Hey all, I’m interested in trying my hand in a career in translating from JP -> ENG , does anybody have any tips on how I can go about this? I plan on getting at least the N2, and make it my eventual goal to try for N1. I’ve been consistently learning everyday for about 1.5 years. I don’t have a Japanese degree (I have an associates in Graphic Design), and I honestly am not to keen to go get one either, so is this realistic? I still have plenty to learn, but I figured it would be a good idea to start laying out some sort of plan for myself, and to see if this is something feasible.
I’m interested in things like manga or light novel translations as a niche, I’m not averse to freelancing, but if being in house can remove some hassle, that might be preferable.
I just don’t know how to break into the field, how and where can I apply for the work. If I end up being freelance, how do I build a reputation? Any tips and insight would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
4 comments
You’d want N1, for sure.
Translation for manga is notoriously bad. You’d do better with focusing on something niche, like patent law or something technical.
A degree or certification in Japanese or translation studies would help, and a LOT of experience living in Japan. Do JET or a similar program.
Manga, light novel, and game translation is the lowest paid in the industry. You make significantly more money if you can get a specialization in some sort of technical field, or like legal or patent translation or something. Having said that, I’m primarily a light novel translator, and I’m doing well enough.
Going freelance with no experience, no relevant degree, and anything lower than N1 would be incredibly difficult, because of the lack of a reputation you mentioned. You’ll be stuck applying to probably hundreds of agencies in the hopes one will give you something. If you plan to go that way, assume you won’t be making a full time-level salary for two or even three years.
What country do you live in? There are quite a lot of bilingual or translator/interpreter in house positions in the automotive industry in US midwest. It’s where I got my start. At least as of a few years ago, you could still find a job there with no experience and only N2. There’s probably some stuff on the west coast too.
Anyway, the answer to freelancing success is networking, networking, networking. And more networking. Most jobs end up going to someone that someone already knows, the good ones anyway.
You should start small, like translating tweets to english for people and then when you get even better. Go to manga, light novels or even anime if you want to but just keep studying and you’ll get there eventually
Depending on which country you live in, it would be helpful to have / you might need / you will definitely require a degree as translator with specialization in Japanese.
If you want to translate anything that might be of legal relevance, you will also need some form of accreditation.