Freelance Localization Specialist & UX Writer

Hello! I'm Aiko Tanaka, a Tokyo-based freelance localization specialist and UX writer with 8+ years of experience helping global companies adapt their digital products, games, and web platforms for Japanese and broader East Asian audiences. I bridge cultural and linguistic gaps to deliver seamless, native-quality content that resonates deeply with users—whether it's a mobile app, a SaaS product, or an RPG video game.

I specialize in Japanese-English localization, UX microcopywriting, and culturally sensitive content adaptation. If you're expanding into the Japanese market (or out of it), I ensure your message doesn’t just translate—it connects.
🎯 What I Do Best

Japanese ↔ English Localization: I don’t just translate—I adapt tone, cultural references, and technical terminology to fit the context. This includes software, eCommerce platforms, mobile games, and user interfaces.

UX Writing & Microcopy: I craft intuitive, clear, and culturally relevant microcopy that improves user experience—think button labels, onboarding flows, tooltips, and error messages.

Game Localization: From indie visual novels to full-scale RPGs, I translate in-game dialogue, item descriptions, storylines, and character development with flair and authenticity.

SaaS Content Strategy (JP Market): I help SaaS companies craft landing pages, email sequences, UI copy, and help center articles specifically for Japanese users, ensuring a natural user flow and trust-building language.

Cultural Consulting: I advise international teams on design and communication choices that align with Japanese user expectations—colors, metaphors, idioms, politeness levels, and more.

🧰 Tools & Platforms

Translation & Localization: Memsource, Trados, Crowdin, Smartcat

UX & Writing: Figma, Notion, Google Workspace, Grammarly, Hemingway

CMS & Platforms: WordPress, Webflow, HubSpot

Project Management: Trello, Asana, Slack, ClickUp

📈 Experience Snapshot

Localization Consultant | Freelance (2017–Present)
Worked with 35+ international clients including SaaS companies, game developers, digital agencies, and startups. Localized over 2M+ words of web, app, and game content.

UX Writer | Global Fintech App (Remote Contract, 2021–2023)
Redesigned Japanese UI and microcopy for a US-based fintech app, resulting in a 22% boost in Japanese user retention. Collaborated with designers and developers to ensure linguistic consistency across platforms.

Lead Translator | Indie Game Studio (Remote, Ongoing)
Translated and localized a popular visual novel game with over 500k downloads in Japan. Developed in-game glossary and worked directly with voice actors to align tone and intent.
💬 What Clients Say

“Aiko doesn’t just translate—she enhances. Her work helped us triple our Japanese conversion rate. A true localization expert!”
— Jason Wu, Growth Manager, SaaS Startup (US)

“Her cultural insights were as valuable as her linguistic skills. Our mobile game now feels truly native to Japanese players.”
— Naomi Y., Creative Director, Indie Game Studio (UK)

🌸 Why Work With Me?

Japan is a unique market with distinct expectations around tone, design, and UX. Many brands fall short by relying on literal translation or ignoring nuance. I bring insider insight, creative writing expertise, and cross-cultural strategy to every project.

✅ Native Japanese with professional-level English
✅ Fast turnaround, detail-focused, and collaborative
✅ Experienced in agile remote teams and time zone coordination
✅ Passionate about user-first writing and intuitive design
🔍 Ideal Projects

SaaS UI/UX localization for Japanese markets

Mobile app microcopy and onboarding content

Game script localization with cultural adaptation

Website translation with SEO optimization in Japanese

Email campaigns tailored for East Asian audiences

📬 Let’s Connect

If you're building something amazing and want to reach Japanese users with clarity, empathy, and authenticity—I'm here to help. I love working with thoughtful teams on meaningful digital products.

📧 [Email me]
🌐 Portfolio: ***
🕒 Available: Part-time / Contract / Project-based (Timezone: JST | GMT+9)