Join our Tokyo team at Shapefarm, where art, technology, and storytelling collide. We’re building games that connect players around the world — and we’re looking for talented creators who want to shape unforgettable experiences.

We are open to both short-term contract or employee arrangements. The role must be based in Tokyo, Japan.

Role Summary

What you’ll do

• Champion the end-to-end visual development of main cast, supporting characters, and key NPCs from narrative brief through final production-ready concept package.

• Establish clear character hierarchy (protagonist, rival, faction leads, civilians) through silhouette, scale, complexity, colour logic, and costuming.

• Define and uphold the stylistic pillars of an 80s anime-inspired aesthetic, balancing retro authenticity with modern gameplay readability.

• Develop and maintain internal character style guides covering proportions, facial construction, hair rendering, costume detailing, and graphic shadow language.

• Produce high-quality concept deliverables including exploration sheets, orthographic turnarounds (front/side/back/¾), expression sheets, costume iterations, and pose sheets.

• Use colour blocking, value grouping, and shape language to reinforce faction identity and gameplay clarity.

• Balance stylisation with believable structure to ensure effective translation into 3D.

• Provide paint overs and corrective feedback where translation drifts from intended silhouette, proportion, or style.

• Support marketing and brand initiatives through splash art, promotional illustrations, and high-resolution character adaptations when required.

• Collaborate across disciplines: Work closely with Art Directors, Narrative, 3D, Tech Art, and Marketing teams; provide structured feedback, participate in milestone planning, and mentor junior or mid-level artists.

Skills and behavioural Competencies

• Initiative and autonomy: You take responsibility for your work and are able to work autonomously. You show initiative and determine when issues should be escalated.

• Clear, consistent and proactive communicator: You think about what information people need and convey that information in a transparent, clear and timely manner. You check to see if people have understood or need additional information. You identify when you need more information to do your job and ask for it.

• Problem solving: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely information.

• Openness to change: You want to learn what works, share ideas, and are willing to try new things out. You are adaptable and prepared to shift direction after discussion about benefits and risks.

• Teamwork: You are willing to assist and support others as required and get on with team members.

• Planning, organisation, and attention to detail: You develop and use systems to organise and keep track of information or work progress. You review and check the accuracy of information. You show an ability to work on and prioritise multiple initiatives at the same time.

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Comfort working in an English and Japanese bilingual environment (we value clear communication over perfect fluency). 

Japanese Visa Qualifications

•   A bachelor's degree or 10 years of experience.

How can we support you?

• We want to set you up for success and make our recruitment process as accessible as possible for you.

• In your application, feel free to let us know if you need anything to make your experience or environment more comfortable. We'll do our best to support you!

At Shapefarm we…

• Are humble

• Make sure the job gets done

• Take responsibility for our work and our actions

• Have the willingness to walk the extra mile to help others

• Have a positive attitude towards problem-solving