[JITF2020] The Wonderful World of Non-fiction Publication Translation – What It Is Like, How the Work Progresses and What Is Required of Translators

Osamu Kojima

Non-fiction publication translator.  Born in 1970.  Graduated from the College of Letters of Ritsumeikan University (majoring in psychology).  After working at a company that operates mini-theaters, he was an in-house translator at ABES Co., Ltd., NEC Soft, Ltd. (currently NEC Solution Innovators, Ltd.) and Yamane Documentation (currently TransPerfect) before going freelance in 2008.  Main translated works include: “The Secret Race” (Shogakukan Bunko) “Barbarian Days” (A&F), “Succeed” (Daiwashobo), etc.  His hobbies are reading and taking walks in the nearby hills.  He lives as a family of three with his daughter (0 years old) and wife, who also has the same profession.  Based in Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The Wonderful World of Non-fiction Publication Translation – What It Is Like, How the Work Progresses and What Is Required of Translators

What kind of book comes to mind when you hear the term “non-fiction publication translation”?  This field is very broad and includes many categories, such as reportage, biographies, books on the humanities, business books, scientific books, self -help books, etc.  In this session, a bird’s eye view of the world of non-fiction publication translation will first be given with an investigation into topics of interest from the readers’ perspective.

Next, the process of planning, translating, proofreading and publishing a book will be explained from the translators’ perspective, paying attention to differences with other genres of interpretation and translation.  The techniques required for this genre will also be commented upon using concrete examples.  It will also be considered what kind of efforts and ingenuity are important to persevere through the several months of work required to finish translating a book.

Please take this opportunity to have a glimpse into the wonderful world of translated non-fiction books.  An attempt will be made to provide contents useful for interpreters and translators already contributing to many different fields. It is hoped that it will also be helpful for those of you who want to take up the same challenge yourself.

For this reason, it will be explained why this genre of work is so interesting, thought-provoking and challenging.  Please join freely as you like. Your participation would be much appreciated.