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Japan Game Localization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Side

Head of Art

Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has ... include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization ...

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 ...

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Japan Game Localization information

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$5

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How much do japan game localization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for japan game localization in the United States is $15.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Japan Game Localization Specialist, you need advanced proficiency in both Japanese and the target language, a deep understanding of gaming culture, and experience with translation or localization processes. Familiarity with localization software tools (such as memoQ or SDL Trados), CAT tools, and sometimes programming basics are highly valuable, along with any relevant certifications in translation. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and attention to detail help ensure that game content resonates authentically with the target audience. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering seamless, engaging player experiences and maintaining the game's original intent across cultures.

What is Japan game localization?

Japan game localization is the process of adapting video games developed in Japan for audiences in other regions, ensuring that language, cultural references, and gameplay elements are appropriately translated and modified. This involves not only translating text but also adjusting graphics, audio, and in-game content to suit the target market. The goal is to provide players with an experience that feels natural and engaging, as if the game was originally developed for their region.

What is the difference between Japan Game Localization vs Japan Game Translator?

AspectJapan Game LocalizationJapan Game Translator
Primary RoleAdapts and modifies game content for the Japanese market, including cultural adjustments, UI, and voice-over coordination.Translates game text and dialogue from one language to Japanese, focusing on accuracy and language flow.
Skills & CertificationsLanguage proficiency, cultural knowledge, basic understanding of game development tools.Fluency in source and Japanese language, translation certifications (e.g., ATA), and linguistic skills.
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with developers, designers, and voice actors; often in game studios or localization companies.Primarily individual work, often remote, with focus on translation and editing tasks.

While both roles require strong Japanese language skills, Japan Game Localization involves adapting entire game experiences for the Japanese audience, including cultural and technical adjustments. Japan Game Translators focus mainly on translating game text and dialogue accurately. Both roles are essential in bringing games to Japanese players but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Japan game localization, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Japan game localization often encounter challenges such as adapting cultural references, humor, and idioms to make them understandable and engaging for a global audience. Additionally, they must balance preserving the original game's intent with ensuring the translated content flows naturally in the target language. Collaborating closely with developers, writers, and quality assurance teams helps address these challenges, as does maintaining open communication to clarify ambiguities. Staying updated with gaming trends and regional preferences also enhances localization quality.
Infographic showing various Japan Game Localization job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 25% As Needed, 24% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 49% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 per hour.
Audio Engineer - (Part Time - On Call) - Los Angeles

Audio Engineer - (Part Time - On Call) - Los Angeles

Side

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Side (formerly PTW) is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 20 studios in 14 countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. 

Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets. 

Help us bring stories to the world! Join a global team of passionate gamers and contribute to delivering unforgettable game experiences.   

Experience our side of life. For more information, visit  www.side.inc

About the Role:
Side is looking for a Part-Time on-call or Freelance Audio Engineer to join our amazing Audio Production team in Los Angeles. As an Audio Engineer, you will be responsible for the smooth running of games dialogue recording sessions for a multitude of games, from indie mobile to AAA console, helping to ensure the timely completion of agreed deliverables and milestones, to a very high standard. As an outsourcer it's this that brings clients back, and it's returning clients that keep the awards coming.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

    • Engineer studio sessions at our Los Angeles studios, from recording wild dialogue to full ADR recording.
    • To engineer, setup and run HMC (Head Mounted Camera) sessions, making sure video is captured according to brief.
    • Prepare studio sessions' assets such as audio and video reference files and dialogue scripts.
    • Maintain studios and studio equipment as is practicable.
    • Develop studio services, processes, and workflow as part of an international team.
    • Record location audio at sound stages or external.

Other

    • Adhere to company Security, Confidentiality and Health and Safety procedures and ensure the compliance of the team.
    • Adhere to the company IT and HR procedures and ensure the compliance of the team.
    • Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organisation.

Requirements

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

    • 4+ years' experience as an engineer in a commercial postproduction recording studio, ideally working for some time with dialogue / ADR recording.
    • Experienced user of Pro Tools and other DAWs.
    • 100% comfortable with and enthused by audio / video / IT technology in general.
    • Excellent client facing and internal communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written.
    • Both a self-starter, able to work alone as and where necessary, and a team player, able to muck in at all levels to get the job done.
    • Comfortable both taking instruction from senior members of staff and giving instruction to junior members of staff.

Qualifications

  • Music or Post-Production accredited course or training is desirable.

Additional Information

  • Multi award winning games dialogue specialist SIDE is a fast-paced and creative environment working with one of the video game industry's most successful and well-respected audio production companies.
  • With over 20 years' experience, an international network of resources, SIDE's award-winning team of technical and creative experts still hold the same collective intention: To develop the truest interpretation of each client's vision - for audiences of every genre, on any platform, in all languages.
  • SIDE are also very active in the technology & digital media industries, working with a multitude of innovative clients from around the world that develop devices which are present in consumers everyday lives.

Benefits

This role is offered at a fixed flat rate of $30/hour. The rate has been carefully aligned with California wage requirements and market standards for this type of project, and reflects the final set rate for this position.

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