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Japanese Game Localization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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Japanese Game Localization information

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How much do japanese game localization jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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:
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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.
Associate Product Marketing Manager - Bilingual (Japanese/English)

Associate Product Marketing Manager - Bilingual (Japanese/English)

The Pokémon Company International

Renton, WA • Hybrid

$86.22K - $150.84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Get to know The Pokémon Company International

The Pokémon Company International manages the Pokémon property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. 

Learn more online at corporate.pokemon.com and pokemon.com.

Get to know the role

  • Job Title: Product Marketing Manager - Bilingual (Japanese/English)

  • Job Summary: The Associate Product Marketing Manager will work with the Sr. Manager, Product Marketing, to drive and support the execution of various marketing initiatives in product marketing, with a focus on console video games. This position will work together with key stakeholders within The Pokémon Company International and The Pokémon Company in Japan, by spearheading communication between offices in both English and Japanese.

  • FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt

  • People Manager: No

What you’ll do

  • Support the execution of key strategic company initiatives in the areas of product marketing, with a focus on marketing initiatives in support of console video games. Collaborate with various stakeholders within TPCi and those in Japan to achieve business goals. Work with Sr. Manager, Product Marketing to deliver impactful results by proactively identifying problems to be solved and providing solutions.

  • Support video game marketing projects by serving as the point of contact between the Tokyo office of The Pokémon Company in Japan, and internal TPCi cross-functional teams. Drive progress within TPCi and ensure all teams and stakeholders are properly informed and tasks are executed on time.

  • Coordinate with the Tokyo office of The Pokémon Company in Japan so that the TPCi cross-functional teams are fully informed to conduct globally aligned marketing activities. Review marketing assets and copies to ensure accuracy.

  • Research, analyze, report, and present on key business metrics and industry trends.

What you’ll bring

  • Four (4)+ years of relevant professional experience or a demonstrated equivalent level of expertise.

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or a demonstrated equivalent level of applicable experience.

  • Demonstrated business related experience in multinational corporations including Japan and the U.S.

  • Multi-cultural and bilingual with strong written and verbal business communication proficiency in both English and Japanese. Solid understanding of Japanese culture and business customs.

  • Strong project coordination skills with proven ability to drive results. Action oriented and strong problem solver.

  • Strong relationship building skills to manage proactive, prompt, and accurate communication with multiple stakeholders across organizations.

  • Organized and process-oriented with proven ability to manage multiple projects at once.

  • Experience in video game marketing or video game development, including localization, is a plus.

  • While passion for the Pokémon brand is a plus it is not required, however knowledge of and a willingness to learn more about the brand is a must.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly in PowerPoint and Excel.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $86,215.00 - $102,285.79 per year. The full range is $86,215.00 - $150,844.62 per year. This range is applicable for the labor market where the role is intended to be hired. The final base salary is directly related to the candidate’s qualifications and professional experience uniquely.

#LI-PS #LI-Hybrid

How you’ll be successful

  • Passion for Pokémon: Develops an understanding of the Pokémon brand, the impact it has on our people, culture, business, fans, and communities, and applying that knowledge and passion to everything you do.
  • Challenging the Expected: Approaches challenges with curiosity and creativity, embracing the possibility of failure as an opportunity to learn something new, develop innovative ideas, solve complex problems and identify unique opportunities.  
  • Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates integrity and respect by leading with empathy, listening to others, seeking out different perspectives, and taking personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and results.
  • Dedicated to Quality: Takes ownership to maintain and promote high standards, looks for new ways to learn and improve, and embraces a growth mindset to seek and apply feedback from others in an effort to continuously improve. 
  • Building Relationships: Develops and strengthens relationships, adopting a “team first” mentality and working collaboratively to solve problems and meet shared goals.  
  • Delighting Customers: Listens and understands the interests and needs of our customers and stakeholders, making them feel heard and important, and embracing these learnings to continue delivering a unique Pokémon experience.

What to expect

  • An innovative culture driven by impact, delivering meaningful outcomes.
  • Company events that celebrate the spirit of Pokémon.
  • Competitive cash-based compensation programs.
  • 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you.
  • Generous paid family leave.
  • Employer-paid life insurance.
  • Employer-paid long and short-term income protection insurance.
  • US Employees: 401k Employer Matching.
  • UK/IRE/MX Employees: Pension Employer Contributions.
  • Fitness reimbursement.
  • Commuter benefit.
  • LinkedIn learning.
  • Comprehensive relocation package for certain roles.
  • Hybrid work environment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. For roles in the United Kingdom, candidates will need the right to work. In some cases, and for some roles, the Company may be able to arrange a visa. For roles in Ireland, this role requires candidates to have the right to live and work in the Republic of Ireland. However, we welcome applications from all nationalities and may consider supporting an employment permit application, in appropriate and suitable cases.

The Pokémon Company International is committed to the inclusion of all qualified applicants for consideration in our job application process. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at accommodationrequest_ta@pokemon.com.

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