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Game Translation Japanese Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SpiderWare

Japan Community Manager (Gaming)

... 5ch/game forums * Work with Japanese MMO guilds to bring organised groups into Soulbound ... Not machine translation. Native-level writing that feels right to a Japanese audience * Run ...

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Game Translation Japanese information

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How much do game translation japanese jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for game translation japanese in the United States is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game translation Japanese?

Game translation Japanese refers to the process of converting video game content from Japanese into another language, or from another language into Japanese. This includes translating dialogue, menus, instructions, and sometimes even graphics or voiceovers to ensure the game is accessible and enjoyable for players in different regions. Game translators must have a strong understanding of both languages and cultures, as well as familiarity with gaming terminology. Their work helps games reach a wider audience and ensures that players have an authentic and immersive experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game translator Japanese, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Translator (Japanese), you need fluency in both Japanese and the target language, a deep understanding of gaming terminology, and often a relevant degree or translation certification. Familiarity with translation management systems, CAT tools, and game localization platforms is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills help ensure accurate and engaging translations that resonate with players. These skills are crucial for delivering authentic gaming experiences across languages, preserving context, and enhancing player satisfaction.

What are some common challenges translators face when localizing Japanese games, and how can they be addressed?

Translators working on Japanese game localization often encounter challenges such as culturally specific references, idiomatic expressions, and maintaining the original tone and intent of the script. Additionally, adapting humor, puns, and character nuances for a different audience can be complex. Effective collaboration with developers, writers, and QA testers, as well as a thorough understanding of both cultures, helps ensure that the final translation is both accurate and engaging. Continuous communication and feedback loops within the localization team are crucial to overcoming these hurdles.

What is the difference between Game Translation Japanese vs Game Localization Specialist?

AspectGame Translation JapaneseGame Localization Specialist
CredentialsProficiency in Japanese, translation certificationsProficiency in Japanese, localization experience, cultural knowledge
Work EnvironmentTranslation teams, freelance or in-houseCross-functional teams, project management
Industry UsageFocus on translating game text and dialogueAdapts entire game content for target markets
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding translation scope and skillsUnderstanding broader localization process and cultural adaptation

Game Translation Japanese involves converting game text and dialogue into Japanese, focusing on linguistic accuracy. Game Localization Specialist encompasses a broader role, including cultural adaptation, UI adjustments, and ensuring the game resonates with local audiences. While translation is a key component, localization requires additional skills in cultural context and project coordination.

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Game Translation Japanese jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Translation Japanese job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 54% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,349 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Translator I - (Bilingual Japanese / English)

Sega of America

Irvine, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Translate game text, scripts, manuals, web content, QA bugs, and other materials from Japanese to English.

  • Create preparation materials for localization, such as terms list, character descriptions, voiceover scripts, and related documentation.

  • Collaborate with editors, translators, and project team members on assigned projects; communicate to clarify game text and resolve issues.

Job description

Hybrid Work Model
#LI-hybrid
Job Summary:
SEGA of America is seeking a Translator I to help deliver top-class, Japanese products to Western markets.
Our translators are specialists in the Japanese language and work closely with a team of fellow translators alongside a partnered editing team. The primary responsibility is to provide raw Japanese-to-English translations and support the editors as they craft them into evocative, meaning-faithful English localizations. This includes dialogue, narrative text, system messages, and other in-game content, all of which should accurately reflect the intent, tone, and experience of the original Japanese source and while resonating with Western audiences.
We are seeking candidates for this position who are passionate about video games, language, cross-cultural storytelling, and who bring a friendly, professional, and collaborative approach to their work.
Translators who consistently demonstrate a sustained, high-quality performance for a prolonged period may be considered for future lateral growth opportunities.
This is a hybrid position, with employees expected to be in-office on specified days each week.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Translate game text, scripts, manuals, web content, QA bugs, and other materials from Japanese to English with accuracy and attention to context.
  • Create preparation materials for localization, such as terms list, character descriptions, voiceover scripts, and related documentation.
  • Become familiar with assigned projects by playing builds, creating summaries, and sharing relevant information with the project team.
  • Collaborate with editors, translators, and project team members on assigned projects; communicate in person and via messaging tools to clarify game text and resolve issues.
  • Coordinate with Project Leads to track progress and receive translation guidance.
  • Attend daily/weekly project-specific meetings as required.
  • Attend voiceover recording sessions as needed, either for in-studio or remote sessions.
  • Update and maintain translation style guides, glossaries, and story bibles for assigned projects.
  • 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 nuances such as jokes, idioms, etc.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Project Leads, Senior Translators, Lead Translators, or Localization Management.
  • Other responsibilities are performed as assigned or needed.

Qualifications and Skills:
  • Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
    • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
    • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
    • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation.
    • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders' work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.
  • Typically has 1-2+ years of translation experience
  • Fluency in Japanese (written and verbal) is required, basic English grammar skills are also required.

Bonus:
  • Passionate and active video game players.
  • Knowledge of SEGA's IPs.
  • Understanding of Japanese culture.

Career Progression & Leveling:
Translator roles are structured across three levels: Translator I, Translator II, and Translator III. Progression is based on demonstrated proficiency, competencies, and seniority.
Core Competencies (Required at All Levels)
  • All Translators are expected to consistently demonstrate the following competencies:
    • Performance: Quality, proactiveness, meticulousness, knowledgeable
    • Timeliness: Regularly hits or surpasses average quotas, attendance punctuality, meeting punctuality, quick to follow up on tasks/requests
    • Communication: Highly communication, asks/answers questions, quick to inform/reply, raises attention to issues in a timely manner
    • Consistency: Reliability, self-management, strong and regular demonstration of all other competencies

Proficiencies
  • QA Bridge:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of QA during LQA period, for bug fixing, bug translations (J>E or E>J), etc.
  • Marketing Bridge:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of Marketing for promotional materials, interview translations/editing, collaboration requests, etc.
  • VO Support:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of PD, VO actors, and VO directors during recording and post-recording, such as pacing, line read accuracy, performance assistance, audio checks, etc.
  • Project Archivist
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of our own Localization department during and after a project period by archiving project information, archiving post-mortems and other administrative information, updating story and character content, etc.

Apply