Japanese co-songwriter

Helps the group create songs inspired by J-pop, including songs that combine English and Japanese or are written primarily in Japanese.

I will often provide the main concept, story, melody, or English lyrics. Your role will be to help write or adapt the sections that need to be in Japanese while keeping the original emotion, meaning, rhythm, and musical flow. You may also suggest Japanese phrases, cultural references, melodies, themes, and lyrical ideas that feel natural and respectful.

Preferred qualifications

• Japanese proficiency around JLPT N2 or higher

• N3–N4 applicants may still be considered if they demonstrate strong creative writing and an ability to produce natural Japanese lyrics

• A good understanding of J-pop songwriting and bilingual song structures

• Comfortable collaborating on lyrics originally written in English

• Able to explain translation or adaptation choices in English

What to submit

Please submit a Japanese verse and chorus, either from an existing original song or written specifically for this application.

Your submission should ideally include:

• The lyrics in Japanese

• A romaji version

• An English translation or explanation of the meaning

• A brief explanation of any wordplay, cultural references, or changes made for rhythm and melody

• An example of adapting English lyrics into Japanese, if available

• An optional rough vocal demo; polished production is not required

A verse and chorus are enough to apply. However, you’re welcome to submit a complete original lyric or demo if you feel it represents your abilities better. More complete submissions may help us understand your writing style, creativity, and suitability for the role, but quality is more important than length.

All submitted work must be your own. Please clearly identify whether the lyrics are entirely original or adapted from an English draft.