[Hiring] Japanese App Localization QA Specialist @Whatnot

Role Description

We're looking for a Japan-based Japanese localization specialist to help us make the Whatnot app and web experience feel as natural, intuitive, and locally relevant as possible for users in Japan. This is a focused 2-3 month project centered on in-product localization.

• Evaluate the actual user experience across core buyer and seller journeys.
• Identify where language, terminology, messaging, or product experiences feel unnatural, unclear, or out of place for Japanese users.
• Ensure translations are accurate and create an experience that Japanese buyers and sellers can easily understand, trust, and adopt.
• Review the Japanese experience in context across the app and web.
• Make improvements directly in our translation management system where issues can be resolved through translation updates.
• Document issues that require broader changes to source content, product design, or engineering.
• Provide clear recommendations and rationale for proposed improvements.
• Help improve consistency across Japanese terminology, product language, and user-facing messaging.
• Share findings and collaborate with the Localization team on prioritization and follow-up actions.

Qualifications

• Native-level Japanese speaker based in Japan.
• Professionally fluent in English.
• Experienced in localization QA, linguistic review, product localization, UX writing, content design, or related fields.
• Able to evaluate language within real product experiences, not just as standalone translations.
• Comfortable identifying both linguistic issues and broader usability or cultural adaptation opportunities.
• Familiar with translation management systems such as Smartling or similar platforms.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and able to clearly explain recommendations.
• Experience with ecommerce, marketplaces, live commerce, mobile apps, or consumer products is a plus.

Company Description

Whatnot is the largest livestream shopping platform in North America and Europe to buy, sell, and discover the things you love. We're one of the fastest growing marketplaces and were recently named the #1 Best Startup Employer in America by Forbes.