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Japanese Video Game Translation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nintendo

CONTRACT - Translator (Japanese)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$24.75 - $32.50/hr

Creates translation workflow manuals and updates accordingly to department changes. * Receives ... Extensive knowledge of video game software/hardware and industry. * Excellent verbal/written ...

Nintendo

CONTRACT - Translator (Japanese)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Creates translation workflow manuals and updates accordingly to department changes. * Receives ... Extensive knowledge of video game software/hardware and industry. * Excellent verbal/written ...

Sony Corporation

Localization Translator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... translation and localization of Japanese games and anime titles to North America. The ideal ... A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant localization experience OR a minimum of 1-3 years of video game ...

LanguageLine Solutions

Japanese Interpreter

$18 - $21/hr

Video-Phone Interpreter Pay: $18 - $21 per hour * Compensation will not be less than any applicable ... This position does not involve written translation however translators and other skilled linguists ...

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All JobsJapanese Video Game Translation Jobs

Japanese Video Game Translation information

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How much do japanese video game translation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for japanese video game translation 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 Video Game Translator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Japanese Video Game Translator, you need advanced proficiency in both Japanese and the target language, as well as a solid understanding of gaming terminology and culture. Experience with CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools, localization software, and sometimes relevant certifications like JLPT N1/N2 are typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help translators adapt dialogue and cultural references seamlessly for new audiences. These skills are crucial to ensuring that games are engaging, culturally appropriate, and enjoyable for players worldwide.

What is the difference between Japanese Video Game Translation vs Japanese Video Game Localization?

AspectJapanese Video Game TranslationJapanese Video Game Localization
FocusConverting text and dialogue accurately from Japanese to target languageAdapting cultural references, UI, and content for target audience
SkillsLanguage proficiency, translation skills, understanding of game contextTranslation skills, cultural knowledge, adaptation abilities
Work EnvironmentTypically individual or small team, working closely with developersCollaborative, involving cultural consultants and testers

Japanese Video Game Translation primarily involves converting game text accurately, while Japanese Video Game Localization includes cultural adaptation to ensure the game resonates with the target audience. Both roles require language skills, but localization demands additional cultural understanding and creative adaptation.

What is Japanese video game translation?

Japanese video game translation is the process of converting video game content originally created in Japanese into another language, such as English, while maintaining the game's original meaning, tone, and cultural context. This includes translating dialogue, menus, item descriptions, and sometimes even adapting jokes or cultural references for the target audience. Skilled translators often work closely with localization teams to ensure the gameplay experience feels natural to players in the new language. The goal is to provide an engaging and authentic experience that preserves the intent of the original creators.

What are some common challenges faced in Japanese video game translation, and how can I prepare for them?

Japanese video game translation often involves more than direct language conversion; you'll encounter challenges such as localizing cultural references, adapting humor, and maintaining character voice while ensuring technical accuracy. Tight deadlines and collaboration with developers, editors, and QA testers are common, so strong communication and multitasking skills are essential. To prepare, familiarize yourself with gaming terminology, stay updated on both Japanese and target-language pop culture, and practice translating diverse in-game content while considering context and player experience.
More about Japanese Video Game Translation jobs
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Japanese Video Game Translation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Japanese Video Game Translation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Translator I - (Bilingual Japanese / English)

Sega of America

Irvine, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Hybrid Work Model
#LI-hybrid
Job Summary:
SEGA of America is seeking a Translator I to help deliver top-class, Japanese products to Western markets.
Our translators are specialists in the Japanese language and work closely with a team of fellow translators alongside a partnered editing team. The primary responsibility is to provide raw Japanese-to-English translations and support the editors as they craft them into evocative, meaning-faithful English localizations. This includes dialogue, narrative text, system messages, and other in-game content, all of which should accurately reflect the intent, tone, and experience of the original Japanese source and while resonating with Western audiences.
We are seeking candidates for this position who are passionate about video games, language, cross-cultural storytelling, and who bring a friendly, professional, and collaborative approach to their work.
Translators who consistently demonstrate a sustained, high-quality performance for a prolonged period may be considered for future lateral growth opportunities.
This is a hybrid position, with employees expected to be in-office on specified days each week.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Translate game text, scripts, manuals, web content, QA bugs, and other materials from Japanese to English with accuracy and attention to context.
  • Create preparation materials for localization, such as terms list, character descriptions, voiceover scripts, and related documentation.
  • Become familiar with assigned projects by playing builds, creating summaries, and sharing relevant information with the project team.
  • Collaborate with editors, translators, and project team members on assigned projects; communicate in person and via messaging tools to clarify game text and resolve issues.
  • Coordinate with Project Leads to track progress and receive translation guidance.
  • Attend daily/weekly project-specific meetings as required.
  • Attend voiceover recording sessions as needed, either for in-studio or remote sessions.
  • Update and maintain translation style guides, glossaries, and story bibles for assigned projects.
  • 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 nuances such as jokes, idioms, etc.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by Project Leads, Senior Translators, Lead Translators, or Localization Management.
  • Other responsibilities are performed as assigned or needed.

Qualifications and Skills:
  • Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
    • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
    • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
    • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation.
    • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders' work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.
  • Typically has 1-2+ years of translation experience
  • Fluency in Japanese (written and verbal) is required, basic English grammar skills are also required.

Bonus:
  • Passionate and active video game players.
  • Knowledge of SEGA's IPs.
  • Understanding of Japanese culture.

Career Progression & Leveling:
Translator roles are structured across three levels: Translator I, Translator II, and Translator III. Progression is based on demonstrated proficiency, competencies, and seniority.
Core Competencies (Required at All Levels)
  • All Translators are expected to consistently demonstrate the following competencies:
    • Performance: Quality, proactiveness, meticulousness, knowledgeable
    • Timeliness: Regularly hits or surpasses average quotas, attendance punctuality, meeting punctuality, quick to follow up on tasks/requests
    • Communication: Highly communication, asks/answers questions, quick to inform/reply, raises attention to issues in a timely manner
    • Consistency: Reliability, self-management, strong and regular demonstration of all other competencies

Proficiencies
  • QA Bridge:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of QA during LQA period, for bug fixing, bug translations (J>E or E>J), etc.
  • Marketing Bridge:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of Marketing for promotional materials, interview translations/editing, collaboration requests, etc.
  • VO Support:
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of PD, VO actors, and VO directors during recording and post-recording, such as pacing, line read accuracy, performance assistance, audio checks, etc.
  • Project Archivist
    • Demonstrate continued and reliable support of our own Localization department during and after a project period by archiving project information, archiving post-mortems and other administrative information, updating story and character content, etc.

Apply