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Japanese Language Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Japanese language skills a plus, but not required 🌟 Why Join Us? * Be a key player in launching innovative automotive products * Work with global teams and industry-leading OEMs * Grow your career ...

Japanese language skills a plus, but not required 🌟 Why Join Us? * Be a key player in launching innovative automotive products * Work with global teams and industry-leading OEMs * Grow your career ...

Showing results 41-60

Japanese Language Specialist information

See salary details

$35K

$63.4K

$111.5K

How much do japanese language specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for japanese language specialist in the United States is $63,364.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $71,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Japanese Language Specialist do?

A Japanese Language Specialist is a professional who is proficient in the Japanese language and typically works in translation, interpretation, localization, or language instruction. They may translate written documents, interpret spoken communication, or help businesses and organizations communicate effectively with Japanese-speaking clients and partners. Their work is important in international business, education, tourism, and government sectors where cross-cultural communication is essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Japanese Language Specialist?

To thrive as a Japanese Language Specialist, you need advanced proficiency in Japanese and English, strong translation or interpretation skills, and often a relevant bachelor’s degree or language certification such as JLPT N1 or N2. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, localization platforms, and terminology databases is typically required. Attention to detail, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for ensuring accurate and culturally appropriate language solutions. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering precise communication across languages and supporting effective global business or diplomatic interactions.

How does a Japanese Language Specialist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a multinational company?

Japanese Language Specialists often work closely with teams such as marketing, customer support, product development, and sales to ensure clear and accurate communication between Japanese and non-Japanese speaking stakeholders. They may be involved in translating documents, facilitating meetings, or providing cultural insights to bridge gaps in understanding. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity, as specialists frequently mediate between teams with different working styles and expectations. This role provides opportunities to contribute to diverse projects and build strong professional relationships across the organization.

What is the difference between Japanese Language Specialist vs Japanese Translator?

AspectJapanese Language SpecialistJapanese Translator
Required CredentialsLanguage proficiency certifications, cultural knowledgeLanguage proficiency certifications, translation certifications
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, government agencies, corporate trainingTranslation agencies, publishing, legal, medical, business sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for language instruction, cultural consulting, localizationUsed for document translation, interpretation, localization projects

While both roles require strong Japanese language skills and relevant certifications, Japanese Language Specialists focus on language instruction, cultural consulting, and localization support. Japanese Translators primarily handle written translation and interpretation tasks across various industries. The roles often overlap but serve different primary functions within the language industry.

More about Japanese Language Specialist jobs

What states have the most Japanese Language Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Japanese Language Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Japanese Language Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,364 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Purchasing Agent - Bilingual Japanese

Bloomingdale, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

Imagine working for a large tier-1 supplier in the exciting world of automobile manufacturing. If you enjoy working in a collaborative and respectful environment with great team members, this could be the opportunity for you. Futaba North America provides management support to its automotive parts production companies in North America. The Futaba Group leverages its core technologies such as stamping and welding to create value added products that are in line with the needs of consumers, deliver peace of mind, and promote environmental initiatives that contribute towards a sustainable society.

The Purchasing Agent (AKA Purchasing Specialist) is responsible for sourcing and pricing materials, components, and tooling for our US and Canadian manufacturing facilities to meet program requirements and new model development. This position will be based at our headquarters office located in Bloomingdale, IL.  Japanese language proficiency is preferred. Major responsibilities are as follows:

  • Develop and manage long-term supplier relationships and secure the best pricing, optimal delivery schedule, and terms.
  • Evaluate quotations and negotiate pricing, timelines, and terms within budgetary limitations and scope of authority.
  • Determine best procurement method (i.e., direct purchase, bid, etc.) and prepare purchase order requisition and bid requests.
  • Issue Letter of Intent and confirm Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
  • Analyze procurement costs and develop fixes and cost reduction strategies.
  • Assess business risk, financial risks, and supply chain disruptions in area of responsibility and develop back-up plans.
  • Interface with Engineering team, manufacturers, and potential vendors on the manufacturing of custom designed items that meet user's needs and specifications.
  • Support trial order management.
  • Negotiate Annual Price Reduction per management strategy.
  • Support plants with quality, delivery, invoicing, and other purchasing issues with suppliers.
  • Maintain communications with overseas parent company as needed.
  • Identify new suppliers, evaluate technical capabilities, negotiate contracts, analyze market trends, and ensure product reliability.
  • Maintain knowledge of market trends and developments, changes in business practices in assigned areas and new or altered materials entering the market. 
  • Attend trade shows, product exhibitions, and conferences.
  • Comply with company policies and procedures and safety and housekeeping requirements.
  • Perform other projects and support other purchasing activities as requested.

Requirements

If you are known as an exceptional employee who produces great work and believes in adding value to everything you do, we want you to join our growing team and share in our vision. The ideal candidate will have 3 or more years of purchasing experience along with solid negotiation skills. Purchasing experience in the automotive, aerospace, OEM, or related manufacturing is preferred. Technical understanding of components and design is essential. Must possess excellent written and verbal communications along with solid organizational skills, follow though, and attention to details. Bachelor's Degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, Business, or related field and CPP, CPSM, or other related certification are preferred. Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required. Working knowledge of ERP or MRP systems is needed. Ability to speak, read, and write Japanese is preferred. Approximately 10% business travel by car and plane is required. 


The salary range is $75,000 - $90,000 per year depending on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our full-time employees enjoy a competitive benefits plan that includes 4 medical plans, 2 dental plans, a vision plan, company paid basic life insurance, company paid short term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation, paid personal days, paid holidays, and more! The work schedule is generally Monday - Friday with a flexible starting time. Must be able to work some extended hours as needed. Qualified candidates are requested to email their cover letter and resume. No phone calls please. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Website: https://www.futabanorthamerica.com