1

Japanese Video Game Translation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Localization - English Writing

Redmond, WA · On-site

$117K - $211K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... our video games, hardware systems, and collaborations with partners on a range of other ... Manages localization of Nintendo products from the Japanese to the North American and Latin ...

Showing results 41-60

Japanese Video Game Translation information

See salary details

$5

$15

$28

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.
More about Japanese Video Game Translation jobs

What cities are hiring for Japanese Video Game Translation jobs?

Cities with the most Japanese Video Game Translation job openings:

What states have the most Japanese Video Game Translation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Japanese Video Game Translation jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Japanese Video Game Translation jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Japanese Video Game Translation jobs are:

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.

Japanese Language Teaching Opportunities

Concorde Education

New York, NY • On-site

$50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

POTENTIAL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR INSTRUCTIONAL ASSIGNMENTS

Program: Japanese Instructor Opportunities

Location: On-site at partner schools; varies by assignment

Teaching Mode: In Person

Grade Levels: Elementary, Middle, and High School; varies by assignment

Schedule: Typically 1–4 instructional service hours per week after school

Program Length: Commonly approximately 10 weeks per assignment

Start Dates: Opportunities become available throughout the school year

Compensation: Typical compensation of $50+ per completed instructional service hour, depending on assignment scope, experience, location, schedule, and agreed compensation

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education is seeking independent instructional contractors to provide Japanese language and cultural enrichment services for K–12 students.

This is a potential independent contractor assignment, not an employee position. Contractors may choose whether to apply for, accept, decline, or ignore available opportunities.

Assignments vary by school, grade level, schedule, curriculum, classroom resources, available technology, and program objectives.

Concorde may provide curriculum guidance, lesson-plan suggestions, instructional resources, cultural activities, or program objectives. Contractors may use their professional judgment to adapt instruction within the assignment scope and applicable site requirements.

ASSIGNMENT SCOPE

Depending on the accepted assignment, contractors may:

• Plan and facilitate engaging, age-appropriate Japanese language sessions;

• Introduce students to foundational Japanese vocabulary, conversation, pronunciation, grammar, writing systems, and Japanese culture through interactive activities;

• Adapt instruction based on student experience levels, site requirements, available resources, and program objectives;

• Support students in developing speaking, listening, reading, writing, pronunciation, and cultural understanding through games, discussions, projects, and other engaging learning activities, where applicable;

• Maintain a safe, respectful, inclusive, and age-appropriate learning environment;

• Communicate assignment-related needs or significant concerns with Concorde and school staff, as appropriate;

• Complete a brief session completion form after each scheduled session; and

• Follow applicable site safety, visitor, classroom, technology, emergency, and student-protection procedures.

EXAMPLE PROGRAM TOPICS

Assignments may include topics such as:

• Greetings, introductions, and everyday conversational Japanese;

• Pronunciation, common expressions, and polite language;

• Numbers, dates, time, colors, and commonly used vocabulary;

• School, family, hobbies, travel, food, and daily life vocabulary;

• Basic sentence structure, introductory grammar, and commonly used particles;

• Listening comprehension, pronunciation, and conversational practice;

• Introduction to Hiragana, Katakana, and simple reading and writing activities, where appropriate;

• Japanese geography, traditions, holidays, arts, food, customs, and cultural practices; and

• Language games, storytelling, role-playing, presentations, and collaborative cultural projects.

Specific curriculum, instructional activities, available resources, and language proficiency expectations vary by assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualifications include:

• At least 60 college credits, where required by the applicable assignment or site;

• Strong proficiency in spoken and written Japanese;

• Experience teaching, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, or leading activities with school-age students;

• Strong communication, organization, and classroom facilitation skills;

• Availability to provide services for the accepted assignment schedule and communicate schedule issues as soon as reasonably practicable; and

• Ability to create engaging, age-appropriate language-learning experiences that encourage student participation and confidence.

Preferred backgrounds may include Japanese teachers, world language educators, bilingual professionals, interpreters, translators, college students studying Japanese or education, tutors, language instructors, and others with relevant instructional or language experience.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

Assignments may utilize school-provided curriculum resources, lesson plans, books, games, presentation materials, Chromebooks, web-based language platforms, audio and video resources, and other instructional materials, where available.

Contractors may use their own instructional methods and materials when appropriate, safe, age-appropriate, lawful, and consistent with the assignment scope and site requirements.

Purchases requiring reimbursement must be approved in writing by Concorde before they are incurred.

COMPENSATION

Compensation varies by assignment and agreed contractor terms. Many opportunities pay $50+ per completed instructional service hour with students.

Contractors may propose their desired compensation rate when applying. When proposing a rate, contractors should consider the overall assignment scope, including anticipated preparation, planning, commute, materials, schedule, and other business considerations.

Concorde may accept the proposed rate, decline the application, or provide a counteroffer based on the budget for the specific assignment.

Unless otherwise approved in writing, compensation is based on completed instructional service hours with students.

Payment for completed services is generally made by direct deposit on the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which services were completed, unless otherwise stated in the accepted assignment terms or required by applicable law.

APPLICATION AND ONBOARDING

Applicants selected to move forward may be invited to create a contractor profile and complete any required onboarding steps.

Applying, interviewing, receiving an invitation to create a profile, creating a profile, or completing onboarding does not guarantee selection, placement, or future assignment opportunities.

Potential assignments are subject to assignment fit, agreed compensation, completion of required onboarding, applicable background-check review, Fair Chance or pre-adverse action procedures where required, site-specific clearance requirements, and final written confirmation from Concorde Education.

Some assignments may require background-check authorization, fingerprinting, agency clearance, site-specific documentation, identification badges, or other compliance steps before services may begin.

Applicants should not provide criminal-history information unless and until requested through the appropriate legally compliant process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Concorde Education considers contractor applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law and is committed to respectful, inclusive, and student-centered programming.