About Company
Rakuten Group, Inc. is a global leader in internet services that empower individuals and businesses. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Rakuten’s diverse portfolio includes e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications. With over 1.7 billion members worldwide, Rakuten is committed to innovation and creating value through its unique ‘Rakuten Ecosystem.’ We believe in ‘Empowerment’ – empowering our employees to take on challenges and drive change. Our global presence means we operate in a dynamic, multicultural environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated and essential to our success. Join a company that is shaping the future of digital services, embracing technology, and fostering a collaborative culture where your contributions make a tangible impact on a global scale.
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Job Description
Are you a detail-oriented language expert with a passion for global communication? Rakuten Group is seeking a talented Content Localization Specialist to join our dynamic team in Tokyo. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in adapting our diverse range of digital content, including marketing materials, UI/UX text, product descriptions, legal documents, and customer support resources, for various international markets. Your primary focus will be ensuring impeccable localization from English to Japanese and vice-versa, as well as managing workflows for other target languages as needed. You will meticulously review, edit, and proofread localized content to guarantee linguistic accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and adherence to Rakuten’s brand guidelines and tone of voice.
This involves not only direct translation but also transcreation, making sure the message resonates emotionally and contextually with local audiences, avoiding cultural missteps and maximizing impact. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product development, marketing, legal, and engineering, acting as a linguistic and cultural bridge. Your expertise will be vital in identifying and resolving localization challenges, managing glossaries and style guides, and leveraging CAT tools and translation memory systems to optimize efficiency and consistency. This position requires a keen eye for linguistic nuances, a deep understanding of localization best practices, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, global environment. You will be responsible for upholding brand consistency and quality standards across all localized assets, contributing directly to our global expansion and user engagement. This is more than just translation; it’s about cultural adaptation, maintaining brand voice, and ensuring our users worldwide have a seamless and authentic experience with Rakuten’s services. If you thrive on continuous learning, possess exceptional linguistic and project coordination skills, and are eager to contribute to a company at the forefront of global innovation, we encourage you to apply. You will be a key player in ensuring Rakuten’s diverse services are accessible and appealing to a truly global audience.
Key Responsibilities
- Localize various forms of content (marketing, UI/UX, product, legal, etc.) from English to Japanese and vice-versa, and coordinate other language pairs.
- Review, edit, and proofread localized content for linguistic accuracy, cultural relevance, and brand consistency.
- Ensure all content adheres to Rakuten's brand guidelines, tone of voice, and quality standards.
- Collaborate with product, marketing, engineering, and legal teams to understand content requirements and localization needs.
- Develop and maintain localization glossaries, style guides, and translation memories.
- Utilize Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) tools and Translation Management Systems (TMS) effectively.
- Identify and resolve localization issues, proactively addressing linguistic and cultural challenges.
- Conduct quality assurance checks on localized products and services.
- Stay updated on localization industry trends, best practices, and new technologies.
Required Skills
- Native-level proficiency in Japanese and business-level proficiency in English (both written and spoken).
- 3+ years of experience in content localization, translation, or transcreation.
- Proven experience with CAT tools (e.g., Trados Studio, MemoQ, Memsource).
- Strong understanding of localization workflows and best practices.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency across various content types.
- Solid understanding of cultural nuances and linguistic differences between English and Japanese markets.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Translation, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience with localization of digital products (web, mobile apps) or e-commerce platforms.
- Familiarity with agile development methodologies.
- Experience in managing external vendors or freelance translators.
- Knowledge of other Asian languages is a plus.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive social insurance (health, pension, employment, workers' accident compensation).
- Commutation allowance.
- Employee stock ownership program.
- Health and fitness benefits (e.g., in-house fitness gym, corporate discount for sports clubs).
- Cafeteria with subsidized meals (Japanese, Western, Halal options).
- Childcare facilities.
- Various internal training programs and career development support.
- Generous paid time off and special leave programs.
- Opportunities for global career advancement within Rakuten's diverse ecosystem.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are passionate about content localization at Rakuten. Be sure to highlight your language proficiencies and any specific localization tools you are skilled with. We look forward to reviewing your application!
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