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Japanese Video Games Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nintendo

CONTRACT - Translator (Japanese)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$24.75 - $32.50/hr

Extensive knowledge of video game software/hardware and industry. * Excellent verbal/written ... Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 certification or equivalent capability. Applicants ...

Nintendo

CONTRACT - Translator (Japanese)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Extensive knowledge of video game software/hardware and industry. * Excellent verbal/written ... Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 certification or equivalent capability. Applicants ...

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.

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.

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Japanese Video Games information

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$61.5K

$127K

How much do japanese video games jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for japanese video games in the United States is $123,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $126,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Japanese Video Games vs Japanese Game Developers?

AspectJapanese Video GamesJapanese Game Developers
Primary FocusEnd products (games)Creating and designing games
Work EnvironmentGame studios, development teamsDesign studios, programming teams
Required CredentialsKnowledge of game design, programming, artSkills in programming, art, design, project management
Industry UsageMarketed and sold as productsEmployed within companies to develop games

Japanese Video Games refer to the final products created for consumers, while Japanese Game Developers are the professionals who design, develop, and produce these games. The former is the end result, and the latter is the workforce behind it. Understanding this distinction helps clarify career paths and industry roles in Japan's gaming industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Japanese video game developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Japanese Video Game Developer, you need strong programming abilities, knowledge of game design principles, and often a relevant degree in computer science or game development. Familiarity with industry-standard engines like Unity or Unreal, proficiency in languages such as C++ or C#, and experience with Japanese localization tools are typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural communication skills help developers succeed in team environments and create engaging content for diverse audiences. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, culturally relevant games that resonate both in Japan and internationally.

What are Japanese video games?

Japanese video games are games developed by companies based in Japan or produced by Japanese creators. These games are known for their unique art styles, storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, and influential franchises such as Super Mario, Final Fantasy, and Pokémon. Japanese video games span across a variety of genres including role-playing games (RPGs), fighting games, action-adventure, and puzzle games. They have had a significant impact on the global gaming industry and often reflect aspects of Japanese culture and aesthetics.

What are some common challenges when working on Japanese video game localization teams?

One common challenge in Japanese video game localization is bridging cultural and language differences to ensure that the game's story, humor, and context resonate with international audiences while preserving the creator's intent. Team members frequently collaborate with translators, developers, and cultural consultants to adapt content appropriately. Tight deadlines and iterative feedback cycles are also typical, requiring strong communication skills and flexibility. Successfully navigating these challenges can be highly rewarding and offers valuable experience for career advancement in the global gaming industry.
More about Japanese Video Games jobs
What cities are hiring for Japanese Video Games jobs? Cities with the most Japanese Video Games job openings:
What states have the most Japanese Video Games jobs? States with the most job openings for Japanese Video Games jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Japanese Video Games jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Japanese Video Games jobs are:
Japanese Video Games jobs near you
Infographic showing various Japanese Video Games job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 61% Physical, and 39% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,552 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

Translator I - (Bilingual Japanese / English)

Sega of America

Irvine, CA • On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 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