Niantic, Inc.

From Japan to the World, Entering a New Chapter with an Unchanging Philosophy

Niantic, Inc. 

 

Niantic, Inc. (Japan) is the Japanese subsidiary of Niantic, Inc., the U.S.-based company behind globally recognized titles such as Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, and Monster Hunter Now. Leveraging its strength in augmented reality (AR) technology that blends the digital and physical worlds, Niantic develops platforms that deliver new forms of entertainment rooted in real-world environments.
Its flagship title, Pokémon GO, has surpassed 1 billion downloads worldwide and is widely regarded as a pioneering success in the location-based gaming category.

— What values does Niantic prioritize when delivering products to a global audience?

Through our games, we have always aimed to create experiences that go beyond on-screen entertainment by influencing people’s behavior and fostering real-world connections. In that sense, Niantic is not just a game company; we also design real-world experiences.

There are three core pillars that guide our product development. First, getting people outside. Second, creating meaningful, real-world connections between people. And third, helping people rediscover the joy and wonder that already exist in the world around them.

In our daily lives, it’s easy to fall into fixed routines—taking the same routes and going to the same places. But through our games, people might choose a different path, get off one station earlier, or explore somewhere new. These small changes can lead to new discoveries and even be good for both physical and mental well-being.

We believe that when people’s behavior changes, communities and cities can gradually change as well. Through that accumulation, we can help move the world in a positive direction. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating experiences that invite people to embark on real-world adventures.

— From your personal perspective, what kind of value do you hope to bring to society through games?

Through the joy and fun of games, I want to create positive change for both people and communities.

I’m originally from the Tohoku region, and in 2013, I had the opportunity to support an Ingress event held in Ishinomaki as part of recovery efforts following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

What struck me most was seeing people from all over the world visiting not just with the intention to “help,” but because they were genuinely excited to experience the city. Witnessing the power of an experience that draws people in like that had a profound impact on me—and ultimately led me to join Niantic.

We see similar effects with events like Pokémon GO Fest, where people travel to cities they might not normally visit, creating new energy and vibrancy in those places. Being part of that kind of impact is both meaningful and incredibly rewarding.

— What makes working at Niantic’s Tokyo office unique and appealing?

One of the best things is the opportunity to work on products that reach players around the world. Whether in development, marketing, or other functions, every role contributes to products designed for a global audience, allowing you to truly feel the impact of your work on a worldwide scale.

The Tokyo studio was established with the goal of creating globally competitive products in collaboration with Japan’s world-class partners. In fact, a number of successful titles have already been born out of Tokyo, and we are currently further expanding development for Pokémon GO.

Although we are part of a global company headquartered in the United States, Japan still has the opportunity to play a leading role in product development, which makes this a uniquely rewarding environment.

We place great importance on providing an employee experience and recognition that reflect our high standards, along with flexible ways of working. We follow a hybrid model with three in-office days per week and have built a culture that supports employees through life events such as parenting.

For example, today we’re hosting a Kids Day, with many employees’ children visiting the office. We also regularly organize family-inclusive events like this. It’s an environment where you can take on global challenges while balancing career growth with your personal life.

— Given the level of global collaboration, it seems like strong English skills might be required. How does Niantic approach this?

Given our focus on products for a global audience, those who are comfortable with English can actively engage with colleagues around the world and collaborate directly in their daily work.

That said, for many product development roles, a high level of English proficiency is not always a requirement. What matters most is the ability to build products that can succeed globally. Language expectations are set according to each role.

In recent years, we’ve strengthened our support systems through language learning programs, interpretation, and real-time translation support. These initiatives help create an environment where employees can thrive even if they are not fully confident in their English skills.

We also have employee-led programs such as “Language Buddy,” where colleagues teach each other their native languages over lunch. It’s a supportive culture, so even if you’re unsure about your English, we encourage you to take on the challenge.

— From your perspective, what kind of people thrive at Niantic?

We’re a small team taking on big challenges, so people who take ownership and act proactively tend to do well here. Those who can look at the bigger picture and say, “I haven’t done this before, but I’ll give it a try,” even if it’s a bit outside their scope, are the ones who grow and find new opportunities.

We’re also working in a unique space—games that people play out in the real world. There’s no established formula for success, which means we rely heavily on experimentation, trial and error, and learning from failure.

In that kind of environment, people who really believe in Niantic’s mission tend to stay grounded and keep moving forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

— Finally, do you have a message for those interested in joining Niantic?

The Tokyo studio operates under the philosophy of “Made in Japan, Built for the World.” For those who aspire to bring products from Japan to a global audience, and who want to leverage their expertise on a global stage, this is a great place to grow.

We’ve already created many new experiences around the world, but there is still much more we want to do. We’re looking for people who are excited to help build that next chapter with us.

If anything in this interview resonated with you, we’d love to hear from you.

— Thank you very much for your time today.

Interviewer: Aiko Tokuhisa

Director, BRS Division, Persol Career Co., Ltd. With over 20 years of experience in recruitment and RPO services, she has worked with a wide range of companies, both Japanese and global. She leverages this experience to support candidates in their career development.

She is also involved in recruitment support for Niantic through RPO and has deep expertise in hiring for global organizations. Certified Career Consultant (Japan National Qualification)

Kei Kawai of Niantic, along with Maharajan, Arisaka, Tokuhisa, and Pistone from BRS, who are involved in recruitment support.

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