Jobs and Team Structure in Projection Mapping: From Producers to Equipment and Installation, Plus HITOHATA, INC.’s Open Positions

Projection mapping and immersive exhibitions cannot be made by video creators alone. Planning and direction, video and 3DCG production, projector and sound equipment, power works, venue operations and publicity: many roles are involved in a single event. Using the work structure published in the winner’s materials for UPGRADE with TOKYO, a pitch event run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, as an example, this article outlines how projection mapping teams are organized and the main roles. It also introduces the positions HITOHATA, INC. is recruiting for as of November 2026.

*Disclosure: HITOHATA, INC., introduced in this article, is an affiliate of HITOHATA ASSOCIATION, the general incorporated association that operates TOKYO ART SPHERE (About us).

An example team structure from Tokyo Metropolitan Government materials

In October 2023, at the 32nd UPGRADE with TOKYO startup pitch event, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government called for content that lets people experience the outer moat waterside regeneration project and related history and culture, and HITOHATA, INC. won. The winner’s materials published by Tokyo include the “work implementation structure (production, installation and operation)” for projection mapping on the Edo Castle outer moat.

In the materials, under the client, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Takeaki Higashiyama of HITOHATA, INC. serves as producer and general director, responsible for overall direction, production management and operations management. Below him are the following roles.

• Operations director: venue operations and installation management

• Director: planning, direction, production management, technical management and equipment management

• Art director: visual production, logo production and art direction

• Creative director: overseeing video and 3DCG production

• Electrical works: power works and works applications

• Video equipment: video equipment rental

• Publicity and advertising: publicity and advertising

This is an example of a structure presented at the proposal stage; actual structures vary with the scale of the event and the venue. Even so, it shows that not only video production but also installation, power, equipment, operations and publicity are built into a single structure. The Edo Castle outer moat projection mapping held from May 30 to June 2, 2024, and the moat purification plan are covered in our article on “City of Water: Edo Outer Moat” and the Sotobori Purification Project.

Main roles and what they do

Based on the structure in the materials and the general production flow, the main roles are as follows.

• Producer: handles budgets and schedules and coordination with the client, venue and partner companies, and takes responsibility for the whole event. The producer may also serve as general director.

• Director: turns plans and direction into reality, and manages production progress, technology and equipment.

• Art director and designer: set the direction of key visuals, logos and the art of the imagery.

• Creative director and video creator: oversee and create 3DCG, animation and video.

• Engineer and video equipment staff: select projectors, media servers and sound equipment, and build and operate the system.

• Electrical works and installation staff: handle power works and applications, and install and remove equipment.

• Operations director and staff: manage the venue, guide visitors in viewing areas and oversee safety.

• Publicity and advertising staff: handle announcements, media relations and social media.

The production flow and cost breakdown are explained in our article on how to stage projection mapping, and terms in our projection mapping glossary.

Positions HITOHATA, INC. is recruiting for (as of November 2026)

According to HITOHATA, INC.’s careers page, the following positions were open as of November 9.

• Mid-career (full-time, Nagoya head office): director; planner/marketer/manager; designer/artist; creator/engineer

• 2027 new graduates (full-time, Nagoya head office): director; designer/artist; creator/engineer (applications close November 30)

• Long-term internships (Nagoya head office): assistant director; assistant planner. Transportation is covered, and work from the third time onward is paid

• Freelance (remote): creator/engineer; designer/artist. Pay is set per project

• “Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA” (contract staff, Tokyo office): art gallery presenter; concierge; presenter (applications close November 30)

The careers page describes the director’s job as covering projection mapping, immersive museums and immersive shows, from concept development to directing production, designing the visitor experience and managing progress. Because work and interviews are conducted in Japanese, non-native speakers are asked to have Japanese at around JLPT N2 level or higher.

Editor’s view

Projection mapping is often discussed in terms of the beauty of its images. Yet the structure in Tokyo’s materials lists power works and their applications, equipment arrangements, venue operations and publicity in the same table as video production. For events projected on outdoor cultural properties and government buildings, such preparations can decide an event’s success.

HITOHATA’s openings also include roles that face visitors at a permanent venue, such as presenters and concierges at “Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA.” As business expands from touring exhibitions and limited-time events to permanent venues, the roles working on site in operations grow too. Major companies in the industry are introduced in our article on projection mapping production companies.

Frequently asked questions

What roles are involved in projection mapping?

Producers, directors, art directors, video and 3DCG creators, engineers and video equipment staff, electrical works and installation staff, operations staff and publicity staff are involved. The winner’s materials for Tokyo’s pitch event include a work implementation structure that brings these roles together.

What positions is HITOHATA, INC. recruiting for?

As of November 9, it is recruiting directors, planners/marketers/managers, designers/artists and creators/engineers (mid-career and 2027 new graduates), long-term interns, freelancers, and visitor-service and interpretation staff for “Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA.”

Until when is the staff recruitment for “Ukiyoe Immersive Art Museum GINZA” open?

Applications for art gallery presenter, concierge and presenter (all contract staff, Tokyo office) close on November 30, 2026.

*Information as of November 9, 2026. Please check HITOHATA, INC.’s careers page for the latest information.

*Top image: Record photo of the “OSAKA Hikari-Renaissance 2025” projection mapping on the wall of Osaka City Central Public Hall in December 2025 (from a press release by HITOHATA, INC.)

*This article was compiled by the TOKYO ART SPHERE editorial team based on the winner’s materials for the 32nd UPGRADE with TOKYO and information on HITOHATA, INC.’s careers page (accessed November 9, 2026).

Text: TOKYO ART SPHERE Editorial Team

A note from the publisher

*Disclosure: HITOHATA, INC., introduced in this article, is an affiliate of HITOHATA ASSOCIATION, the general incorporated association that operates TOKYO ART SPHERE (About us).

HITOHATA, INC.’s open positions and how to apply are available on the company’s careers page. Inquiries about planning projection mapping and immersive exhibitions are accepted through the company’s contact form.