Articles
Japanese Translation Services Can Make Your Expansion to a Japanese Market Smoother
Expanding your business to the Japanese market creates excitement and challenges. Japan remains one of the largest markets in the world. While the culture there is more western than it is in many countries in Asia, there are still distinct differences between the cultural practices and beliefs in Japan and those of many western countries. These differences can have a major impact on how you market your business. One of the best ways to make sure that your marketing efforts appeal to your new Japanese clientele is by hiring a professional translation services agency to take care of your Japanese translation needs.
One of the biggest problems that many companies have when it comes to translating business materials from English to Japanese is keeping their mission statement consistent across both languages. The hallmark of your business is your brand. In order to make sure that your brand image is conveyed in the Japanese language, it is advisable to hire an expert to handle the language needs of your new market.
Simply replacing an English word with a Japanese word meaning the same thing is not enough. You spent a great deal of time, and likely a great deal of money, developing your brand image in your English speaking country. Each language has its own nuances and variables. Additionally, every culture reacts to things slightly differently. In other words, what works in one country, may not work in another country. By investing in professional Japanese translation, you can guarantee that your brand remains consistent, and your message fits the Japanese culture.
There are a number of important things to consider when choosing a Japanese translation service. You need to make sure that the translators assigned to your project are fluent in both Japanese and English. It is ideal to have a translator whose native language is Japanese. It is much easier for a native Japanese speaker to translate your business documents in a culturally effective way than it would be for a non-native speaker.
Another important factor when choosing your translation service is where the translator lives. While it may seem ideal to have your translator located close to your main offices, it is often a better strategy to retain a translation agency that can provide a Japanese translation specialist who lives in Japan. Language and cultures are fluid and shift on a regular basis. In order for your marketing efforts to be effective, your translated materials need to be relevant to the current use of language and the current cultural tone. An in-country Japanese translation specialist is often the best way to ensure that these needs are met.
While expanding your business is an exciting time, it is also a time that can bring a great deal of stress. Take the time to find a translation service that can offer you translators that not only have the ability to convey your company’s image and message, but also have their fingers on the cultural pulse of your new market, and you can avoid much of the stress that entering a foreign market can bring.