ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 - $103.50K/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 ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsJapanese Game Localization Jobs

Japanese Game Localization information

See salary details

$5

$15

$28

How much do japanese game localization jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for japanese 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 Japanese Game Localization Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Japanese Game Localization Specialist, you need advanced proficiency in both Japanese and the target language, strong knowledge of gaming culture, and experience with translation or localization, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with localization software (such as memoQ, Trados, or CAT tools), game development platforms, and version control systems is typically required. Outstanding attention to detail, creativity, and effective cross-cultural communication are crucial soft skills for adapting content while maintaining its intent and appeal. These skills ensure that games are engaging, accurate, and culturally resonant in their localized markets, driving player satisfaction and commercial success.

What are some common challenges faced in Japanese game localization and how can professionals overcome them?

A key challenge in Japanese game localization is accurately conveying cultural nuances, humor, and idiomatic expressions to resonate with the target audience while preserving the game's original intent. Localization professionals often collaborate closely with game developers, translators, and cultural consultants to ensure that character voices, storylines, and even in-game jokes are adapted appropriately. Attention to detail, adaptability, and a willingness to research cultural references are vital for success in this role. Regular playtesting and feedback from native speakers also help identify areas for improvement, ensuring a high-quality localized experience.

What is Japanese game localization?

Japanese game localization is the process of adapting video games originally developed in Japanese for other markets and languages. This includes translating text and dialogue, modifying cultural references, adjusting graphics, and ensuring the game meets the expectations and legal requirements of the target region. Localization aims to make the gaming experience feel natural and enjoyable for players in different countries, while preserving the original game's intent and feel. It is a collaborative effort involving translators, editors, cultural consultants, and testers.

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

AspectJapanese Game LocalizationJapanese Game Translator
Role FocusAdapts game content culturally and linguistically for the Japanese market, including UI, scripts, and cultural references.Translates game text from one language to Japanese, focusing on accuracy and language fidelity.
Skills & CertificationsLocalization tools, cultural knowledge, translation skills, sometimes project management.Language proficiency, translation certifications, and strong understanding of source and target languages.
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with developers, designers, and testers within game development teams.Works independently or with translation teams, often in a freelance or in-house setting.

While both roles involve language skills, Japanese Game Localization encompasses cultural adaptation and project coordination, whereas Japanese Game Translators focus primarily on accurate translation of game text.

More about Japanese Game Localization jobs
What cities are hiring for Japanese Game Localization jobs? Cities with the most Japanese Game Localization job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Japanese Game Localization jobs? The most popular types of Japanese Game Localization jobs are:
What states have the most Japanese Game Localization jobs? States with the most job openings for Japanese Game Localization jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Japanese Game Localization jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Japanese Game Localization jobs are:
Japanese Game Localization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Japanese Game Localization job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 57% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 71% In-person, and 29% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Japanese Localization Internship

Rhombus Power, Inc.

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$25.75 - $34/hr

Internship

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Rhombus Power, Inc. delivers AI-powered predictive intelligence in real time for defense and national security organizations worldwide. Our mission-built products- Ambient AI and Guardian- are transforming strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making. By empowering the shift from reactive analysis to proactive, predictive intelligence and decision support, Rhombus Power is providing foresight and freedom of action when it matters most.
Come join our cross-disciplinary and world-class team that is delivering game-changing solutions to transform global security.
Learn more about Rhombus Power, Inc. and watch a demonstration of Guardian, our AI Platform here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PxY6su1Q-Q
https://www.youtube.com/@rhombuspower8558/videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iby5WVNfQiI
See the following articles to learn more about what we do:
https://www.rhombuspower.com/news-and-media
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Job Description
As a Japanese Localization Intern at Rhombus Power, you will own the end-to-end Japanese language experience across our AI-powered tools, intelligence products, and digital platforms- ensuring that every word, interface element, and user-facing output is not only accurate, but culturally precise and operationally effective for Japanese-speaking audiences.
Our Localization team perform rigorous linguistic and cultural adaptation of English-language content into Japanese, guided by product requirements, client needs, and platform style standards. Outputs span UI localization, defense and military database terminology database, intelligence product translation, and Japanese-language AI training data.
Candidates must excel at collaborative work and exhibit strong interpersonal skills, as this role operates at the intersection of product, engineering, intelligence analysis, and business development teams.
Successful candidates will be detail-obsessed self-starters who can manage competing priorities across multiple product lines without sacrificing linguistic precision. This is a fast-paced environment where global events, product release cycles, and AI development timelines drive the pace.
A writing sample with English original and Japanese translation will be required as part of your application. All samples must be your own work, produced within the last three years, and should be one to three pages in length on a global affairs or international issues topic.
Responsibilities
  • Translate and adapt English-language UI and product content into Japanese, ensuring readability and cultural fit across all platforms.
  • Translate military and defense terminology into Japanese and maintain a living database for consistent use across all products and platforms.
  • Translate intelligence assessments, analytical reports, and open-source research materials between English and Japanese in accordance with established analytical and stylistic standards.
  • Contribute to Japanese-language AI training datasets by performing linguistic annotation, prompt evaluation, fluency scoring, and structured feedback on model-generated Japanese outputs.
  • Identify localization gaps and work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and intelligence teams.

Qualifications
  • Native or near-native fluency in both Japanese and English (written and spoken).
  • Pursuing BA or BS in Asian Studies, International Affairs, or a similar social science.
  • Familiarity with military, governmental, and/or technical terminology is preferred.
  • Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
  • Ability to work independently and proactively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Apply