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Japanese Translation
The vast majority of texts can be readily and easily translated
between English and Japanese. Nevertheless the major differences
between Japanese and Western traditions, thought and culture
do create challenges when dealing with certain concepts and
subject areas. However Japanese-English translators are trained
in techniques and approaches to overcoming these difficulties.
English company and personal names will generally be transliterated
in Japanese – the approximate sounds of the English name
reproduced in Japanese characters.
The Japanese Language
Although no definite link has been established between Japanese
and any other language, Japanese adopted the Chinese ideographic
characters in the 3rd century A.D.
Common words used in referring to written Japanese are kanji and kana (or hiragana or katakana). Kanji is the word for the Chinese derived characters that dominate the language. Kana are sound-based (syllabic) characters and are easily distinguished from kanji characters as they are much simpler in design. Modern Japanese is written with a mixture of kanji and kana characters.
Japanese Typesetting
Whilst Microsoft Office applications and web design programs can
handle Japanese fonts (double byte characters), most English
graphic design programs cannot. InDesign and Illustrator are
exceptions, and with these programs Japanese translations are
normally supplied as standard files with the Japanese text typeset
and then outlined to curves. For other programs, the Japanese
translation is normally typeset in Illustrator then placed in
the design file as outlined eps files.
Typesetting Japanese text poses no particular difficulties or
problems for the experienced Japanese typesetter, although occasionally
space issues can arise as Japanese translations often take up
a little more space than the equivalent English text. Japanese
text can run either vertically or horizontally, with the latter
more common these days.
In addition to an appreciation of Japanese design aesthetics,
appropriate font selection is vital for Japanese typesetting,
and should be left to our Japanese typesetters. Choosing fonts
based on European aesthetic considerations frequently results
in a less than optimal impact to the discerning Japanese eye.
Japanese Translations & Typesetting - Our Advantages:
The Best Japanese Translators
We use only experienced, professionally qualified Japanese translators with a proven track record of consistent professional-quality work.
Quality Assurance
All Japanese translations undergo full checking and proofing procedures to ensure accuracy and eliminate ‘human error’. All typesetting is double checked and subject to translator sign off before delivery.
Confidentiality
Full confidentiality of all material is guaranteed at all times.
Japanese Language Experience!
We have over 20 years experience translating and typesetting all types of materials in over 80 languages.
