"A 'Certified Translator' is required—do you provide that service?"
This is one of the most common questions we receive about international document submissions.
In Japan, there is no national qualification for "translation," so there is no clearly defined meaning of "Certified Translator."
The interpretation differs depending on the country, the receiving organization, and even the person in charge, so we first recommend confirming the following [two key items] with the receiving organization.
1. Is there a "designated translator or translation company" from the receiving organization?
Some countries or organizations require translations to be performed by translators meeting specific requirements.
Examples where designation exists:
- France, the Netherlands, etc.: These countries have national translation qualifications, and translations by holders of those qualifications may be required.
- Australia (NAATI): There are cases where strict NAATI accreditation is not required. For details, please see the related article.
When there is no specific designation: If no specific translator or translation company is required, in most cases a company that meets the following conditions—such as ours—will be acceptable. We satisfy all of the following:
- Officially registered as a stock company (kabushiki kaisha) in Japan
- A member of a translation association such as the Japan Translation Federation
- The English company name includes the word "Translation"
2. Is notarization or Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication (apostille, etc.) required?
In addition to a translation certificate, additional authentication procedures may be required. These are separate from translation quality and serve to officially guarantee the credibility of the translation certificate.
- Notarization: Available by visiting a notary office.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication (apostille / authentication of public seal): At notary offices within Tokyo, this can be obtained together with notarization in a single visit.
Our Service Availability: Four Patterns
The above [1. Designation] and [2. Need for authentication] are two completely separate requirements.
The table below summarizes our service availability for the four combinations of these two factors.
| Designation of translator / company | Notarization / MoFA authentication (apostille, etc.) |
Our service availability | Standard scope of our service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Required | Generally unavailable | We may still have experience handling such cases—please share the requirements with us. |
| Yes | Not required | Generally unavailable | We may still have experience handling such cases—please share the requirements with us. |
| No | Required | Available |
Either of the following is possible:
|
| No | Not required | Available | We perform translation only. |
Final Check Before Requesting
If the requirements from the receiving organization are unclear, please send us the document that specifies them (the receiving organization's website, request letter, etc.). We will review the contents and propose the most suitable approach.
Once you have confirmed the requirements and your case falls under the "no designation" category, we can quickly prepare a quotation. Please feel free to contact us.
