Associate Localization Specialist - Japanese

Nintendo of America Inc; Redmond (WA); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) and paid time off

Semi-annual performance bonus

Job summary

Nintendo of America Inc in Redmond, WA is looking for a Localization Specialist to translate game text and provide cultural insights for their iconic franchises. The ideal candidate has localization experience, strong translation skills, and familiarity with the gaming industry.

This hybrid position will require teamwork with global teams and the ability to handle tight deadlines while ensuring high-quality results. A degree in Japanese, East Asian Studies, or equivalent experience is required.

The role offers a competitive pay range of $39.42 — $63.08, along with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• One to three years of localization experience.
• Strong translating and interpreting skills required.
• Familiarity with Nintendo franchises preferred.

Responsibilities

• Translate and review game text, voice scripts, and marketing materials.
• Collaborate with teams to enhance user experience through localization.
• Support game development and localization discussions as a liaison.

Skills

Localization experience

Strong translation skills

Cultural knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Japanese or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Slack

Jira

Confluence

Job description

Nintendo of AmericaFrom the launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System™ more than 30 years ago, Nintendo’s mission has been to create smiles through unique entertainment experiences. Here at Nintendo of America Inc., we deliver on this mission by partnering closely with Nintendo Co., Ltd., to bring Nintendo’s iconic and cherished franchises including Mario™, Donkey Kong™, The Legend of Zelda™, Metroid™, Animal Crossing™, Pikmin™ and Splatoon™ across the Americas through our video games, hardware systems, and collaborations with partners on a range of other entertainment initiatives like feature films and theme parks.

SUMMARY

Translates English-language game text and voiced dialogue scripts based on Japanese source text and other materials, as well as hands‑on gameplay, that capture the magic of Nintendo franchises in products and services for release in the Americas. Partners with domestic and global teams to localize Nintendo software gaming products for release in the Americas. Serves as a liaison for development partners, providing interpretation during meetings and video conferences to support game development and localization discussions.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Translate and review game text, voice scripts, marketing materials, and supplementary development and testing‑related documents as required to support Nintendo products and services through launch and beyond.
• Gain a deep understanding of assigned projects through hands‑on gameplay, study of game specifications, and collaboration with other team members.
• Leverage expert knowledge of the project to clearly communicate developer intent and enhance the user experience through well‑translated text.
• Provide cultural and creative input regarding localizing Nintendo products for the Americas.
• Inform management in a timely manner regarding development schedule challenges, changes, and delays.
• Participate in table reads and other group feedback sessions.
• Work with experienced staff and mentors to hone localization skills and follow Nintendo style for a variety of franchises.
• May communicate with first‑ and second‑party developers regarding Nintendo product localization.
• Build and enhance relationships with Nintendo Company Limited (NCL) creative and development partners.
• May contribute to the naming process for game terms.
• May assist with the planning and preparation for voice‑recording sessions.
• Innovate and find efficiencies in the localization process.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external partners, especially testing resources, to ensure high quality localization.
• May test and evaluate games and products, providing feedback regarding design and content for NOA (Nintendo of America) territories.
• May act as a product subject‑matter expert to assist other NOA departments with game‑related support, including demonstrating games internally and capturing video and screenshots.
• May collaborate with localization staff at NOE (Nintendo of Europe) to achieve alignment when necessary by creating process efficiencies and leveraging resources.
• May review machine translation, text from outsourcing and global partners for accuracy and consistency.
• May review products for Legal and ESRB compliance and make recommendations for changes based on target audience/business need.
• May participate in content discussions and game evaluations, making recommendations on what games are brought to market.
• May provide guidance to improve overall gameplay, presentation, and user experience for product release in the Americas.
• Maintain awareness of culturalization topics, identify issues, and propose solutions as needed.
• May act as liaison for NCL and development partners, including translating communication on behalf of NOA.
• May perform translation and interpreting for other departments and subsidiaries as required.
• Interpret meetings, telephone calls, and video conferences related to game development and localization and work to improve and maintain these skills.
• May participate in the hiring process by participating in interviews.
• May provide feedback on machine translation and other tools.
• May interpret media interviews with developers.
• Communicate product strengths, features, and differentiation points to upper management, Marketing, and other internal stakeholders.
• Review and evaluate product concepts and designs for acquisition, participate in planning marketing strategies, provide input into the development of marketing materials, and/or coordinate resources.
• Generate game‑related content for websites, social media, and other consumer‑facing portals.
• May demonstrate games to media, participate in interviews, present on live streams, and support other promotional efforts.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

• One to three years of localization experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of localization issues and market preferences recommended.
• Ability to make recommendations regarding cultural/localization issues affecting software products.
• Ability to grasp and preserve the creative vision of products during the localization process.
• Knowledge of the game‑development process helpful.
• Experience producing high‑quality results under tight deadlines.
• Experience working with global teams helpful.
• Familiarity with Nintendo franchises, products, and history.
• Familiarity with historical and current video game industry for console, PC, and mobile markets preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and ability to quickly become proficient with complex proprietary software.
• Familiarity with Slack, Jira, and Confluence.
• Familiarity with how tags work in programming languages preferred.
• Ability to work in a highly confidential environment.
• Strong translation skills required.
• Strong interpreting skills, including experience interpreting business meetings and/or conference calls.
• Awareness and understanding of Japanese and US localization issues and market preferences recommended.
• Familiarity with Japanese history, culture, customs and business protocol.
• Familiarity with localization/CAT tools like translation memory, machine translation, and parsing tools, as well as content management systems preferred.
• Requires basic knowledge of theories, principles and concepts within a job family; has exposure to current practices and procedures through coursework or internship.
• Requires basic knowledge of theories, practices and procedures within a job family.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in Japanese, East Asian Studies, Linguistics, Translation, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Valid passport may be required.
• JLPT N1 Certification on Japanese Examination or equivalent in English if native Japanese speaker.

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 hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time. This position includes the base pay range listed below, potential for a semi‑annual discretionary performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.

Pay Range: $39.42 — $63.08 USD