We are currently accepting applications for the position of freelance/part-time writer for the Japanese video game news site AUTOMATON WEST. Depending on performance and contribution to the website (and your own wishes), we can also consider a promotion to a full-time position.
DEADLINE: January 31st, 2026.
What is AUTOMATON WEST?
AUTOMATON WEST is a news site that focuses on content related to Japanese video games, pop culture and anime. The site is operated by Active Gaming Media, Inc. based in Osaka, Japan. AUTOMATON WEST is the English counterpart of AUTOMATON, one of the major video game news websites in Japan.
AUTOMATON WEST was launched with the idea of inheriting the DNA of AUTOMATON as a website with the goal of providing valuable, in-depth information on Japanese games and anime. Rather than posting simple articles about new releases or release dates, our website’s focus is to pursue reactions and insight from industry professionals in Japan and share stories that are unavailable and unknown to the English-speaking community due to the language barrier.
Why we need you:
Despite being a fairly new website, in the past few years AUTOMATON WEST has managed to build a steady community of readers and social network followers, and position itself among its peers as a reliable English-language source on Japanese video games and popular culture. This year, the website has been witnessing peak reader numbers, and we’re currently devising a plan on how to further expand our scope and help our stories reach a wider audience.
The AUTOMATON WEST team is a tight-knit community composed of a fairly small number of writers and editors, and as demand for the website grows, it is becoming increasingly difficult to consistently put out the amount of content that would meet the needs and expectations of our readers. That is why we’re looking for new members that want to get involved in growing AUTOMATON WEST together with us, and can hopefully bring some new and interesting content to the website
What kind of candidate are we looking for?
As a member of AUTOMATON WEST, your job will consist of searching for content related to the video-game and anime industry in Japan, and writing articles aimed at English-speaking readers. We’re looking for someone who understands Japanese pop culture, has an eye for interesting topics, and is able to output that information in English.
We are a website that’s still growing, and keeping each one of our stories fresh, unique, and most importantly, worth reading requires a lot of research, digging and planning. While most of your work will be commission-based, we encourage you to research content for yourself, and find something that you want to write about. If you’re somebody who is an otaku at heart, isn’t afraid to dig a bit deeper, and whose goals align with the mission of AUTOMATON WEST – we want you to apply. Even if you feel uncertain about it, we would like to hear from you. Having somebody completely different in the team can also open the doors for innovations.
Of course, teamwork is key. There will be a lot of back-and-forth checking, proofreading and making sure that all of the articles are factually correct and interesting to read. As such, we are looking for someone who is able to work in a team, and who can help maintain a solid and honest feedback loop and accept constructive criticism.
*It is also important to note that we do not use generative AI for writing our articles. All of our stories are hand-picked and written by humans, for humans.
Job description
Writer: Pitching and writing articles in English on various topics regarding Japanese pop culture for AUTOMATON WEST.
Location
This is a remote position with no restrictions on country of residence.
Contract type
This is a freelance position with compensation based entirely on commission. Compensation will generally be even across the board but can be discussed based on your writing experience and work history. However, depending on your growth and contributions to the site, we can consider a full-time position as a writer/editor at AUTOMATON WEST.
Company
Active Gaming Media Inc.
Requirements:
- No prior experience required.
- No restrictions of country of residence (remote position).
- Over 18 years of age.
- Can write English on a fluent/native level.
- Can understand Japanese on a business, fluent or native level (Because our website’s main goal is to deliver news and stories from Japan to an English-speaking audience, we are looking for someone who will be able to look for content directly from Japanese sources..
- Availability to provide daily articles on weekdays
- A bank account that can receive deposits from Japan
Preferred:
- Available on weekdays anytime between 9:30~18:30 JST (With news, it is difficult to know when something will come up, so flexibility is the most important in order to maintain a quick stable feedback loop between our writers and editors. For articles that are not time-sensitive, there is no problem if the time zones don’t match up. Of course, we will listen to any requests and try to make it work according to your preferences).
- Experience operating or contributing to another media website.
- Experience in translating from Japanese to English
- A passion for Japanese pop culture, video games, and anime.
How to apply/Selection Process:
1. Please send a resume that includes the information listed below via email.
Email address for applications: [email protected]
Information required in resume:
- Full name
- Email address
- Motivation for applying
- Brief introduction of yourself
- Work history
- Language proficiency certificates (if applicable)
If you have any samples to demonstrate your language and writing skills such as blog posts etc. please include them.
DEADLINE: January 31st, 2026.
Results of the document screening will be communicated only to candidates who pass. Applications sent past the initial deadline will not be reviewed.
2. Candidates who pass the document screening from step 1. will proceed to the second step of the selection process which consists of writing (or translating) a test article. Please note that no manuscript fee will be paid for the test article, but the article will not be published or used for any purpose other than the selection process.
3. We will contact candidates regarding the results of the test. With those who have successfully passed the test, we will conduct an online interview. The interview will be conducted mainly in English, though candidates proficient in Japanese might be requested to participate in a bilingual interview.
4. Successful applicants will be sent contract information.
