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Three professional translators each working in a different language—Spanish, German and Chinese—as well as Japanese and English, have been invited as panelists to voice their opinions about the current situation for translators in languages other than English, and to discuss how such translators can survive and thrive in the future.
The translation industry has played a vital role in globalization; indeed, it is essential for our increasingly globalized society. At the same time, globalization is also affecting the translation industry itself. The marketplace is not just the domestic market, but is opening up on a global scale and international competition is becoming fiercer as translation agencies and practitioners in emerging nations such as China and India do their best to attract business in advanced countries.
While globalization continues, people are also becoming more aware of the need for local considerations, and translation in languages other than English is attracting more and more attention. Translators of languages other than English are expanding their businesses worldwide into multiple localities while also providing services adapted specifically to each locality, taking into account the distinguishing features of each particular area. This aspect of glocalization is, of course, also common to translators working between Japanese and English as well. Through the discussions, new possibilities will be pursued on how best to build up networks in the industry, deepen one’s special field and provide added value, as competition increases on a global scale.
(The discussions will be in Japanese.)
Panelists:
Koji Himeno (Japanese, English and Spanish)
Born in 1954 in Beppu City, Oita. Now lives in Miyazaki. Graduated from Kitakyushu University (majored in English Literature). After working for a travel agency, was a cram school operator and teacher for 10 years or so. Stayed in Spain for 6 months. Began his career as a professional freelance translator in 1992. Specializes in nuclear energy, construction, environment and energy as an E to J,J to E and S to J, J to S translator. His hobbies include climbing, jogging, trail running, photography and cooking. Member of JAT and JTF. Ex-chair of IJET Miyazaki.
Katrin Kusunoki (German, Japanese and English)
Born in (former East) Germany, she now lives in Hiroshima. Graduated from Humboldt University Berlin qualified as a translator and interpreter for Japanese and English. During her education she also studied Japanese at Tokai University for 1 year. After graduation she worked as interpreter for a translation/interpretation agency in (former East) Germany. Moved to Hiroshima in 1986 and worked at a translation office for 3 years. The birth of her child was the occasion to become a freelancer. After a few years break for child rearing, she resumed full-time freelance work in 1999. Translator for J-G and E-G, interpreter for J-G.
Lu Sun (Chinese, Japanese and English)
Born in 1982 in Harbin, China, she grew up in Japan and now lives in Tokyo. Graduated from University of Missouri – Kansas City with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She started her first job at Hitachi and worked there for 5 years as an international sales and marketing expert for semiconductor business. She then became a freelance translator and interpreter providing technical translation and executive interpretation services in three languages. Currently working with her partner to launch a service beyond interpretation to help foreign start-ups and SEMs expand their businesses in Japan.
Moderator:
Hideaki Maruoka (Japanese, Chinese and English)
Currently lives in Brisbane, Australia. NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accredited Professional Translator between Japanese and English and Conference Interpreter from English into Japanese. Also translates from Chinese into Japanese and English. Specializes in patent, legal, pharmaceutical and medical translation. Graduated from Keio University with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Lived in Taiwan for a decade and worked for LCD component manufacturers there. After moving to Brisbane in 2007, obtained a Master of Arts degree in Japanese Interpreting and Translation (MAJIT) from the University of Queensland.
Date: Saturday, January 12, 2013
Time: 14:00-17:00
Doors open at 13.30. Seminar starts at 14:00 sharp.
Place: Forum 8, Shibuya
Address: Dogenzaka 2-10-17, Shibuya, Tokyo
Phone 03-3780-0008
Cost: JAT members free; non-members 1,000 yen (advance registration is not necessary)
Koryukai: From 17:15 (advance registration is not necessary, register and pay at seminar reception)
Venue: The Aldgate British Pub
Cost: 2,000 yen (food only/cash bar)
Inquiries: TAC
JAT members can view the video and download slides from here.