellence and project success.
• Salary Revision: Conducted annually to ensure your compensation reflects your growth.

Health & Lifestyle

• Insurance: Comprehensive social insurance, including health, pension, and employment insurance.
• Work Flexibility: While we value the energy of our Minato-ku studio, our Discretionary Labor System allows for professional autonomy in managing your schedule.
• Commuter Support: Full reimbursement of transportation expenses.
• Health & Wellness: Annual comprehensive medical checkups and mental health support.

Corporate Culture

• Career Path: We prioritize long-term growth; contract employees have a clear pathway to permanent (Seishain) status.
• Time-Off: A standard five-day work week with generous vacation time, including a summer break and an extended New Year holiday to recharge.
• Incentives: Permanent employees have access to a corporate defined contribution pension plan and specialized performance bonuses.

Living & Working in Tokyo

Kojima Productions studio is located in Minato-ku, one of Tokyo’s most cosmopolitan and technologically advanced districts. Being near Shinagawa Station provides instant access to the Shinkansen (bullet train) and major city lines, making it a perfect hub for both work and exploration. You will be working in a multicultural environment where the world’s best talents converge to create the future of play.

Note for International Applicants: Kojima Productions is a global studio. If you are applying from overseas, do not worry about postal code mismatches in our digital system—simply ensure your address and contact details are clearly listed in your CV.