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Japanese Video Game Translation Jobs in Springfield, VA

Expert Level Translators

Reston, VA · On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

Location: remote Pay Range: $0.10 - $0.20 per word of translation Responsibilities: • Provide ... and video material into English • Communicate fluently in English orally and in writing • ...

Japanese Video Game Translation information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$5

$15

$29

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for japanese video game translation in Springfield, VA is $15.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 job categories do people searching Japanese Video Game Translation jobs in Springfield, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Japanese Video Game Translation jobs in Springfield, VA are:

What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Japanese Video Game Translation jobs?

Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Japanese Video Game Translation job openings:

Expert Level Translators

JTG, inc.

Reston, VA • On-site

$45K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Expert Level Translators
JTG is currently seeking Expert Level Translators in the following languages:
Afrikaans (Dutch, Flemish), Albanian, Amharic, Arabic (Modern Standard and all dialects), Armenian (Eastern and Western), Azerbaijani, Baluchi, Bengali, Bosnian (Croatian, Serbian), Bulgarian (Macedonian), Burmese, Cambodian (Khmer), Cebuano, Chamorro, Chechen, Chinese-Cantonese, Chinese-Fukien/ Taiwanese, Chinese-Mandarin (all dialects not listed as separate languages), Chinese-Shanghai/Wu, Croatian (Bosnian, Serbian), Czech, Danish, Dari, Dutch (Afrikaans, Flemish), Estonian, Ewe, Finnish, Flemish (Afrikaans, Dutch), French, Georgian, German, Greek, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hausa, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Icelandic, Igbo (Ibo), Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Kazakh, Kirghiz, Kissi, Korean , Kurdish, Lao, Latvian, Lingala, Lithuanian, Macedonian (Bulgarian), Malay, Malayalam, Marathi, Moldovan (Romanian), Mongolian, Montenegrin (Serbian), Nepali, Norwegian, Panjabi (Punjabi), Pashto, Persian/Farsi, Polish, Portuguese (Brazilian and European), Romanian (Moldovan), Russian, Serbian (Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin), Sindhi, Slovak, Slovenian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili (Kiswahili), Swedish, Tagalog, Tajik, Tamil, Tausug, Telugu, Thai, Tibetan, Tigrinya, Turkish, Turkmen, Ukrainian, Urdu, Uyghur, Uzbek, Vietnamese, Yoruba, Zulu.
Location: remote
Pay Range: $0.10 - $0.20 per word of translation
Responsibilities:
• Provide accurate translations, transcriptions, and summaries of foreign language text, audio and video material into English
• Communicate fluently in English orally and in writing
• Translate in accordance with designated style and quality standards
• Apply a translation methodology to translate a wide variety of complex texts that contain difficult, abstract, idiomatic, highly technical, and colloquial writing
• Post-edit Machine Translations for accuracy and completeness
• Translate abstract language and nuance and capture Socio-Economic elements in text
• Use domain-specific technical terminology
• Use and develop reference materials such as glossaries, style guides, and translation memories
• Review the quality of other translators' work
Basic Qualifications:
• Able to pass translation performance test at ILR 5
• Proficient in reading, listening to, and comprehending foreign languages at an advanced professional capability of ILR 5 in the source language
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and the Internet
• Human Language Technology (HLT) Skills including Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) and adaptive machine translation tools
Preferred Qualifications:
• In-depth knowledge of source language regionalisms, slang, colloquialisms, and dialect
Education:
• Bachelor's degree minimum or equivalent in years of experience
This position reports to the Task Manager.
Founded in 1995, JTG is an Employee-Owned Company that is specialized in language services, training, and analytics.

JTG logo

About JTG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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