AR in Google Search: Bringing Iconic Japanese Characters to Life

Google Japan project in collaboration with Google Search

In today's world, where pop culture significantly influences our daily lives, it's almost impossible to find someone unfamiliar with iconic Japanese characters like Pac-Man and Hello Kitty. Amid broader trends, anime has emerged as a global leader, surpassing even video games in popularity, with interest in anime reaching an all-time high in 2021. These beloved characters have been staples in classic anime, games, and TV shows for decades. We took this cultural passion a step further by integrating AR models of these famous characters into Google Search, providing users with a unique and delightful experience.

Background:

The successful launch of the AR Insects in Google Search project prompted enhanced collaboration between the Search and Japan Marketing teams. Encouraged by this development, I continued to contribute to the creation of additional unique AR libraries.

My role:

As a key member of the project team, I oversaw design direction, managed the product pipeline, and designed marketing materials. Our goal was to create a unique and immersive user experience. To achieve this, we developed visually engaging design assets that captured each character's unique personality and traits. We collaborated closely with content partners to ensure every detail, from each character's outfit and expressions to their iconic catchphrases, was accurately represented.