Following the previous introduction, this part will cover the essential skills and qualifications needed to become an animator in Japan, as well as introduce schools where you can learn the necessary knowledge and skills.
The necessary skills for animators include...
Essential Skills and Qualifications for Animators
Artistic Skills
First and foremost are the artistic skills. Proficiency in sketching, designing, and color theory is required. These skills are indispensable for realistically and attractively drawing anime characters and backgrounds.
Observation Skills
Additionally, the ability to observe daily life and reflect those observations in drawings is crucial. Animators need to incorporate the movements, expressions, and textures they see in everyday life into their work. This observation skill brings realism and uniqueness to the work.
Stamina for Long Hours of Work
Animation production is also a battle against time. Therefore, the stamina and perseverance to endure long hours of drawing work are necessary qualities.
Computer Skills
Furthermore, modern anime production commonly involves digitizing and editing original drawings. Basic computer skills, especially proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop, are essential.
To certify these skills, qualifications such as the Illustrator® Creator Certification Exam, Photoshop® Creator Certification Exam, and Color Coordinator Examination are available. Having these qualifications can prove your technical skills, making it advantageous for employment and job acquisition.
Illustrator® Creator Certification Exam (Japanese):
Photoshop® Creator Certification Exam (Japanese):
Color Coordinator Examination (Japanese):
Top 5 Recommended Animation Schools in Japan
Choosing the right school is a crucial step for many young people dreaming of making a mark in the anime industry.
Here are five recommended schools where you can learn practical skills and receive direct instruction from industry professionals.
1. Amusement Media General Academy, Animation Department, Animator/Director Major
Official Site: https://www.amgakuin.co.jp/contents/animation/faculty-animator.html
Features:
Despite being an unaccredited school, it offers instruction from frontline professionals. You can learn the entire anime production process, enjoy high industry employment rates, and benefit from thorough job support. Connections can also be made through the OB & OG network.
Capacity: 45 students
Pros: High industry employment rate, thorough job support
Cons: Unaccredited
2. Osaka Amusement Media Specialized School, Animation Department
Official Site: https://www.amg.ac.jp/animation/
Features:
Offers an excellent educational system. Boasting many famous alumni and high employment rates in the industry, though access may be inconvenient for those aiming to work in Tokyo.
Capacity: 40 students
Pros: Accredited, instruction from frontline professionals, famous alumni
Cons: Geographic disadvantage for employment activities in Tokyo
3. Tokyo Animator College, Animation Course
Official Site: https://www.o-hara.ac.jp/senmon/school/tokyo_anime/course/
Features:
Attracts with relatively low tuition fees. You can learn the entirety of anime production under the guidance of current professionals, with a high employment rate in the industry and many famous alumni.
Capacity: 20 students
Pros: Accredited, low tuition fees, high industry employment rate
Cons: Fewer production-oriented lectures
4. Japan Electronics College, Animation Department (2-year/3-year)
Official Site: https://www.jec.ac.jp/course/animation/ac/
Features:
Offers a 2-year course and a 3-year course that includes CG. The 3-year course allows students to work with CG production tools like "3ds MAX," making it perfect for those who want to learn both drawing and CG.
Capacity: 2-year: 50 students / 3-year: 30 students
Pros: Accredited, comprehensive learning including CG, relatively affordable tuition for a 3-year program
Cons: Higher tuition for the 3-year course
5. Yoyogi Animation Academy, Animator Department
Official Site: https://www.yoani.co.jp/course/animation/animator/
Features:
With over 45 years of history, it has produced many famous creators. The school's specialization in different fields, such as animators, backgrounds, directors, and CG, is a key feature.
Pros: Specialization in various departments, production of famous creators
Cons: Unaccredited, undisclosed employment rate
Japan has many attractive vocational schools!
Accredited vs. Unaccredited Schools
Accredited Schools
Officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology or by prefectural education committees.
Allows degree acquisition, potentially advantageous for employment or further education.
Eligible for tuition assistance and public scholarship programs.
Unaccredited Schools
Not officially recognized by the Ministry of Education, meaning degrees cannot be awarded.
Limited access to tuition assistance and public scholarship programs.
Often focus on practical skills and immediacy in job readiness.
When choosing a school, it's essential to consider your goals and the kind of education you seek.
These schools offer fantastic opportunities to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the animation industry. Choose the school that aligns with your career aspirations and take the first step towards achieving your dream!
Regardless of the industry, studying Japanese is essential for working in Japan!
J-CALP offers Japanese lessons for those aiming to enter arts-specialized colleges or universities.
We also provide beginner to intermediate Japanese lessons, business Japanese lessons, and custom lessons tailored to the learner's needs.
Our Japanese instructors, who possess specialized expertise in academic advancement and Japanese language learning, will guide you through online lessons meticulously.
Feel free to contact us to start your journey!
Commentaires