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Anime Translation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant localization experience OR a minimum of 1-3 years of video game/anime/manga translation preferred * Familiarity with TYPE-MOON properties is a significant bonus * A ...

Cross-Cultural Translation: Localize and adapt the "Tone & Manner" of Japanese IP to align with ... Direct experience in the entertainment industry (Anime, Gaming, or Pop Culture). - Experiential ...

Cross-Cultural Translation: Localize and adapt the "Tone & Manner" of Japanese IP to align with ... Direct experience in the entertainment industry (Anime, Gaming, or Pop Culture). - Experiential ...

Cross-Cultural Translation: Localize and adapt the "Tone & Manner" of Japanese IP to align with ... Direct experience in the entertainment industry (Anime, Gaming, or Pop Culture). - Experiential ...

Anime Translation information

See salary details

$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do anime translation jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for anime translation in the United States is $57,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Anime Translation job?

An Anime Translation job involves converting Japanese dialogue, scripts, or text from anime into another language while maintaining accuracy and cultural context. Translators may work on subtitles, dubbing scripts, or marketing materials. They need strong proficiency in both Japanese and the target language, as well as an understanding of anime-specific terminology and cultural nuances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Anime Translation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Anime Translation, you need fluency in both Japanese and the target language, a deep understanding of cultural context, and strong written communication skills. Experience with subtitling software, CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools, and sometimes relevant translation certifications (such as JLPT for Japanese proficiency) are commonly required. Attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are essential soft skills for the position. These skills ensure that translations remain accurate, culturally relevant, and engaging for diverse audiences.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in anime translation?

Anime translators often encounter unique challenges, such as adapting culturally specific references, jokes, or idioms so they make sense to a global audience while preserving the original intent. Tight production schedules are common, especially when working on simulcast releases, which requires managing time effectively and maintaining high translation quality under pressure. Collaboration with editors, subtitle timers, and sometimes voice actors or scriptwriters is essential to ensure consistency across the project. Being adaptable and having a keen eye for detail helps anime translators overcome these challenges and create engaging, accurate localized content.
What cities are hiring for Anime Translation jobs? Cities with the most Anime Translation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Anime Translation jobs? The most popular types of Anime Translation jobs are:
What states have the most Anime Translation jobs? States with the most job openings for Anime Translation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Anime Translation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Anime Translation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Anime Translation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,200 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Localization Translator

Localization Translator

Sony Corporation

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Aniplex of America Inc. (Santa Monica, California) is a subsidiary of Aniplex Inc. (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan), a group of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and a leading provider of anime content and music production and distribution in Japan. The company's ever-growing line-up of shows include: March comes in like a lion, Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, ERASED, The Asterisk War, OWARIMONOGATARI,KIZUMONOGATARI, GRANBLUE FANTASY, Eromanga Sensei, Katsugeki TOUKEN RANBU, BLEND-S, Slow Start, and Record of Grancrest War. To learn more: http://aniplexusa.com/.
MUST BE BUSINESS PROFICIENT AND BILINGUAL IN JAPANESE
POSITION SUMMARY
The Localization Translator will work on translation and localization of Japanese games and anime titles to North America. The ideal candidate must have a passion for Japanese anime and related culture. The ideal candidate must be bilingual speaker (English and Japanese) and have strong skills in reading, writing, and communication.
The position has a HYBRID schedule. Employees are expected to work onsite in the Santa Monica office at least 2 days per week.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Under the supervision of the department manager and leads, the candidate will perform the following duties:
  • Translate text from Japanese to English
  • Check translation accuracy between Japanese and English
  • Assist with communication with domestic and oversea partners
  • Assist with tracking localization progress and schedule
  • Assist with quality assurance on physical and digital releases
  • Any additional tasks as required by the department manager
  • Honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION
Your qualifications and experience should include:
  • Must be fluent in English and Japanese (English native speaker preferred)
  • Must have achieved JLPT N1 certification or equivalent fluency
  • Bachelor's degree in related fields or equivalent skills and knowledge
  • A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant localization experience OR a minimum of 1-3 years of video game/anime/manga translation preferred
  • Familiarity with TYPE-MOON properties is a significant bonus
  • A strong enthusiasm for and passion for Anime
  • Must have strong writing, reading and communication skills
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Be able to work under pressure of heavy workloads and tight deadlines
  • Must be a team player
  • Must be self-motivated, self-starter, confident, energetic, and creative
  • Experience with live interpretation is a plus

Benefits:
SCA offers benefits-eligible employees (generally regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week) a comprehensive benefits program that offers coverage and support for employees and their family's physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
What we offer you:
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage with coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Employee assistance plan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits
  • Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoption assistance programs
  • Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees as well as supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouses/domestic partners and children
  • Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance
  • Short-term & long-term disability plans
  • Up to 12 weeks of paid parental and caregiver leave
  • 401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options and company match with v immediate vesting
  • Education assistance and student loan programs

Other Programs:
  • Flexible Work Arrangements, including remote and hybrid work schedules
  • Time off to include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, Summer Fridays (early release), and a winter break between Christmas and New Year's Day (based on business needs)
  • Referral bonuses (subject to eligibility)
  • Matching gift program
  • A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs)
  • Special discounts on Sony products, offered exclusively to Sony employees
  • Employee stock purchase plan (Sony covers commissions and fees for your Sony stock purchases made through after-tax payroll deductions)

The target annualized base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000. In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of 5%. The individual will be paid hourly and eligible for overtime. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.
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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Corporation of America Sony Corporation of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at careers@sonyusa.com or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, People Experience Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.
We are aware that unauthorized individuals or organizations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings. We take these matters seriously but cannot control third-party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Careers page: www.sonyjobs.com. Please also be advised that we never request personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or copies of identification documents) during the initial stages of our application process. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a job posting or communication, please contact careers@sonyusa.com before submitting any information.
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