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Entry Level Japanese Game Localization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sony Corporation

Localization Translator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

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 ...

Sega of America

Editor I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Stay current with video game trends, game terminology, first-party naming conventions, and relevant subcultures. * Solve localization challenges by finding effective English equivalents for Japanese ...

SEGA OF AMERICA INC

Editor I

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$30/hr

Stay current with video game trends, game terminology, first-party naming conventions, and relevant subcultures. * Solve localization challenges by finding effective English equivalents for Japanese ...

Sony

Licensing Coordinator

Santa Monica, CA · Hybrid

A passion for Japanese Anime, games and related culture is highly preferred. This position will be ... Japan, localization companies, and each licensee * Support submission and approval progress of ...

Sony Corporation

Licensing Coordinator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

A passion for Japanese Anime, games and related culture is highly preferred. This position will be ... Japan, localization companies, and each licensee * Support submission and approval progress of ...

All JobsEntry Level Japanese Game Localization Jobs

Entry Level Japanese Game Localization information

See salary details

$12

$19

$27

How much do entry level japanese game localization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level japanese game localization in the United States is $19.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Japanese Game Localization vs Entry Level Japanese Game Translation?

AspectEntry Level Japanese Game LocalizationEntry Level Japanese Game Translation
FocusAdapting game content for target audience, including cultural and technical adjustmentsTranslating game text accurately from Japanese to target language
SkillsLocalization tools, cultural knowledge, basic programming, language skillsStrong language proficiency, translation skills, familiarity with game terminology
Work EnvironmentCollaborative with developers, designers, testersPrimarily individual work, translation teams or agencies
CredentialsLanguage certification, localization courses helpfulLanguage degrees, translation certifications preferred

Entry Level Japanese Game Localization involves adapting game content for different markets, requiring cultural understanding and technical skills, while Entry Level Japanese Game Translation focuses on accurately translating text. Both roles require language proficiency, but localization emphasizes cultural adaptation and technical integration, making them distinct yet related entry points into the game industry.

How much do game localizers make?

Entry-level Japanese game localizers typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Freelance localizers may charge per word or project, with rates ranging from a few cents to over a dollar per word. Developing skills in translation tools and industry knowledge can lead to higher pay over time.

How to get into game localisation?

Entry level Japanese game localisation roles typically require fluency in Japanese and English, strong language skills, and knowledge of gaming culture. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio of translation work, and learning localisation tools like CAT software can improve chances. A background in linguistics, translation, or related fields is also beneficial.

Does Kojima Productions hire foreigners?

Kojima Productions, like many companies in the game industry, considers qualified international candidates for entry-level Japanese game localization roles if they have relevant language skills and experience. Visa sponsorship and work authorization are typically required for foreign applicants. Candidates should review specific job postings for detailed requirements and company policies.

Can I get a job in Japan with no experience?

Entry level Japanese game localization roles often require some language proficiency and basic understanding of gaming or localization processes, but they may not require prior professional experience. Candidates can improve their chances by developing language skills, familiarity with game development tools, and demonstrating passion for gaming and Japanese culture. Entry-level positions may also offer training for those new to the field.
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Entry Level Japanese Game Localization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Japanese Game Localization job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,264 per year, or $19.8 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 5 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
  • Associate or Bachelor 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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