Why did you decide to participate in the JET Internship Programme?

What type of work did you experience during the internship?

I interned with a Tokyo-based game localisation studio. My experience was unique in that it was fully remote. I worked alongside other interns to localise a yet-to-be-released video game using a custom online translation platform. We collaborated in teams, set our own schedules, assigned roles, and worked towards shared goals, allowing us to get a feel for what it’s like to work as remote freelance translators. We participated in daily online progress meetings with other staff and had a final reflective meeting at the end of the internship, during which we even had the opportunity to speak with the game developers themselves which was an amazing experience.

What did you get out of the programme & how do you hope to use this experience in the future?

The internship provided a great insight into remote work and the translation industry in Japan. I was able to test my linguistic ability while developing my time and project management skills through collaborating with my fellow interns to organise our schedule and complete our goals. I also received personalised feedback from the company, which helped me identify my strengths as well as areas for improvement.
Beyond my time on the internship, I have continued to benefit from the company's generous support. I was invited to attend Tokyo Game Show 2025’s Business Days, where I met many industry professionals, exchanged contacts, and expanded my professional network. They also organised online calls post-Tokyo Game Show for interns to network with freelance translators within their network. I intend to maintain the many connections I made and leverage the knowledge and skills I acquired during this internship as I transition into a career in translation.

A few words to JET Programme participants who might consider participating in the internship in the future:

I think the JET Programme internship is a fantastic opportunity to explore new industries, gain practical experience, and build meaningful professional connections. I highly recommend it to anyone hoping to continue working in Japan after completing their term on the JET Programme.