Welcome to another edition of our international staff series, “Eyes, JAPAN Employee Interview.” At Eyes, JAPAN, we love working with people from all over the world, each bringing unique perspectives, skills, and creativity. Today, we’d like to introduce Jake Cartwright, a product design student from Germany, who joined us as an intern and brought his 3D modeling talent and creative energy to our projects.

(Interviewer: Angie)

From Düsseldorf to Aizu: Life, Culture, and Designing

What is your favorite thing about your home town?

Jake: I’m from Germany, specifically Düsseldorf. One of my favorite things about my hometown is the large Japanese community there—it’s like a little piece of Japan in Germany! Of course, I also love my family and friends who make Düsseldorf home.

Have you experienced any culture shock in Japan?

Jake: Not really. I was actually looking forward to experiencing the Japanese work culture firsthand.

How has your experience in Aizu been so far?

It’s been great! Aizu gives me a glimpse into the slower-paced life of rural Japan, but still has the conveniences you’d expect in a city. The people are so kind and welcoming—it really makes you feel at home.

What do you think about life in Aizu?

Jake: It’s been great! Aizu gives me a glimpse into the slower-paced life of rural Japan, but still has the conveniences you’d expect in a city. The people are so kind and welcoming—it really makes you feel at home.

What is your hobby and how do you usually spend your weekends or holidays?

Jake: I spend a lot of time 3D modeling and even 3D printing my creations. I also enjoy hiking, going out with friends, and exploring new places around Aizu.

Do you have other interests or ways you spend your free time?

Jake: Mostly with friends—going out to eat, having drinks, or just relaxing. But I also enjoy gaming and reading when I’m on my own.

Tell us about your academic background.

Jake: I study product design, so my research usually revolves around creating new products that don’t exist yet.

Do you have any skills or achievements you are proud of?

Definitely my creativity—whether it’s 3D modeling, animation, or sketching, I’m proud of being able to express ideas visually.

Diving into Real Projects at Eyes, JAPAN

Why did you decide to join Eyes, JAPAN?

Jake: A friend told me about the company, and when I learned more, I was really excited. I love interdisciplinary work, and I knew Eyes, JAPAN would allow me to challenge myself in new ways. Plus, the people here—especially Yamadera san were incredibly welcoming.

What kind of projects have you been working on at Eyes, JAPAN?

Jake: I worked on the Miyaizumi-san branding project, creating 3D models and assets for renderings and animations. Another big project was the Aizawa Cement Drone project, where I was responsible for visuals like animations and 3D assets.

Could you tell us about your most memorable project?

Jake: Definitely the Cement Drone project. It was the most challenging but also the most rewarding.

Experiencing Japan: Culture and Work Life

Which customs or practices in Eyes, JAPAN do you like the most?

Jake: I love the open atmosphere and how colleagues interact—it encourages creativity and trying new approaches. Also, spending time together outside of work makes the experience even more enjoyable.

What do you think about working at the company and flexibility, including working from home?

Jake: The company allows a lot of flexibility. Being able to work from home is very convenient it cuts down travel time and allows you to focus on both work and personal life.

What kind of challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Jake: Probably designing optimal solutions for projects. It’s difficult since we only know what works after implementation and testing. I solve this by learning from examples online and adapting them to our unique project requirements.

Dreams, Goals, and Future Aspirations

What motivates you?

Jake: I always think about my future self. Achieving my goals and knowing I’m on the right path keeps me going.

What’s your dream?

Jake: To become the Head of Design at a company like Sony and create innovative products that don’t exist yet. At the core, I just want to keep being creative in all forms.

Jake’s passion for design and creativity shines in everything he does. From developing 3D models to collaborating on challenging projects and embracing life in Aizu, his energy and openness inspire those around him.

We’re excited to see where his journey takes him next perhaps leading design at Sony one day while always pushing boundaries and creating what hasn’t been made yet.

Thank you!

If you are interested in Eyes, JAPAN and would like to hear other stories, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following contact form.

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Everyone welcome.