Senior Japanese Localization Linguist (C1 English Required)

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for finding and building careers in AI training and data labeling. We connect skilled contributors with projects that shape how AI systems behave — helping you build a profile, discover work across the industry, and apply in minutes. Creating an OpenTrain account is free.

About AI Training and Localization Work

AI training (also called data labeling or human feedback work) is the human side of building artificial intelligence. For localization specialists, this means reviewing and producing examples that teach models to understand language, culture, tone, and correctness across locales.

These projects are often fully remote and flexible, and they let you apply localization expertise directly to model outputs — improving accuracy, reducing bias, and ensuring culturally appropriate behavior in global AI systems.

The Role

We are hiring a Senior Japanese Localization Linguist to review and generate AI training content and to evaluate model responses for reasoning quality, problem-solving, clarity, and cultural appropriateness. This is a fully remote, hourly contractor position working to improve leading AI models for global clients.

This role combines linguistic expertise, localization QA, and evaluation work: you will test models for accuracy and bias, fact-check localized content, and write clear, consistent rationales for quality decisions.

• Employment type: Contractor (fully remote)
• Data type: Text; Label types: Evaluation rating and text generation
• Labeling software: Other (project-specific tools)
• Hourly pay range: $24–$31 USD (typical hourly rate listed $28/hr)

What You'll Do

Perform high-quality review and annotation of Japanese-language model outputs and training prompts, ensuring correctness, cultural nuance, and appropriate register.

Generate or edit training examples and write clear explanations and rationales to support quality decisions and model feedback loops.

• Evaluate AI responses for reasoning, problem-solving, clarity, tone, and bias.
• Test models for factual accuracy, localization-specific errors, and cultural appropriateness.
• Apply MQM/LQA frameworks to categorize severity, identify root causes, and recommend corrections.
• Fact-check units, names, dates, references, and locale-specific conventions.
• Follow structured guidelines and produce concise written rationales for decisions.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must meet all the listed requirements below to be considered for this senior role.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Japanese Translation, Linguistics, Localization, Communications, or a related field.
• Native or near-native Japanese proficiency with strong command of Japanese locale conventions.
• Minimum C1 English proficiency in reading and writing.
• 5+ years of professional localization or translation experience.
• Experience applying MQM or LQA frameworks, including severity, category, and root-cause analysis.
• Proficiency with CAT tools, translation memory, termbases, and QA workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to review content for tone, register, inclusivity, terminology consistency, and cultural nuance.
• Strong fact-checking skills for localized content (units, names, dates, references).
• Ability to follow structured guidelines and produce clear, consistent written rationales for quality decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

The following are not required but will make your application stronger.

• Previous experience with AI data training, annotation, or evaluation projects.
• Familiarity with evaluation workflows for model safety and bias testing.
• Experience working with global clients or on cross-cultural localization programs.

Who Should Apply

Apply if you are a seasoned localization professional who wants to apply your Japanese language expertise to shape how AI understands and communicates in Japanese.

This role suits people who enjoy detailed QA work, can follow structured frameworks, and can write clear rationales that guide model improvement.

How It Works

You will work as an hourly contractor on project-based tasks assigned through OpenTrain. Projects typically provide guidelines, examples, and the annotation/evaluation interface (labeling software varies by client).

Expect to complete detailed evaluations, generate or edit training text, and submit written rationales for your decisions. Pay is hourly and falls in the stated USD range; exact project rates and schedules are provided in each assignment.

• Apply via your OpenTrain profile and follow the project-specific onboarding and qualification tests.
• Work remotely and manage your own schedule within project deadlines.