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Japanese Video Game Translation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LanguageLine Solutions

Japanese Interpreter

$18 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

XSEED Games

Director of Marketing

Torrance, CA · On-site

Passion for video games and familiarity with console and PC gaming markets; experience with Japanese titles and knowledge of Japanese language and culture is beneficial.

XSEED Games

Director of Marketing

Torrance, CA · On-site

Passion for video games and familiarity with console and PC gaming markets; experience with Japanese titles and knowledge of Japanese language and culture is beneficial.

Utopic

Game Producer (contract)

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$26 - $41/hr

"Kawaii" (Japanese for cute) is now the #1 subculture for women globally. Blind boxes. Claw machines ... By building a live service mobile game and portfolio of collectible toys, we aim to popularize a ...

blackapple

Game Tester

Redmond, WA

$14/hr

... and experience with, Video Games! Console gaming experience is a strong plus Responsible for ... Japanese/Korean/Portuguese/Russian/Spanish/Turkish/Swedish/Norwegian/Finnish/Danish/Polish ...

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Japanese Video Game Translation information

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

As of Aug 14, 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.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,769 per year, or $15.3 per hour.

Localization Technical Partner - Bilingual (Japanese & English)

The Pokémon Company International

Renton, WA • Hybrid

$85K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 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: Localization Technical Partner - Bilingual (Japanese & English) (18 months Fixed-Term Contract)
  • Job Summary: This role works on the internal services that support the product development and marketing activities of the company. Day-to-day tasks include diverse range of responsibilities such as digital production, asset management and in-company general/technical support, all of which are related to the company’s video game products.
  • FLSA Classification (US Only): Exempt
  • People Manager: No

What you’ll do

  • Support teams on video game projects by preparing hardware and software in a timely manner, ensuring secured environment, instructing team members how to play as necessary.
  • Manage video game hardware and software assets.
  • Participate in on-site support rotation.
  • Provide game screens and footage capturing for various internal stakeholders including Localization and Marketing Teams upon business needs.
  • Liaise with developers, stakeholders, project managers, Localization and Marketing teams (as well as other external parties when required) for matters related to localization, hardware and software assets, and other projects.
  • Work as a point of contact of game footage localization, maintain and promote excellent relationships with internal marketing teams and business partners.
  • Ensure prompt and accurate communications with understanding Japanese and American business cultures.
  • Identify, research, and resolve complex technical problems.
  • Coordinate with other teams or specialists to resolve technical problems.
  • Document, track, and monitor the problem using applicable systems and tools.
  • Support Manager, Localization Management, in handling variety of ad-hoc tasks/projects when needed.        

What you’ll bring

  • Three (3) to four (4) years of related experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
  • Strong knowledge of Pokémon franchise would be a huge plus.
  • Excellent communication skills in both English and Japanese.
  • Experience in project coordination would be a plus.
  • Proven ability to handle confidential information in a professional manner.
  • Ability to work under pressure, with tight deadlines and shifting schedules.
  • Technical knowledge of PCs, network technology, Nintendo hardware, Mobile devices etc.
  • Advanced computer skills: ability to work with task automation scripts/macros, troubleshoot PC software/hardware/networking issues, etc. would be a plus.
  • Comfort with troubleshooting new software and the ability to learn specialized technical programs.
  • Experience working in IT Operations including knowledge of common, tools, methods, and techniques is a strong plus, but not required.
  • Experience with video games (developing, playing, and/or translating).
  • Self-starter, with strong organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Base Salary Range: For this role, new hires generally start between $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year. The full range is $85,000.00 - $150,000.00 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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