A Lifelong Love of Games—and an Early Start in Web Development
- What first got you interested in front-end engineering?
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It all started with games. When I was in elementary school, I became obsessed with online games from overseas. Suddenly I was chatting in English with people from all over the world, and it completely changed my perspective. At one point, some friends I met in-game suggested we build a website for our team. That’s when I first started experimenting with HTML and CSS. My parent was a programmer, so I was lucky to grow up in an environment where I could learn about computers from an early age.
- Did you already know you wanted to make programming your career?
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Not at first. I really started thinking about it in university. I attended Osaka University of Arts, where I studied a broad range of artistic disciplines. I knew I wasn’t going to become an artist or illustrator—I couldn’t draw very well—but I still wanted to make things. Since I’d grown up around computers through gaming, programming felt like the natural path.
- What was your first job after graduation?
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I first spent some time building up my general web development skills before joining a web production company in Osaka as a front-end engineer. Fortunately, I had the chance to work on several game-related projects. One of my first assignments was building the website for a popular game series that’s still releasing new titles on PlayStation 5 today. Seeing my name in the end credits was incredibly rewarding. After about three years, I moved to Tokyo to broaden my experience, worked at two more companies, and eventually joined INFOCUS in April 2022.
Drawn to a Culture That Embraces New Challenges
- What attracted you to INFOCUS?
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I actually worked with the team as an external developer before joining full-time. The kind of websites we were creating were exactly the kind of work I’d always wanted to do. More importantly, working together gave me a chance to experience the company’s culture and get to know everyone.
- What was your impression after joining?
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In the best possible way, it’s relaxed and open. Everyone expects high-quality work, but there’s also a lot of trust and creative freedom. People are encouraged to take initiative.
For example, I wasn’t originally assigned to the PSY-CLONE project. I happened to see the design while it was still in progress, thought it looked exciting, and asked if I could work on it. They simply said yes.
The same mindset applies to learning new technologies. When I mentioned I wanted to explore WebGL, people immediately suggested training opportunities. Directors, designers, engineers—everyone here is proactive and supportive, which creates an environment where trying something new is always encouraged.
- Which projects have stayed with you the most?
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One is definitely the PSY-CLONE website. Using Three.js, I proposed several animation and interaction ideas that went beyond the original brief. I felt the only way to know whether something would work was to build it first, so despite not knowing if every idea would be approved, I pushed as far as I could to create a more playful and immersive experience.
Another memorable project was the website for MARNON. The brand has a soft, elegant identity, so I wanted every animation to feel equally refined. Rather than sharp or mechanical transitions, I carefully adjusted the movement—sometimes by tenths of a second—to create a smooth, natural rhythm that complemented the product.
- What’s something you always try to bring to every project?
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I don’t want to simply recreate what the director or designer hands over. I always try to contribute ideas of my own. Building something together is far more rewarding than simply implementing someone else’s vision.
Staying Curious, Both Technically and Creatively
- What qualities do you think make you well suited to front-end engineering?
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I think it’s my curiosity and willingness to explore new fields. Front-end engineering evolves so quickly that the knowledge you have today can become outdated tomorrow, so it’s important to keep learning and stay on top of new developments. That said, when I talk about “new fields,” I don’t just mean technology. I also mean design and art. Developing that creative side makes it much easier to communicate with directors and designers, and ultimately helps us create the kind of work we’re aiming for.
- How have you developed that creative side of yourself?
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For me, it was video games. They bring together so many different elements—graphics, animation, music, and world-building. Because I’ve played video games across so many genres, I’ve developed a clear sense of what resonates with me creatively. That’s the kind of experience I want to create through the websites I build—something that draws people in and makes them feel fully immersed.
My time at art school also had a big influence on me. Being surrounded by so many unique people and incredible works of art helped me become more open-minded and more responsive to what I find beautiful, compelling, or simply cool.
- How are you continuing to build on that creative sensibility in your work?
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Right now I’m working on improving my 3D CG skills.
I’m interested not only in creating 3D content itself, but also in exploring how it can be integrated seamlessly into the web.