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Remote Japanese Game Localization Jobs in Seattle, WA

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 ... This position is not open to fully remote status at this time.

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Remote Japanese Game Localization information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$59.7K

$161.5K

$204.3K

How much do remote japanese game localization jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote japanese game localization in Seattle, WA is $161,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,800.00 and $190,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Japanese Game Localization Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Japanese Game Localization Specialist, you need advanced proficiency in both Japanese and the target language, strong cultural understanding, and experience in translation or localization, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with CAT tools like SDL Trados, game localization platforms, and version control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and excellent communication skills help ensure accurate and engaging translations that resonate with players. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality, culturally appropriate game experiences that maintain the original intent while appealing to global audiences.

What is remote Japanese game localization?

Remote Japanese game localization is the process of adapting video games developed in Japanese for players in other regions and languages, all while working from a location outside of a traditional office, often from home. This role typically involves translating game text, dialogue, user interfaces, and cultural references to ensure the game is accessible and enjoyable for the target audience. Localization professionals also check for accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and maintain the original game's intent. The position requires strong language skills, cultural sensitivity, and familiarity with gaming terminology.

What is the difference between Remote Japanese Game Localization vs Remote Japanese Game Translator?

AspectRemote Japanese Game LocalizationRemote Japanese Game Translator
CredentialsLocalization certifications, language proficiency, cultural knowledgeLanguage proficiency, translation certifications
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, localization tools, project management platformsIndividual work, translation software, glossaries
Industry UsageUsed in game development companies, localization agenciesUsed in translation agencies, freelance work, game companies

Remote Japanese Game Localization involves adapting entire games for different markets, including cultural adjustments, UI, and voice-over coordination. Remote Japanese Game Translator focuses on translating game text and dialogue. While both roles require language skills and cultural understanding, localization is broader, encompassing project management and cultural adaptation, whereas translation is primarily text conversion.

What are the main challenges of working remotely as a Japanese Game Localization specialist, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in remote Japanese Game Localization is effective communication with both the game development team and other localization specialists, especially across different time zones. Ensuring cultural nuances and gaming terminology are accurately translated while preserving the original context requires close collaboration and regular feedback. To manage these challenges, it's essential to establish clear communication channels, participate actively in team meetings, and use collaborative tools for project tracking and terminology management. Proactively seeking clarification and maintaining documentation also help ensure consistency and quality in the localization process.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Japanese Game Localization jobs in Seattle, WA? For Remote Japanese Game Localization jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Japanese Game Localization jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Japanese Game Localization jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Remote Japanese Game Localization jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Remote Japanese Game Localization job openings:
Remote Japanese Game Localization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Japanese Game Localization job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $161,532 per year, or $77.7 per hour.
Technical Localization Specialist (NTD)

Technical Localization Specialist (NTD)

Nintendo

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

Nintendo Technology Development

The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch system and the Nintendo 3DS family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo has sold more than 4.7 billion video games and more than 740 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS family of systems, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, Wii and Wii U systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokemon.  A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo Technology Development, based in Redmond, Washington, creates future hardware/software technology and researches North American-based technologies.

Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.

SUMMARY:
Perform localization and related tasks of moderate scope and complexity to overcome the linguistic barriers between globally dispersed engineering teams working on platform development.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

  • Serve as a conduit for communication between Nintendo Co., Ltd. (NCL) and engineering teams within Nintendo Technology Development (NTD).
  • Translate documentation between Japanese and English pertaining to general and technical subjects, with consideration for cultural differences.
  • Provide interpretation in meetings between NTD and NCL.
  • Drive initiatives related to translation quality and process improvements.
  • Identify issues in localization processes and propose solutions.
  • Contribute to localization program road maps, project plans, and overall program health.
  • Train and mentor others in translation and proofing procedures.
  • Coordinate workload and interpreting schedules with the localization staff, negotiating deliverables and deadlines as necessary.
  • Coordinate with members of NCL, its subsidiaries, and external partners.
  • May require frequent travel to Japan as well as evening work in the Pacific Time Zone.
  • Up to 10% travel; domestic and international.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

  • Two to six years of translation experience.
  • General knowledge of translation management systems, such as memoQ or similar.
  • Familiarity with at least one popular programming language, such as Python, JavaScript, C#, or similar.
  • Familiarity with the use of regular expressions in the context of localization.
  • Familiarity with translation-related technologies, such as machine translation and generative AI, and the industry trends related to them.
  • Familiarity with version-control systems, such as Git.
  • Solid understanding of tagged file formats, such as XML and HTML.
  • Ability to communicate complex and technical information fluently in Japanese and English.
  • Excellent verbal and written translation skills, with acute attention to detail.
  • Understanding of technical subject matter on a broad range of computing technologies.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Must fluently read, write, and speak Japanese and English, including jargon, slang, and idioms. Native speaker of Japanese preferred.
  • Understanding of cultural and linguistic issues and ability to make recommendations regarding content.
  • Familiarity with engineering and software development practices (e.g., the software development life cycle and related areas of knowledge), particularly as they relate to video game and platform development.
  • Familiarity with project management practices (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Kanban, sprint retrospectives).
  • Experience as a liaison between international offices is a plus.
  • Secondary skills in any of the following areas are highly desirable: technical writing, visual design, project management.
  • Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Communications, English, Japanese, or a suitably related field.
  • Full professional proficiency (ILR Level 4 or higher) in both Japanese and English:
    • For native speakers of English, Japanese Language Proficiency Test N1 certification or equivalent capability is preferred.
    • For native speakers of Japanese, Eiken Pre-1 certification or equivalent is preferred.
    • For native speakers of other languages, equivalent language skill assessments (such as a TOEFL iBT score of 80) are preferred.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

This position is onsite in Redmond, WA, and not open to remote status at this time.  

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