Japanese Translation Agency — Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana
Native Japanese translators specialized in automotive, electronics, luxury, and intellectual property.
In 30 seconds
- Translators: Native Japanese linguists: kanji, hiragana, katakana. Mastery of keigo (politeness system). Dual linguistic and sector expertise.
- Turnaround: Standard 5-10 days · Express option depending on availability · Large projects: dedicated bilingual project manager
- Sectors: Automotive & electronics · Luxury in Japan · Manga & video games · Patents & IP
- Sworn translation: Sworn or certified translation where required · Hague Apostille · Prepared according to intended use
Why a native Japanese translator is essential
Japanese is often considered one of the most complex languages to translate into European languages. The linguistic gap is massive: SOV syntax, 3 simultaneous writing systems, and a hierarchical politeness system (keigo) with no Western equivalent. Three major pitfalls for non-natives:
- Multiple kanji readings: Each kanji has at least two readings (on-yomi from Chinese and kun-yomi from Japanese). Only a native instinctively chooses the right reading in context.
- Keigo (敬語): The Japanese politeness system structures sentences based on hierarchical relationships. A register error in B2B communication is perceived as a serious lack of respect.
- Cultural implications: Japanese communication relies on "kuuki wo yomu" (reading the room). Refusals are rarely expressed directly. A non-native translator might literally translate an implicit refusal that a Western partner interprets as an agreement.
Asiatis selects only native Japanese translators with dual expertise: linguistic mastery and sector-specific knowledge. Every translation undergoes a review adapted to the project.
Kanji, hiragana, katakana: 3 systems, 1 sentence
Japanese regularly uses 3 different writing systems in a single sentence—plus Arabic numerals and rōmaji (Latin alphabet) in technical contexts.
| System | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kanji (漢字) | Concepts, names, verbs | 東京 (Tokyo), 翻訳 (translation) |
| Hiragana (ひらがな) | Grammar, native words | します (shimasu = to do) |
| Katakana (カタカナ) | Foreign words, brands | フランス (Furansu = France) |
| Rōmaji | Technical, web addresses | URLs, product codes |
| Furigana (振り仮名) | Reading aid for kanji | Small hiragana above rare kanji |
Japanese typography has specific rules: vertical layout (tategaki) for publishing and horizontal (yokogaki) for business documents. Asiatis handles both formats with appropriate DTP tools.
A project in Japanese? Custom quote after file analysis.
Your sector, our Japanese specialists
Automotive & industry — Japanese precision
Japan is the world's 3rd largest car manufacturer. Asiatis translates technical manuals, part specifications, quality procedures (kaizen, 5S, lean manufacturing), JIS standards, and supplier documentation with controlled terminology.
Learn moreLuxury in Japan — The art of transcreation
Japan is a major luxury market. Consumers demand linguistic perfection. Asiatis manages the transcreation of luxury campaigns, cosmetics descriptions, hospitality communication, and e-commerce websites adapted for the Japanese market.
Learn moreManga, anime & video games — Creative localization
Asiatis localizes manga (adapting onomatopoeia, wordplay, cultural references), anime subtitles, and Japanese video game interfaces. Manga localization requires specific expertise in reading direction and typography.
Learn morePatents & IP — JPO, PCT
Japan registers a massive number of global patents (JPO). Asiatis translates patent applications, detailed technical descriptions, and claims with strict terminology control and legal precision.
Learn moreSworn Japanese translation
Asiatis offers sworn or certified Japanese translation where required for official documents intended for authorities.
- Civil status acts: koseki tōhon (family register), birth declarations, marriage certificates
- Diplomas: academic recognition, university transcripts
- Driver's licenses: translations for license exchange
- Corporate documents: tōkibo tōhon (trade register), financial statements
- Patents and IP: JPO filings for international validation
Depending on the destination country, receiving authority and intended use, an apostille or another formality may be required. We recommend checking the requirements with the relevant authority before submission.
Need a sworn Japanese translation? Prompt response during business hours.
Our 4-step quality process
- Translation by senior native Japanese: Linguists selected based on sector specialization. Verification of the appropriate keigo level.
- Review adapted to the project: Kanji validation, politeness register verification, and terminology consistency check.
- DTP Quality Control: Layout verification (Japanese can be shorter vertically), UTF-8 encoding, and appropriate fonts.
- Secure Delivery: Delivered in requested formats with reinforced confidentiality.
Japanese automotive: global quality standard
Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda—Japanese manufacturers lead the industry. Japanese technical documentation follows strict conventions: part numbering (hinban), quality levels (hinshitsu), and kaizen procedures.
We translate maintenance manuals and component specifications with accurate terminology.
Luxury in Japan — The art of transcreation
Japan is a major luxury market. Consumers demand linguistic perfection. Asiatis manages the transcreation of luxury campaigns, cosmetics descriptions, hospitality communication, and e-commerce websites adapted for the Japanese market.
Manga, anime & video games — Creative localization
Asiatis localizes manga (adapting onomatopoeia, wordplay, cultural references), anime subtitles, and Japanese video game interfaces. Manga localization requires specific expertise in reading direction and typography.
Indicative Rates — Japanese Translation
Frequently Asked Questions — Japanese Translation
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What are the 3 Japanese writing systems and why are they important?
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Need a Japanese translation?
Native Japanese translators. Keigo, kanji, hiragana, katakana. Custom quote after file analysis.
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