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Freelance 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

Producer (Bilingual Japanese)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $103K/yr

Hybrid Work Model #LI-hybrid Job Summary: (Bilingual Japanese Skills Required) Producers coordinate ... Localization, Marketing, QA, game development, 1st party, consumer research and more, to the ...

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Freelance Japanese Game Localization information

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How much do freelance japanese game localization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance japanese game localization in the United States is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Japanese Game Localization Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Japanese Game Localization Specialist, you need advanced proficiency in both Japanese and the target language, deep cultural understanding, and experience in translation or localization. Familiarity with CAT tools (like MemoQ or SDL Trados), subtitling software, and localization management systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication help ensure translations are accurate, engaging, and contextually appropriate. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality localized content that resonates with players and maintains the game's original intent.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance Japanese game localizers, and how can they be addressed?

Freelance Japanese game localizers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, cultural adaptation of in-game content, and maintaining consistency across large volumes of text. To address these, it's important to develop strong time management skills, stay updated on gaming and pop culture in both languages, and use tools like translation memories or glossaries. Collaborating closely with developers and other localization team members can also help clarify context and ensure high-quality translations.

What is freelance Japanese game localization?

Freelance Japanese game localization involves translating and adapting video game content from Japanese to another language, or vice versa, while maintaining the original tone, intent, and cultural context. Freelancers in this field work independently for game developers, publishers, or localization agencies. Their duties may include translating dialogue, user interfaces, manuals, and marketing materials, as well as performing quality assurance to ensure the localized version feels natural to the target audience. Successful freelance localizers often have strong language skills, cultural awareness, and familiarity with gaming terminology.

What is the difference between Freelance Japanese Game Localization vs Freelance Japanese Translators?

AspectFreelance Japanese Game LocalizationFreelance Japanese Translators
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, localization experience, industry knowledgeLanguage proficiency, translation certifications
Work EnvironmentGame development companies, freelance projects, remote workVarious industries, document translation, remote or onsite
Employer & Industry UsageVideo game industry, localization agenciesPublishing, business, legal, general translation
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on game-specific localization skillsGeneral translation skills across industries

Freelance Japanese Game Localization involves adapting video games for Japanese audiences, requiring industry-specific knowledge. Freelance Japanese Translators focus on translating documents across various fields. While both roles require language proficiency, localization specialists need additional gaming industry expertise, making their work more specialized.

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Freelance Japanese Game Localization jobs near you
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.
#LI-EK1
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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