
Nintendo posts help-wanted ads for staff to work on upcoming Legend of Zelda game, and fluency in Japanese isn’t a requirement.
While certain video game series find far more success in one territory than another, Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda is a certified worldwide hit. Ever since the pioneering first installment in the franchise, Zelda has had a place in the hearts and imaginations of fans around the globe, and now here’s your chance to put your heart and imagination back into the series itself.
Nintendo of Japan has recently updated its online job listings, and they now include two project-based positions which are explicitly specified as being for the Legend of Zelda series. While the positions are being offered by Nintendo’s Japanese division, and successful applicants will be working out of the main office in Kyoto, the company has made it clear that it’s not necessarily looking for Japanese-born applicants, or even applicants who speak Japanese at a native level. Both job descriptions say they’re looking for someone with “a Japanese-language proficiency level that allows for collaborative activity with other team members,” and since that would be a low enough hurdle for native-speakers as to not even warrant mentioning, it’s pretty clear that Nintendo is welcoming of non-Japanese applicants.
The two positions Nintendo is hiring for are 3D CG Designer (Terrain) and Level Designer, with the listed requirements for each being:
3D CG Designer (Terrain)
Responsibilities: Creating field, dungeon, and other environments to be used in the game
Requirements:
● Experience making backgrounds with Maya、Adobe Photoshop
● Experience making environments for HD-era gaming hardware
● Special preference for candidates with an interest or desire to create Zelda environmentsLevel Designer
Responsibilities: Planning, implementing, and fine-tuning game events, overworld areas, dungeons, and enemies.
Requirements:
● Experience as a game planner for console video games
The specific salary for successful applicants (Nintendo hasn’t specified how many people in total it’s looking to hire) will depend on factors including experience, but Nintendo says the pay range for both positions is 3.8-8.1 million yen (US$34,200 to $73,000), with moving expenses and housing allowances of up to 66,500 yen per month also potential parts of the compensation package.
While being chosen wouldn’t make you the first foreign Zelda designer, this is still an opportunity to work on one of the most prestigious entertainment franchises ever to come out of Japan, and applicant can submit their applications through Nintendo’s website here.
Source: Nintendo via Jin
Top image ©SoraNews24
Follow Casey on Twitter, where he regrets selling his copies of the first two Zelda games.

Foreigners welcomed to apply for jobs as designers on Nintendo’s new Legend of Zelda game
The Legend of Zelda’s Link is here to help you navigate Google Maps’ dungeons today!
Downloadable content announced for new Legend of Zelda game before the game’s release
Nintendo’s new Zelda game has a female version of Link named Linkle 【Video】
Live-action Legend of Zelda movie releases first on-set, in-costume images【Photos】
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Poop is in full bloom at the Unko Museums for cherry blossom season
Playing Switch 2 games with just one hand is possible thanks to Japanese peripheral maker
Shizuoka hot springs town invites you to see one of the longest hina doll displays in Japan
Legendary pie cafe Anna Miller’s finally returns to Tokyo after three-year absence
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
The other side of Shibuya Station has a great restaurant for trying tamagokakegohan
Fives places around Japan to appreciate the plum blossoms this season
Who makes Japan’s best Spam-style onigiri convenience store rice ball? Let’s find out【Taste test】
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Legend of Zelda robe is perfect for relaxing after you step out of your master bath
Live-action Legend of Zelda movie reveals cast for roles of Link and Zelda
The Legend of Zelda 2017 Game’s New Artwork Image Revealed
New Legend of Zelda Boss is a canned coffee, gives you a chance at awesome jacket loot【Pics】
Birth of new kusoge legend — Zelda wannabe has copied Zelda music, all-original crazy bugs【Vids】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Awesome “Zelda: Breath of the NES” fangame remakes Breath of the Wild NES-style【Video】
Nintendo opens Art Gallery inside Nintendo Museum with concept art for Zelda, Mario, and more
Nintendo announces live-action Hollywood Zelda movie, co-financed by Sony
Kid’s mom says video games are pointless, kid grows up to be part of new Zelda game’s soundtrack
Japan’s Zelda: Hyrule Lifestyle merch includes Master Sword umbrella, “secret” music sound sensor
Gorgeous Legend of Zelda 3-D puzzle sets are on the way to test fans’ wisdom【Photos】
One Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask scene is less zany, much sadder to adults, salaryman learns
Practical Zelda Tears of the Kingdom merch is here to be Hyrule-helpful in your daily life【Pics】
Zelda isn’t the Nintendo anime adaptation Japanese fans want to see most, survey says