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Manga Translation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant localization experience OR a minimum of 1-3 years of video game/anime/manga translation preferred * Familiarity with TYPE-MOON properties is a significant bonus * A ...

Manga Translation information

See salary details

$27.5K

$57.2K

$87.5K

How much do manga translation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for manga translation in the United States is $57,200.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Manga Translation vs Comic Localization?

AspectManga TranslationComic Localization
CredentialsLanguage proficiency, translation skillsLanguage skills, cultural adaptation
Work EnvironmentFreelance or studio-based, manga publishersPublishing companies, freelance projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in manga and Japanese mediaBroader comics industry, including Western comics
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding translation specifics for mangaDifferences in adapting comics for local audiences

While both roles involve adapting visual storytelling for different languages, Manga Translation focuses on converting Japanese manga into other languages, emphasizing linguistic accuracy. Comic Localization involves not only translation but also cultural adaptation to make comics relatable to local audiences. Manga Translators typically work closely with publishers and focus on maintaining the original tone, whereas Comic Localizers may adapt cultural references and humor for broader appeal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manga Translator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manga Translator, you need fluency in both Japanese and the target language, with a strong grasp of cultural nuances and literary style. Familiarity with translation software, typesetting tools, and sometimes CAT (computer-assisted translation) tools is often required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication help ensure translations are accurate and engaging while working with editors or teams. These skills are crucial for preserving the original manga's meaning and tone, ensuring quality and reader satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by manga translators, and how can they overcome them?

Manga translators often encounter challenges such as conveying cultural nuances, accurately translating idiomatic expressions, and syncing dialogue with artwork and character space constraints. To overcome these, translators typically research cultural references, collaborate closely with editors and native speakers, and adapt text creatively while maintaining the original meaning. Building a strong understanding of both source and target languages, as well as regular communication with the production team, helps ensure high-quality and faithful translations.

What is manga translation?

Manga translation is the process of converting the original Japanese text in manga (Japanese comics) into another language, while preserving the story, tone, and cultural nuances. This requires not only fluency in both languages but also an understanding of manga-specific terminology, humor, and context. Manga translators often collaborate with editors and letterers to ensure that the translated text fits naturally within the artwork and panels. The goal is to provide readers with an authentic experience that stays true to the creator’s intent.
More about Manga Translation jobs
What cities are hiring for Manga Translation jobs? Cities with the most Manga Translation job openings:
What states have the most Manga Translation jobs? States with the most job openings for Manga Translation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Manga Translation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,200 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Localization Translator

Localization Translator

Sony Corporation

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Aniplex of America Inc. (Santa Monica, California) is a subsidiary of Aniplex Inc. (headquartered in Tokyo, Japan), a group of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and a leading provider of anime content and music production and distribution in Japan. The company's ever-growing line-up of shows include: March comes in like a lion, Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga, ERASED, The Asterisk War, OWARIMONOGATARI,KIZUMONOGATARI, GRANBLUE FANTASY, Eromanga Sensei, Katsugeki TOUKEN RANBU, BLEND-S, Slow Start, and Record of Grancrest War. To learn more: http://aniplexusa.com/.
MUST BE BUSINESS PROFICIENT AND BILINGUAL IN JAPANESE
POSITION SUMMARY
The Localization Translator will work on translation and localization of Japanese games and anime titles to North America. The ideal candidate must have a passion for Japanese anime and related culture. The ideal candidate must be bilingual speaker (English and Japanese) and have strong skills in reading, writing, and communication.
The position has a HYBRID schedule. Employees are expected to work onsite in the Santa Monica office at least 2 days per week.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Under the supervision of the department manager and leads, the candidate will perform the following duties:
  • Translate text from Japanese to English
  • Check translation accuracy between Japanese and English
  • Assist with communication with domestic and oversea partners
  • Assist with tracking localization progress and schedule
  • Assist with quality assurance on physical and digital releases
  • Any additional tasks as required by the department manager
  • Honesty, trustworthiness, and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION
Your qualifications and experience should include:
  • Must be fluent in English and Japanese (English native speaker preferred)
  • Must have achieved JLPT N1 certification or equivalent fluency
  • Associate or Bachelor degree in related fields or equivalent skills and knowledge
  • A minimum of 1-3 years of relevant localization experience OR a minimum of 1-3 years of video game/anime/manga translation preferred
  • Familiarity with TYPE-MOON properties is a significant bonus
  • A strong enthusiasm for and passion for Anime
  • Must have strong writing, reading and communication skills
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
  • Be able to work under pressure of heavy workloads and tight deadlines
  • Must be a team player
  • Must be self-motivated, self-starter, confident, energetic, and creative
  • Experience with live interpretation is a plus

Benefits:
SCA offers benefits-eligible employees (generally regular employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week) a comprehensive benefits program that offers coverage and support for employees and their family's physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
What we offer you:
  • Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage with coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Employee assistance plan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits
  • Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoption assistance programs
  • Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees as well as supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouses/domestic partners and children
  • Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance
  • Short-term & long-term disability plans
  • Up to 12 weeks of paid parental and caregiver leave
  • 401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options and company match with v immediate vesting
  • Education assistance and student loan programs

Other Programs:
  • Flexible Work Arrangements, including remote and hybrid work schedules
  • Time off to include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, Summer Fridays (early release), and a winter break between Christmas and New Year's Day (based on business needs)
  • Referral bonuses (subject to eligibility)
  • Matching gift program
  • A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs)
  • Special discounts on Sony products, offered exclusively to Sony employees
  • Employee stock purchase plan (Sony covers commissions and fees for your Sony stock purchases made through after-tax payroll deductions)

The target annualized base salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000. In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of 5%. The individual will be paid hourly and eligible for overtime. This range does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.
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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Corporation of America Sony Corporation of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at careers@sonyusa.com or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, People Experience Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.
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