[Japanese Interviews: Life in LA] Jyun Takagi, Game Localization Translator at XSEED / Marvelous Inc.

Jyun Takagi　　　　

Profession: Game Localization Translator at XSEED / Marvelous Inc.
Born: 1970, Los Angeles, CA.
Education: Graduated from International Christian University (ICU), majoring in Sociology.
Career Highlights: Joined Square Enix in 2003, followed by Sega of America where he worked on the Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series. Currently works at XSEED / Marvelous Inc.

There Is No Finish Line for Bilingualism — It Is Something You Sharpen Forever

The Art of Game Localization
Have you ever wondered how Japanese games like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest become global hits? The secret lies in “Localization”—adjusting language, culture, and nuances to fit the target audience. Jyun Takagi, a veteran translator with 22 years in the industry, says, “It is fascinating to bring characters to life through dialogue.” His work involves not just translating Japanese to English, but creating the foundation for versions in French, Italian, German, and Spanish as well.

A Life Across Two Cultures

Born in LA to a Japanese expat family, Mr. Takagi spent his childhood moving between Japan and the US. Overcoming language barriers and cultural shifts, he found confidence through math and art during his school years in California. Later, he graduated from International Christian University (ICU) in Japan, majoring in Sociology. “Although I applied to US colleges, attending a Japanese university felt natural to me. ICU allowed me to be in a US-like environment while in Japan,” he recalls.

■ Giving a lecture at a Japanese supplementary school

From IBM to the Gaming World

After graduation, he experienced culture shock while working at IBM Japan, commuting on crowded trains and navigating a hierarchical society. He eventually returned to the US and discovered his passion for translation while working at Honda of America. He joined Square Enix in 2003, followed by Sega of America, where he worked on the famous Yakuza (Like a Dragon) series. Since 2023, he has been with XSEED / Marvelous Inc.

Game translation offers a creativity that business translation doesn’t,” he explains. Looking ahead, he dreams of writing his own book—telling his own original story, not a translation. The words he has unleashed into the world continue to be etched in the minds of gamers everywhere.