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Japanese Translation
Japanese language translation can sometimes have its challenges, but nevertheless the vast majority of texts can be readily translated between English and Japanese. Difficulties can arise when dealing with some subject areas, ideas and concepts due to the different world views, traditions and societal structure of Japanese and Western culture. However with experience, skilled Japanese-English translators develop proven strategies and techniques to master such challenges.
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
Japanese text can now be typeset directly into several major graphic design applications, including InDesign, Illustrator, QuarkExpress (version 8) and CorelDraw. For these applications Japanese text is normally supplied outlined to curves. For programs that cannot take Japanese text, the Japanese translation is normally typeset in Illustrator then placed in the design file as outlined eps files.
An understanding of Japanese design aesthetics, font preferences and layout conventions is vital for Japanese typesetting. Without this, and especially if purely European aesthetic considerations are followed, the result is likely to be less than perfect to the discerning Japanese eye.
For the experienced Japanese typesetter, typesetting Japanese text poses few problems, only occasional space issues due to Japanese translations often taking up more space than the equivalent English text. Japanese text can run either vertically or horizontally, but horizontal layout is much more common nowadays.
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.
