Skills and Residence Status Required for Foreigners to Work as Translators in Japan

Some foreigners living in Japan might be thinking, "I want to work using both Japanese and my native language!" Many of them may be interested in translation jobs.
This time, we will introduce the skills and residence status required for foreigners to work as translators in Japan.

How Can Foreigners Work as Translators in Japan?

Where to Work?

To work as a translator in Japan, you can either get a job at a company or organization, or work as a freelancer or entrepreneur. Considering the residence status, it is recommended to get a job at a company or organization.
Translation jobs are not only available at companies specializing in translation but also at general companies, schools, medical institutions, and more.

Necessary Skills

High Japanese language skills are essential for translation work. To prove your skills, passing JLPT N1 is recommended.
Moreover, translation jobs require not only high language skills but also specialized knowledge. For example, translating legal documents requires knowledge of Japanese law, and translating manuals for a machinery manufacturer requires knowledge of machinery.

Types of Translation

Translation jobs can be broadly divided into the following types:

• Industrial Translation
• Publishing Translation
• Audio-Visual Translation

All these jobs require good writing skills and the ability to choose appropriate words for different contexts. Below, we introduce each type of translation job.

Industrial Translation

Industrial Translation involves translating business documents. This could be for companies or organizations. It is the most in-demand type of translation job. Some companies even hire full-time translators.

The documents to be translated can vary widely, including contracts, internal documents, pamphlets, and press releases. Some companies outsource translation, but many prefer in-house translators to handle confidential documents.

To work in Industrial Translation, you need both language skills and knowledge of the industry you are translating for. For example, translating medical documents requires medical knowledge, while translating IT documents requires IT knowledge.

Publishing Translation

Publishing Translation involves translating books and other publications. You can work for publishing companies or as a freelancer. The range of genres is wide, including manga, novels, and business books, each requiring different skills.

Audio-Visual Translation

Audio-Visual Translation involves translating movies, TV shows, and other visual media. This includes subtitling and dubbing translations. In addition to translating, you need the skill to adjust the length of the text to match the timing of the visuals.

Can You Work in Translation with Little Experience?

Translation is a specialized profession, and many might think they can't do it without experience. However, there are job listings available even for those with limited experience.

Here are some examples of translation jobs from English to Japanese:

• Example 1: Translating Meeting Materials

  Qualifications: JLPT N1, experience in jobs using Japanese, TOEIC® 800 or higher
• Example 2: Translating IT Systems
  Qualifications: Experience in jobs using Japanese, knowledge of IT and system operations

🔎 Search for Translation Jobs

Qualifications Required for Translation Jobs

Those with Permanent Resident (PR), Spouse or Child of Japanese National (SCJN), Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident (SCPR), or Long-Term Resident (LTR) status can work in any job. For interpretation and translation jobs, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) status is commonly required.

Conditions for Obtaining Residence Status

• Graduated from a university, graduate school, or junior college in Japan or overseas
• Holds graduation qualifications from a specialized school in Japan
  

To obtain the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (ESI) residence status, you need graduation qualifications from a university, graduate school, or junior college in Japan or overseas, or from a specialized school in Japan. However, for overseas universities, graduate schools, or junior colleges, you need a certificate proving that the qualification is equivalent to a Japanese university graduation. Overseas specialized schools are not recognized. If you do not meet the educational requirements, 3 to 10 years of work experience is required.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan - "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services"

How Can Foreigners Find Translation Jobs?

• Search for job listings at Hello Work
• Use job search websites
• Look on social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn
• Check company and translation agency websites
  

In Japan, it is common to search for jobs at Hello Work and use job search websites. There are "Foreign Employment Service Centers" in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. They offer job consultations and introductions.

🔗 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Hello Work Offices by Prefecture
🔗 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Foreign Employment Service Centers List

If you have decided on the industry you want to work in, it is also a good idea to check the websites of companies. The "Recruitment Information" page usually lists job openings.

Conclusion

Translation requires not only the ability to understand and express in two languages but also specialized knowledge for translation. Therefore, those with experience and skills might receive offers from many companies.

On the other hand, there are also job listings available even for those with limited experience, making it a good option for those who want to gain experience to work long-term in Japan.
​​​​​​​JOB JOURNEY lists many translation job openings in Tokyo and Osaka.

If you find a job that interests you, feel free to apply!