So you’ve binged every episode of Chainsaw Man, know the entire One Piece timeline by heart, and dream in manga panels. Now you’re thinking: “Could I actually get paid to work in this industry?”
The good news: anime’s explosive global growth has created thousands of new jobs—from traditional animation roles to positions you might not have considered, like localization, marketing, and platform development.
The challenge? Finding these opportunities isn’t as straightforward as typing “hire me to draw anime” into Google (believe me, I’ve tried). The anime industry job market is fragmented across specialized job boards, company career pages, and freelance platforms that aren’t always easy to discover.
1. Crunchyroll Careers
Best for: Full-time professional roles across all departments
Job types: Engineering, content, marketing, localization, business development
Location options: US offices, international, remote positions
Since absorbing Funimation, Crunchyroll has become the undisputed titan of anime distribution outside Japan—and their career page reflects this dominance. Their job board consistently features 40+ open positions ranging from software engineers building their streaming platform to marketing specialists promoting the latest releases.
What makes Crunchyroll’s career page particularly valuable is the diversity of roles. Beyond the obvious creative positions, they hire for specialized functions like:
- Localization managers overseeing translation teams
- Content acquisition specialists negotiating licensing deals
- Platform developers enhancing user experience
- Consumer product managers developing merchandise strategies
The company has embraced remote work for many positions, opening opportunities to talent outside their San Francisco, Dallas, and international office locations. Their detailed job descriptions provide clear insight into required qualifications, making it easier to determine if your skills match their needs.
For those interested in what was previously Funimation, this is now your primary destination. Since the 2022 merger, virtually all Funimation jobs have been integrated into Crunchyroll’s career structure.
2. Indeed
Best for: Wide variety of anime industry positions, including entry-level
Job types: Retail, production support, community management, specialized roles
Location options: Global, searchable by location
Don’t underestimate general job boards when hunting for anime industry positions. Indeed consistently lists numerous opportunities that might not appear on specialized platforms. A simple search for “anime” typically returns hundreds of relevant postings.
The platform excels at surfacing positions like:
- Anime retail store staff positions (great entry points into the industry)
- Community managers for anime streaming platforms
- Production assistants at smaller studios
- AI researchers specializing in anime-style art
- Specialized roles like “Anime Archivist” or “Japanese Media Collection Specialist”
What makes Indeed particularly powerful is its advanced filtering. You can narrow results by salary range, remote options, experience level, and location. The “Easy Apply” feature also streamlines the application process for many listings.
Pro tip: Set up job alerts with specific keywords like “manga,” “anime production,” or “Japanese animation” to receive daily notifications about new opportunities matching your interests. Include terms like “remote” if you’re looking for work-from-home possibilities.
3. LinkedIn
Best for: Networking, professional roles, hidden opportunities
Job types: Business development, marketing, production management
Location options: Global, with strong presence in US, Europe, and Asia
LinkedIn serves a dual purpose in the anime job hunt: it’s both a job board and an invaluable networking tool. The platform’s value goes far beyond the positions listed in its job section (though those are worth exploring).
The real power of LinkedIn for anime industry job seekers lies in:
- Following major studios and distributors to see their job postings first
- Connecting with recruiters who specialize in creative and entertainment roles
- Joining anime industry groups where opportunities are sometimes shared before public posting
- Finding and contacting people who currently work in your dream role or company
Look beyond obvious companies—major players like Netflix, Amazon, and Sony all have divisions working on anime content acquisition and production. Their roles often offer competitive salaries and benefits that smaller studios can’t match.
LinkedIn Premium can be worth the investment during your job search, as it provides insights into who’s viewed your profile and allows direct messaging to potential connections outside your network. However, even the free version offers substantial value if you optimize your profile with industry-specific keywords and regularly engage with relevant content.
4. AnimatedJobs.com
Best for: Creative animation roles
Job types: 2D/3D animators, storyboard artists, background painters, character designers
Location options: Global listings, searchable by region
For those seeking hands-on creative roles in anime production, AnimatedJobs.com provides a focused resource that filters out the noise found on general job boards. While not exclusively anime-centered, the site features numerous opportunities relevant to anime artists and animators.
The platform organizes listings by specific disciplines within animation:
- 2D Animators (particularly relevant for traditional anime)
- Background Artists (essential for anime’s distinctive environmental styles)
- Character Animators (key roles in bringing anime characters to life)
- Storyboard Artists (crucial in pre-production)
What I appreciate about AnimatedJobs is the international scope—you’ll find opportunities from Japanese studios, Western companies producing anime-inspired content, and collaborative international projects. The site includes both staff positions and freelance/contract work, catering to different employment preferences.
The job listings typically include details about required software proficiency, expected experience level, and portfolio requirements. Many postings link directly to application forms, streamlining the submission process.
For creatives seeking to work directly on anime production, this specialized board cuts through the clutter of general job sites and delivers relevant opportunities.
5. ArtStation
Best for: Visual artists, portfolio showcase, networking
Job types: Character design, concept art, background art, animation
Location options: Global, remote-friendly
ArtStation serves a dual purpose for anime industry job seekers: it’s both a job board and the premier portfolio platform for visual artists. This combination makes it particularly powerful, as many hiring managers recruit directly from the site after viewing artists’ work.
The job board regularly features anime-related positions such as:
- Character designers for anime productions
- Background artists specializing in anime aesthetics
- Concept artists for anime-style games and media
- 2D animators for both traditional and digital workflows
Beyond the formal job listings, ArtStation provides unparalleled networking opportunities. Following studios and artists working in your desired style can lead to connections and opportunities that never hit public job boards. Many professional relationships begin with a simple comment or message about someone’s artwork.
The platform’s strength lies in visual roles—if you’re seeking positions in writing, production management, or business development, other sites on this list will serve you better. However, for artists, ArtStation has become an essential hub where talent scouts actively search for new team members based on portfolio quality.
Pro tip: Pay particular attention to optimizing your ArtStation profile and organizing your portfolio into projects that highlight your anime-specific skills. Many recruiters search by specific terms like “anime character design” or “manga-style illustration.”
6. Studio Career Pages
Best for: Direct studio employment, Japan-based opportunities
Job types: Animation, production, engineering, business (varies by studio)
Location options: Primarily Japan, with some international positions
Sometimes the most direct approach works best. Major anime studios maintain their own career pages that list opportunities not always syndicated to job boards. Monitoring these pages directly can give you early access to new openings.
Key studio pages worth bookmarking include:
- Production I.G (Ghost in the Shell, Haikyu!!) - Regularly posts openings for 3DCG designers, animators, and production roles
- Studio Ghibli - Occasionally announces project-specific recruitment
- MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man) - Lists positions when expanding production teams
- Kyoto Animation - Known for hiring animators through their training programs
- WIT Studio (Spy x Family, Attack on Titan earlier seasons) - Posts openings for various animation roles
For Western companies with anime divisions:
- Netflix Animation - Has expanded anime production significantly
- VIZ Media - Posts publishing, localization, and marketing roles
Most Japanese studio sites offer information primarily in Japanese, reflecting the reality that language proficiency is often required for these positions. However, some international studios and co-productions increasingly offer English listings as the industry globalizes.
Even if you’re not ready to apply immediately, studying these job descriptions provides valuable insight into the qualifications and skills studios prioritize, helping you target your professional development effectively.
7. Upwork
Best for: Freelance work, portfolio building, flexible opportunities
Job types: Translation, voice acting, illustration, script writing
Location options: Remote-first, global opportunities
Not ready for (or interested in) full-time employment? The freelance marketplace Upwork hosts hundreds of anime-related gigs ranging from one-time projects to ongoing contracts. These opportunities provide both income and portfolio-building experience.
Common anime industry freelance roles include:
- Manga translation from Japanese to various languages
- Voice-over work for indie productions and commercials
- Anime-style illustration for games, books, and marketing
- Script adaptation for dubbed content
- Content writing for anime news sites and blogs
The platform’s structured system provides some security for freelancers, with payment protection, clear scope definitions, and client ratings. For beginners without extensive professional experience, Upwork offers a pathway to build credentials and references.
Success on Upwork requires strategic positioning—your profile should clearly highlight anime-specific skills and experience rather than presenting as a generalist. Start with smaller projects to build positive reviews before pursuing higher-value opportunities.
While rates for beginners may be modest, experienced freelancers in specialized niches like Japanese-to-English translation or production-ready animation can command premium rates, especially when they develop ongoing relationships with clients.
8. Anime News Network
Best for: Editorial, journalism, content creation
Job types: Writers, editors, news reporters, feature contributors
Location options: Primarily remote work
For those whose passion for anime is matched by strong writing skills, Anime News Network (ANN) regularly lists openings for editorial staff and freelance contributors. As the leading English-language anime news site, a position with ANN can provide both visibility and credibility in the industry.
ANN typically posts positions such as:
- News Editors tracking industry developments
- Feature Writers creating in-depth analysis
- Review Contributors covering new series and films
- Social Media Specialists engaging with anime communities
These roles often start as freelance opportunities but can develop into more permanent positions for consistent contributors. The work is usually remote, making it accessible regardless of your location.
Beyond ANN specifically, the site’s industry connections and visibility make it a valuable platform for networking. Staff members often transition to roles with publishers, distributors, and production companies after establishing their expertise through the site.
While not offering the volume of listings found on general job boards, the specialized nature of these positions makes ANN’s staff openings page worth monitoring for those specifically interested in the editorial and content creation side of the anime industry.
How to Stand Out When Applying for Anime Industry Jobs
The anime industry becomes more competitive each year as its global popularity expands. Here are strategies to differentiate yourself:
For Creative Roles:
- Develop a portfolio that demonstrates both technical skill and understanding of anime-specific aesthetics
- Create personal projects that showcase your ability to work within anime conventions while bringing your own perspective
- Learn industry-standard software like Clip Studio Paint, Toon Boom Harmony, or Adobe Animate
- Study and practice Japanese animation techniques, even if applying to Western studios
For Business/Marketing Roles:
- Demonstrate concrete knowledge of the anime market through case studies or analysis
- Highlight experience working with Japanese partners or understanding cross-cultural business practices
- Showcase metrics from previous roles that demonstrate your ability to grow audience or revenue
- Emphasize familiarity with anime streaming platforms, distribution models, and consumer trends
For Localization/Translation Roles:
- Provide samples that preserve the nuance and cultural context of original work
- Highlight understanding of anime-specific terminology and conventions
- Demonstrate knowledge of the challenges in adapting Japanese content for international audiences
- Showcase familiarity with the subtleties of dialogue writing for different types of anime content
The Reality of Working in Anime
While pursuing a career in the anime industry can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to approach with realistic expectations:
- Entry-level salaries are often modest, particularly for artists and production roles
- Work hours can be demanding, especially during production crunchtime
- Competition is intense for the most desirable positions
- Japanese language skills remain valuable even in Western companies
However, for those passionate about the medium, the opportunity to contribute to anime’s global growth offers unique rewards beyond compensation. The industry continues to evolve, with improving conditions as western investment increases and remote work options expand accessibility.
Whether you’re seeking your first industry position or looking to advance your anime career, the eight platforms covered in this guide provide the most direct routes to legitimate opportunities across the spectrum of anime industry jobs in 2025.
Anime Industry Jobs FAQs
Do I need to know Japanese to work in the anime industry?
It depends entirely on the role and company location. For positions directly with Japanese animation studios, Japanese language proficiency is typically required or highly advantageous. However, many roles with Western distributors, publishers, and platforms (like Crunchyroll, VIZ Media, or Netflix) don’t necessarily require Japanese language skills—though they may be considered a plus. Translation and localization roles naturally require Japanese proficiency, while marketing, platform development, or administrative positions often don’t. Companies will clearly state language requirements in their job listings.
What's the typical career path for becoming an animator at an anime studio?
The traditional path into Japanese animation studios typically begins as an in-between animator or clean-up artist. These entry-level positions involve creating the frames between key animations or finalizing rough drawings. With experience, animators progress to key animation, designing the pivotal frames that define movement and action. Further advancement leads to senior roles like animation director, character designer, or ultimately, animation director. Western studios producing anime-style content may have different structures, often requiring digital animation skills from the start. Many successful animators build portfolios through personal projects, short films, or freelance work before securing studio positions.
How competitive are anime translation jobs?
Translation positions are highly competitive, particularly for Japanese to English work. The combination of required language skills, cultural knowledge, and understanding of anime/manga conventions creates a specialized niche. Most professional translators have formal language education and years of experience. However, the industry’s growth has increased demand, creating more opportunities through official publishers, streaming platforms, and freelance projects. Building experience through fan translation projects (while respecting copyright), pursuing relevant education, and starting with smaller professional projects can help build the credentials needed for more prestigious roles with companies like Crunchyroll, VIZ Media, or Seven Seas Entertainment.
Are there remote jobs available in the anime industry?
Yes, remote work opportunities have expanded significantly since 2020. Roles commonly available remotely include translation/localization, digital art creation, animation (especially for freelancers), marketing, content writing, social media management, and many technology positions. Crunchyroll, VIZ Media, and various publishers regularly offer remote positions. Japanese animation studios have traditionally preferred on-site staff, though some have begun offering limited remote options for certain roles. Western animation studios producing anime-inspired content tend to be more flexible with remote arrangements. Job listings will typically specify whether remote work is possible.
What's the salary range for anime industry jobs?
Salaries vary dramatically based on role, experience level, location, and company size. Entry-level animation positions in Japan typically start around ¥200,000-250,000 monthly (approximately $1,500-1,900 USD), with senior animators and directors earning significantly more. In Western companies, entry-level marketing or administrative roles at anime distributors might start at $35,000-45,000 annually, while specialized roles in technology or business development can reach six figures with experience. Freelance rates vary widely, from $15-30/hour for beginning translators to $50-100+/hour for experienced animation specialists. Corporate positions at major streaming platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix generally offer the most competitive compensation packages within the industry.