Senior Japanese Localization Linguist (C1 English)

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for people building careers in AI training and data labeling. The platform helps contributors discover projects, build a profile, and apply quickly to remote opportunities that train the next generation of AI systems.

Work found through OpenTrain connects you directly to impactful tasks—reviewing, rating, and shaping model outputs—so you can grow skills and reputation in a fast-moving industry.

About AI training and localization

AI training (data labeling/annotation) is the human work behind modern models: creating and reviewing examples that teach systems how to read, reason, translate, and respond. Localization specialists are especially important for making global models accurate, culturally appropriate, and bias-aware in target languages.

This role focuses on text-based localization and evaluation: you will review model responses, generate localized examples, fact-check, and provide written rationale so models learn correct tone, terminology, and cultural nuance.

The role

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

Work will combine hands-on annotation/evaluation with written rationales and quality analysis to guide model improvement and localization decisions.

• Role type: Contractor, fully remote.
• Data type: Text; label types: Evaluation rating and text generation.
• (project will provide platform access).

What you'll do

• Evaluate AI-generated Japanese content for accuracy, reasoning quality, and clarity using structured rating rubrics.
• Generate and edit localized example outputs that match target tone, register, and locale conventions.
• Apply MQM/LQA frameworks to classify issues by severity, category, and root cause, and produce clear written rationales.
• Fact-check localized content (units, names, dates, references) and identify cultural or factual errors.
• Test models for bias and cultural sensitivity and propose corrective guidance or edits.
• Follow detailed guidelines and maintain consistency across translation memory, termbases, and QA workflows.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Japanese Translation, Linguistics, Localization, Communications, or 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.
• Strong ability to review tone, register, inclusivity, terminology consistency, and cultural nuance.
• Solid fact-checking skills for localized content and ability to produce clear written rationales for quality decisions.

Preferred qualifications

• Previous experience with AI data training, annotation, or evaluation.
• Familiarity with text-generation evaluation and producing examples to guide model behavior.
• Experience documenting quality issues and working with engineering or product teams on fixes.

Compensation, schedule, and how to apply

Compensation is hourly, paid in USD: $24–$31/hr (typical $28/hr). This contractor position is fully remote and may offer flexible scheduling depending on the project.

If your background matches the requirements, create or sign in to your OpenTrain account, complete your profile with language and localization experience, and apply through the project listing. Successful applicants will receive project access and onboarding materials outlining guidelines, tools, and evaluation rubrics.

• Employment type: Contractor; worldwide applicants accepted (must meet language and experience requirements).
• Rate range: USD $24–$31 per hour; typical $28/hr.
• Project workflow: platform access, structured guidelines, and review checkpoints.