To ensure that your Japanese software translation is accurate and fully adapted to the Japanese market, you must have your software fully “globalized”. While the term “globalization” has many definitions outside of the translation services industry, inside the industry it refers to the basic process of creating software that functions in any market in the world.

Naturally, not every translation company is equipped to perform Japanese software translation, with its many complexities. When searching for a company to translate your software into Japanese, you should investigate their capabilities in the following areas:

1. Japanese Software Translators

Japanese software translation projects should be executed by professional, native-speaking software translators who specialize in the specific professional and technical areas of your company. They should be experienced with issues related to software translation, such as proper translation of dialog boxes, error messages and buttons, standard user interface terminology and software localization workflows.

2. Japanese Software Terminology Management

Japanese software translators should utilize translation memory tools such as Trados to translate the text strings that have been externalized from the various file formats, resulting in client-specific glossaries and terminology databases. The valuable data contained in the translation memories, which becomes the proprietary property of the client, ensures consistent translations throughout the components, and an authentic user experience.

3. Japanese Software Component Translation

Frequently, a Japanese software translation project will also involve translation of related components, such as online help, printed documentation such as user guides, or packaging. Your software translation company should have the capability to translate text from such source files as: Java, VB and ASP, XML and ASP, C/C++, Visual Basic, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server and others. Common documentation file types include: FrameMaker, InDesign, QuarkXpress, Illustrator, and Word.

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