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Clarity

Agness Kaku

Tokyo, Japan

I have a Tokyo-based solo practice as a writer (English), forensic translator (J-to-E), and outside advisor to companies working to build a company culture inclusive of both of those languages.

- Professional-level native knowledge of Japanese and English.
- Over 20 years of experience in UX, translation, and content in sectors including media, entertainment, finance, mobile, and technology.
- Excellent comfort with high-risk content including ongoing litigation material, and pre-release intellectual property.
- Sensitivity to which cultural differences harm and help, bred in part by residence in 8 countries.

Fun fact about me: At one point in my life, I localized AAA consumer games. I have the distinction of being the only game localizer whose work has been exhibited at both the Smithsonian Institute and the Museum of Modern Art.

$2.92/min

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Is That Translation Good Enough—or Good Riddance?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a particular vendor, translator, or foreign-language writer? As a highly-trained native speaker of both languages, I can provide reliable ballpark evaluations within minutes.

For 20 years, I've assessed translation trials and helped clients game out how to get the most out of their translators, both in-house and outsource. I've provided second opinions for hiring managers, enabled individuals to confidently identify the best translator out of crowdsourced morass, and advised localization managers as they sorted through bids. Calling me is the cost-effective alternative to lengthy testing, QA or a postmortem, when you need to know just one thing: Is this translation good enough?

You'll Get Japan Tips, Not Japan Tropes

Weary of poorly-evidenced cultural arguments that exoticize Japan and cloud your vision? How about "experts" who assure you that success is only a major compromise away? Are you being told to spend big on something you've never budgeted for before—on the basis of nothing more than, "That's how it's done here"?

Whether you're currently in Japan, coming to, or even coming from Japan, your business will need a friend who respects both you and your market. I've worked with over 300 corporate, academic, and government clients—over 200 of them Japanese—so you'll never hear me talk about "the Japanese" or "Japanese companies" as though they're all the same. Nor will I lump your firm into the "gaishi-kei (foreign capital firm)" bin as though that label can take the place of your unique history, strengths, and ambitions.

Let's talk for a few minutes. I can't give you the whole picture, but I can shed more light on what you are seeing—and whether you've got your lens cap on.

Are You Being Mistranslated?

An average American businessperson sends or receives over 120 emails a day. So many of us also work for clients and employers based in another language zone, or have our brands operating in a foreign market. Those circumstances combine to make the chance of being misconstrued exponentially higher. Complexity breeds confusion, and confusion is never good for morale, image, or careers.

When accountability must be assigned across language lines, assume with confidence that something has gone missing in translation. So do a quick check-in with a third party: a linguist with forensic experience. It's essential to safeguarding the integrity of a company's Compliance process, not to mention the fairness of the outcome.

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Member since May 2016