About the Japanese language.
Japanese is the language of Japan. It is written with three scripts used together: kanji (characters of Chinese origin), hiragana and katakana. It can be written horizontally or vertically. For more, see the main features of English to Japanese translation.
Japanese uses different levels of formality and honorific language (keigo). Business and official writing needs the right level for the reader. Japanese documents may give dates in the Japanese era system, and names are written family name first. We translate these faithfully and can add Gregorian dates where required.
Japanese needs fonts that support it. For designed documents, our desktop publishing team handles Japanese typesetting.
Japanese to English is usually company, technical, academic and personal documents. English to Japanese is usually business, product and marketing content for the Japanese market.
Common Japanese documents include birth certificates, degree certificates, academic transcripts and company documents. A certified translation is available for these. If an authority asks for a sworn translation, ask us to confirm availability for the language pair.
Our Japanese translation services.
Tell us the source and target languages, intended audience and service required. We confirm the available linguist, format and review level for your Japanese project before quoting.
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Japanese document translation
Accurate translation of written materials including contracts, reports, correspondence, and marketing content.
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Japanese website and software localisation
Adapting websites, applications, and digital platforms for Japanese-speaking audiences, including text, interface elements, and supporting content.
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Japanese interpreting
Ask about Japanese interpreting for your meeting, hearing or event. Include the date, location or online platform and preferred interpreting mode so we can check availability.
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Japanese voice-over
Multilingual voice recording for video and audio productions requiring Japanese language delivery.
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Japanese subtitling
Accurate, timed Japanese subtitles for films, corporate videos, e-learning content, and broadcast media.
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Japanese desktop publishing
Formatting and layout services for print and digital materials translated into Japanese, ensuring a professional finished product.
Certified, legal and business Japanese translation.
Certified Japanese translation
For official documents, tell us which institution will receive your Japanese translation and send its written requirements. We assess the language pair and confirm whether the project needs a signed statement of accuracy, a sworn translator or another process. Acceptance is decided by the receiving institution.
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, degree certificates and police clearance certificates. Requirements differ between courts, embassies, universities and immigration authorities, so tell us where the Japanese translation will be submitted and send any written instructions you have. If an authority asks for a sworn translation, ask us to confirm availability for the language pair.
Japanese legal translation
Legal translation into and from Japanese requires specialist knowledge of legal terminology, document conventions, and the specific requirements of the relevant legal system. Each project is assigned to a linguist with the right language pair and subject expertise, and managed by a named project manager.
- Contracts, agreements, and commercial negotiations
- Court pleadings, motions, and legal filings
- Patent applications and intellectual property documents
- Legal correspondence including letters and emails
- Expert witness reports and legal opinions
- Regulatory filings and licence applications
Japanese government translation
Premium Lingua provides Japanese translation services for government agencies, public sector bodies, and organisations working in regulated or government-related environments. Send the required terminology, document format and confidentiality instructions with your brief so these can be assessed and included in the agreed scope.
Client materials are handled under confidentiality requirements, with access restricted to the people who need them to deliver the service, and our privacy framework is designed around the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Japanese business document translation
For businesses operating in or engaging with Japanese-speaking markets, clear and accurate communication is essential. Share previous translations, glossaries or approved terminology before we start, so your Japanese content stays consistent across projects. Our business translation services cover:
- Marketing materials including brochures, adverts, and promotional content
- Financial reports, balance sheets, and income statements
- Company policies, procedures, and internal guidelines
- Business contracts and commercial agreements
- Business correspondence including emails and letters
- Product catalogues, technical specifications, and datasheets
- Human resources documents including job descriptions and employee handbooks
Request your Japanese project quote.
We aim to reply within two business hours, Monday to Friday, South African time. Include your language pair, intended use and deadline so we can assess the scope.
Request received.
A project manager will reply by email or phone, Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 SAST.