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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 ...

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 ...

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Japanese Game Localization information

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How much do japanese game localization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 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 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 21% Temporary, 5% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 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 6 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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