ABOUT BONUS STAGE
Japanese and English Game Specialists
We started Bonus Stage Loc. in 2019 with a simple mission: to redefine Japanese-English localization for games and pop culture because we knew it could be better.
After 15 years of localizing titles at Electronic Arts, our founder Yuhei Nasu saw how often creative nuance got lost in translation. Games aren’t just software; they’re stories and cultural moments. Yet many studios treat localization as an afterthought. We built Bonus Stage to change that.
Our team, a mix of gamers, translators, and creatives from music, film, and TV, approaches every project with one question: “Would this feel native?” Whether it’s a punchline, a lore-heavy RPG, or UI text that needs to sound effortless, we blend linguistic precision with a deep understanding of gaming culture.
We’re small by design. That means hands-on collaboration and a shared obsession with getting the details right. After all, you’d never outsource a boss fight to someone who doesn’t play the game.
SNAPSHOT: CLIENTS
Behind the world’s biggest titles, you’ll find Bonus Stage!
We’ve helped indie gems and AAA blockbusters alike cross borders with native-quality translation, authentic voice casting, and sharp, market-savvy consulting. Whether the goal was global reach or a perfect Japan launch, we’ve been the team behind the scenes making it happen.
WHY BONUS STAGE
Fast, Flexible, and Flawless Game Localization
OUR MISSION
Localization isn’t just words. It’s the invisible level design of player experience.
A single mistranslated line can yank someone out of your world.
A perfectly adapted joke? That’s the difference between “I get it” and “I love it.” We obsess over this because, to us, language is the last layer of polish before a game reaches its audience. And players deserve better than “close enough.”
We’re here to protect the magic, the tone, the quirks, the emotional beats, and everything that makes your game uniquely yours. Because when dialogue feels native, when UI text doesn’t sound translated, players aren’t just playing your game, they’re experiencing it.
CORE VALUES
What Matters to Us
Our core values guide our hand in every project we’re a part of.
We translate for the player, not the glossary. If a line feels off when you’re holding a controller, it’s wrong, no matter how “accurate” it is.
A JRPG’s dramatic soliloquy ≠ a rhythm game’s snarky banter. We focus on the details so your game’s voice stays true.
Small team, zero bureaucracy. You get direct access to our experts, fast decisions, and a partner who cares as much as you do.
If we’re debating whether “戦え!” should be “Fight!” or “Bring it on!”, we’re doing our job.
THE SQUAD
Meet the Team
Get to know the team behind Bonus Stage Loc!
Yuhei Nasu
CEO / Localization Producer
Founder of the company, game industry veteran, appreciator of craft beer and punk rock.
Andy Kavanagh
Localization Producer
Born in Ireland, Andy is a musician and songwriter who also happens to be the world’s leading know-it-all on Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Joe Everitt
Localization Producer
Having lived in New Zealand, Singapore, Fiji, and Japan, Joe is our very own Mr. Worldwide.
Bonus Stage is a bilingual game localization agency helping developers bring their stories to new players.