Associate Localization Specialist (Japanese)

1 Week ago • 1-3 Years • Localization • $77,500 PA - $124,000 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

The Associate Localization Specialist (Japanese) at Nintendo of America translates and reviews game text, voice scripts, and marketing materials. Responsibilities include ensuring cultural accuracy, collaborating with developers, participating in feedback sessions, and maintaining Nintendo's style across various franchises. The role requires strong Japanese and English language skills, experience in localization, and familiarity with game development. Additional duties may include testing, providing feedback on game design, and supporting marketing efforts.
Must have:
  • 1-3 years localization experience
  • Strong Japanese and English translation/interpreting skills
  • Knowledge of Japanese and US market preferences
  • Game development process knowledge
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Good to have:
  • Familiarity with Nintendo franchises
  • Experience with CAT tools
  • Japanese-Language Proficiency Test Level 1 or equivalent
  • Knowledge of localization/CAT tools
  • Familiarity with game industry trends
Perks:
  • Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401k)
  • Paid time off
  • Potential for semi-annual performance bonus

Job Details

Nintendo of America Inc.
   

About Nintendo of America: From 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 MarioDonkey KongThe Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Animal CrossingPikmin 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.

   

Based in Redmond, Wash., Nintendo of America serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. We are an equal opportunity employer offering a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, and the diverse consumers and communities we call home. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at .

     

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
  • LOCALIZATION
    • Translates and reviews game text, voice scripts, marketing materials, and supplementary development and
    • testing-related documents and materials as required to support Nintendo products and services through
    • launch and beyond.
    • Gains a deep understanding of assigned projects through hands-on game play, study of game
    • specifications, and collaboration with other team members.
    • Leverages expert knowledge of project to clearly communicate developer intent and enhance the user
    • experience through clear and well-translated text.
    • Provides cultural and creative input regarding localizing Nintendo products for the Americas.
    • Informs management in a timely manner regarding development schedule challenges, changes, and
    • delays.
    • Participates in table reads and other group feedback sessions.
    • Works with experienced staff and mentors to hone localization skills to follow Nintendo style for a variety of
    • franchises.
    • May communicate with first- and second-party developers regarding Nintendo product localization.
    • Builds and enhances 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.
    • Innovates and finds efficiencies in the localization process.
    • Collaborates closely with internal and external partners, especially testing resources, to ensure high quality
    • of localization.
    • May test and evaluate games and products and provide feedback regarding design and content for NOA
    • (Nintendo of America) territories.
    • May act as a product subject matter expert to assist other NOA (Nintendo of America) 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 and make recommendations on what games
    • are brought to market.
    • May provide guidance to improve overall game play, presentation, and user experience for product release
    • in the Americas.
    • Maintains awareness of culturalization topics, may 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.
    • Interprets meetings, telephone calls, and video conferences related to game development and localization
    • and works 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.
  • MARKETING
    • May interpret media interviews with developers.
    • Communicates product strengths, features, and differentiation points to upper management, Marketing,
    • and other internal stakeholders.
    • Reviews and evaluates product concepts and designs for acquisition, participates in planning marketing
    • strategies, provides input into the development of marketing materials, and/or coordinates resources.
    • Generates 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.
  • JAPANESE-BILINGUAL SPECIFIC:
    • 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.
    • Undergraduate degree in Japanese, East Asian Studies, Linguistics, Translation, a related field, or
      equivalent experience.
    • Level 1 certification on the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test or equivalent in English if native Japanese
      speaker.
  • Requires basic knowledge of theories, principles and concepts within a job family; has exposure to current
    practices and procedures through coursework or internship.
  • Valid passport may be required.
  
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 a base pay range of $37.26 - $59.62 per hour, potential for a semi-annual discretionary performance bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off. Please see our  for more benefits information. 
  
#LI-Hybrid

JOB DATE: October 24, 2024

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About The Company

Nintendo's mission is to put smiles on the faces of everyone we touch. We do so by creating new surprises for people across the world to enjoy together. We've forged our own path since 1889, when we began making hanafuda playing cards in Kyoto, Japan. Today, we’re fortunate to be able to share our characters, ideas and worlds through the medium of video games and the entertainment industry.


Nintendo of America, established in 1980 and based in Redmond, Washington, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd. We are committed to delivering best-in-class products and services to our customers and to investing in the well-being of our employees as part of the global Nintendo family.


For more information about Nintendo please visit www.nintendo.com.

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