Why Choose Loekalization for Japanese
Meet Rumi Tasaki, my talented and dedicated wife. As a native Japanese speaker with decades of experience in gaming and translation, she brings unmatched expertise to game localization. Together, we form the ultimate localization team, ready to transform your game into something truly special. And what did IGN Japan call our work?
"So natural and funny, that you wonder whether the original text was in Japanese."
Yes, that’s exactly it.
In addition to our localization work, we run one of the largest and most advanced Japanese language schools in The Netherlands: Japanology. With around 70 students mastering the language at the highest levels, we live and breathe Japanese, allowing us to bring unparalleled cultural and linguistic insight to every project we handle.
IGN Japan praised our localization as being "so natural and funny, that you wonder whether the original text was in Japanese."
Why Localizing for Japan is Essential
The Complexity of the Japanese Language
Japanese is one of the most complicated languages in the world, making expert localization essential. Here’s why:
- Three Writing Systems: Japanese uses three different alphabets—kanji, hiragana, and katakana—comprising thousands of characters. Kanji alone consists of over 2,000 commonly used characters, while hiragana and katakana each have 46 basic characters, with additional variations.
- Honorifics and Politeness: Japanese features the most intricate honorifics system in the world, with five main levels of politeness. The language changes dramatically depending on the relationship between the speaker and listener.
- Gendered Language: Japanese includes distinct male and female vocabulary and grammar, requiring localization to account for these differences to avoid inappropriate or confusing dialogue. For instance, a grandpa should never sound like a schoolgirl—and vice versa.
Proper localization demands someone who knows how to ask the right questions during the process to ensure that every character speaks appropriately and naturally, preserving the integrity of your game’s story and immersion.
Market Characteristics
Japan is the third-largest gaming market globally, behind only China and the United States. In 2023, Japan had over 73 million gamers, with each spending an average of US$249, making it one of the most influential markets worldwide.
Japanese gamers are known for their high expectations and detailed feedback:
- They often provide comprehensive reviews, covering gameplay mechanics, graphics, storyline, and localization quality.
- Reviews are seen as a way to contribute to the game’s improvement, with an expectation that feedback will lead to tangible updates.
Japan presents challenges for foreign game developers:
- Intense competition from established domestic businesses with loyal customer bases.
- High expectations for quality, innovation, and cultural relevance.
- Language barriers, as many Japanese players prefer games in their native language.
Japanese gamers are incredibly loyal once their trust is earned and are willing to pay for high-quality gaming experiences:
- Japanese players tend to stick with one game longer than players in other regions.
- In 2023, the average spend per Japanese gamer was US$249, reflecting their willingness to invest in quality games.
Why Choose Us?
Our qualifications make us the perfect choice for Japanese localization:
- Native-level expertise ensures translations are accurate and culturally nuanced.
- Decades of experience playing and translating games provide deep insight into player expectations.
- Operating a successful Japanese language school demonstrates our mastery of the language and culture.
By partnering with experts like Rumi Tasaki and our team, game developers can unlock the vast potential of the Japanese market, navigate its challenges, and create gaming experiences that deeply resonate with Japanese players. This approach not only maximizes revenue but also builds a strong reputation in one of the world’s most significant gaming markets.