Associate Localization Specialist Nintendo in Redmond, WA

Associate Localization Specialist - Japanese

Company: Nintendo of America Inc.

Location: Hybrid in Redmond, WA

Job Type: Hybrid

The Associate Localization Specialist will translate English-language game text, voice scripts, marketing materials, and supplementary documents from Japanese source text, ensuring culturally appropriate localization for Nintendo products released in the Americas. They collaborate with global and domestic teams, serve as a liaison with development partners, and contribute to product quality and user experience.

• Translate and review game text, voice scripts, marketing materials, and related documentation to support Nintendo products from launch onward.
• Gain deep understanding of projects through gameplay, specification study, and team collaboration.
• Communicate developer intent and enhance the user experience with clear, well-translated text.
• Provide cultural and creative input for localizing Nintendo products to the Americas.
• Inform management of schedule challenges, changes, and delays.
• Participate in table reads, feedback sessions, and group reviews.
• Work with mentors to hone localization skills and follow Nintendo style guidelines.
• Communicate with first- and second-party developers regarding product localization.
• Build relationships with Nintendo Company Limited (NCL) partners.
• Contribute to naming processes for game terms and assist in voice recording preparation.
• Identify efficiencies in the localization process and promote best practices.
• Collaborate with testing resources to ensure high-quality localization.
• Test and evaluate games, providing feedback on design and content for NOA territories.
• Act as a product subject matter expert for other NOA departments, demonstrating games internally.
• Coordinate with Nintendo of Europe (NOE) to align processes and leverage resources.
• Review machine translation, outsourced text, and global partner outputs for accuracy and consistency.
• Assess legal and ESRB compliance and recommend changes.
• Participate in content discussions and product evaluations, making release recommendations.
• Guide improvements in gameplay, presentation, and user experience for product releases.
• Monitor culturalization topics, identify issues, and propose solutions.
• Act as liaison for NCL and development partners, translating communications as needed.
• Provide interpretation for other departments and subsidiaries.
• Interpret meetings, phone calls, and video conferences related to game development and localization.
• Participate in hiring interviews and provide feedback on machine translation tools.
• Interpret media interviews with developers.
• Communicate product strengths and differentiation to upper management, marketing, and stakeholders.
• Review and evaluate product concepts, participate in marketing strategy planning, and coordinate resources.
• Generate game-related content for websites, social media, and consumer-facing portals.
• Demonstrate games to media, participate in interviews, present on live streams, and support promotional efforts.

• One to three years of localization experience.
• Knowledge of localization issues and market preferences.
• Ability to recommend solutions for cultural and localization challenges.
• Strong grasp of preserving creative vision during localization.
• Understanding of the game-development process.
• Ability to produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Experience working with global teams.
• Familiarity with Nintendo franchises, products, and history.
• Knowledge of the console, PC, and mobile video game markets.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn proprietary software quickly.
• Familiarity with Slack, Jira, and Confluence.
• Understanding of programming language tags.
• Experience in a highly confidential environment.
• Strong translation skills.
• Strong interpreting skills, including business meetings and conference calls.
• Awareness of Japanese and U.S. localization issues.
• Knowledge of Japanese history, culture, customs, and business protocol.
• Familiarity with CAT tools, translation memory, machine translation, parsing tools, and content management systems.
• Basic knowledge of theories, principles, and concepts within the job family.

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

Legal and Employment Information: Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Pay Range: $39.42 - $63.08 USD per hour

Role is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for the division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time.

We are a certified equal opportunity employer offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.