📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

• Studied at Western Washington University for 5 months
• Completed the Japanese Language Teacher Training Course (420 hours)
• Assistant of foreign professors while attending university
• Executive Assistant/Sales Assistant at an American Company (including translation & interpretation work)
• Lived in the US for 5 years and in Italy for 2.5 years

✉️ Message

“Pay it forward”, that’s what I always wanted to do. Many people helped me while I was away from home, and facing difficulties because of the language and cultural barriers. Now it’s my turn to do the same, and ET is the perfect place for me to work! I was working at an American company in Japan for 10 years till I got married. I also taught Japanese at a language school and private. I work as an on site translator. When people ask what I am good at, I always say I am good at making friends!!! I DO understand how people feel in a foreign country. I truly want not only to help people feel comfortable being here but also to make your stay in Japan more precious and fun!

📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

• Graduated from Chikushi Jogakuen University, Department of English and Media Studies
• Studied abroad in Brisbane, Australia during university
• Worked as an interpreter for U.S. military housing at a real estate company
• Gained experience interpreting for installation and repair services on U.S. military vessels

✉️ Message

I have experience working as an interpreter in real estate and for U.S. military ships. After taking time off for childbirth and childcare, I joined ET to gain more experience in a new field.
At ET, I work as a local interpreter, helping with interpretation at various places such as ISOS (TRICARE support), schools, and kindergartens.
I often handle medical-related interpretation, so I am especially skilled in this area.
I always aim to provide caring and supportive interpreting services for each client by using my communication skills.

📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

• Experience of studying in Australia

✉️ Message

My interest in working with ET began with a desire to pursue a career that helps others. I previously gained experience as an interpreter at a real estate company, and at ET I primarily support ISOS (TRICARE medical interpretation services) as well as other on-site interpretation.

I always strive to provide interpretation services that help patients feel at ease and reassured during their appointments. Looking ahead, I aim to further develop my skills and pursue professional certification in medical English interpretation.

 

📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

• Studied in California for 2 years, majored in Fire Protection Technology at college, took EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certificate and Firefighter Academy graduation
• Served at Yokohama City Fire Department for 13 years, registered as an International Rescue Team member for 6 years
• In 2018, retired from the City Fire and came back to Sasebo
• Since 2015, Supported as an interpreter for a Search and Rescue dog team on their international dispatch test and for firefighters on their International Rope Rescue Competition

✉️ Message

I find it rewarding to be able to contribute to the exchange between local residents and foreigners in Sasebo, a military base town. I studied abroad in the US, because I wanted to challenge myself to do something that no one had ever done before. I took the first step in my career as a volunteer firefighter in CAL FIRE, and found myself working in Fire Service for over 20 years. My expectation at the time that the world of firefighters, often called as local heroes would one day become internationalized has recently become a reality. As an interpreter, I support firefighters as they take on the challenges of the global stage. In the ET Sasebo office, I’m in charge of ISOS (Interpreter for TRICARE) and other on-site interpretation.

📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

• Moved to Canada at the age of 15 and studied at local educational institutions from high school through college
• Spent approximately six years in Canada, gaining academic and life experience in an international environment

✉️ Message

I have always been interested in interpreting, as I believe it allows me to expand my potential and develop new skills through the experience.
In Canada, I worked at a hotel and gained experience in hospitality. During the pandemic, I temporarily returned to Japan and worked as an assistant teacher at an international preschool in Tokyo.
At ET, I currently work as an on-site interpreter for ISOS and other on-site interpretation assignments. I often handle medical interpreting cases, so I am confident in interpreting medical-related content. Through interpreting, I hope to help others while developing the ability to handle specialized terminology with confidence.

📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

• Born and raised in New Zealand; relocated to Japan in 2018Graduated from Massey University Manawatū, majoring in Japanese and Linguistics
• Professional experience across multiple industries, including insurance, IT, and education
• Worked in English education at the high school level and as an English conversation instructor
• Provided localization services for Japan-based YouTubers and voiceover narration for Japanese–English educational textbooks
• Served as an interpreter at international events, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup
• Currently engaged as a U.S. military medical interpreter (TRICARE / ISOS) while also providing private English lessons

✉️ Message

I was drawn to this position at ET because I enjoy helping customers and value opportunities to use my Japanese and English language skills.
My background includes work as a virtual events manager in the IT industry, English teaching roles at international schools and language institutions, and sales experience in the insurance industry. I have also been involved in localization projects for Japan-based content creators and narration work for bilingual educational materials.
At ET, I currently support ISOS (TRICARE medical interpretation services) and also handle interpretation assignments related to education.

📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

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📍 Sasebo

🌏 Background

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📍 Iwakuni

🌏 Background

• Graduated from Aoyama Gakuin University
• Began working part-time on a U.S. military base while attending university
• After graduation, worked in translation at a major automobile company, handling communication with overseas branches
• Lived in the United States for a total of approximately eight years after marrying a U.S. service member

✉️ Message

My motivation to become a community interpreter came from my own experience living in the U.S., where I personally felt how stressful it can be to go through procedures or visit medical facilities in a foreign language. I hope to support foreign residents in Japan who may be feeling the same kind of anxiety.
My professional background includes customer service work on a U.S. military base, followed by interpretation and translation work at a major automobile company. At ET, I am primarily engaged in on-site interpretation assignments, with a focus on education-related settings. As smartphone translation technology continues to advance, I believe the role of an on-site interpreter goes beyond simply translating language. It also involves providing emotional support and reassurance to clients. I aim to be an interpreter who can help ease the concerns of those I assist.

📍 Iwakuni

🌏 Background

• Moved to Japan in March 2011 to attend Tokyo Gakugei University
• Studied abroad in Michigan, USA for ten months as an exchange student during my university studies
• Worked for four years at international airline companies at Narita and Haneda airports, using three languages (English, Japanese, and Korean) to provide customer services such as check-in and ticketing
• Provided comprehensive compliance support for three years at a U.S.-based financial services company, managing operational processes related to the registration and submission of financial reports (e.g., annual reports, prospectuses)
• Have been performing local interpretation at Explore Translation, primarily supporting communities in Iwakuni City
• Hold Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1 certification, acquired in July 2010

✉️ Message

After graduating from university in Japan, I worked for four years at international airline companies operating at Narita and Haneda airports, where I developed strong communication skills.
I later took on a project management role at a U.S.-based financial services company, where I spent three years gaining expertise in supporting clients from a compliance perspective by managing tasks related to disclosure documents prepared for investors.

Following my husband’s military relocation to Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture, I was inspired to apply my language skills to support individuals facing language barriers. I have been working as a local on-site interpreter with Explore Translation, serving Iwakuni and the surrounding areas by providing language assistance across various fields, tailored to local needs in professional settings.

📍 Sasebo

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📍 Sasebo

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📍 Yokosuka

🌏 Background

• Graduated from a junior college in Fukuoka with a major in English and delivered the valedictorian speech in English at the graduation ceremony
•  Transferred to the University of Wisconsin and was named to the Dean’s List every semester until graduation
• After getting married and returning to Japan, worked in customer service on a U.S. military base, gaining valuable experience supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Obtained a Japanese nursery teacher’s license
• Currently serves as an Ombudsman, providing support to service members and their families

✉️ Message

At Explore Translation, I primarily assist clients online. With my background in customer service, childcare, and community support, I’m committed to offering thoughtful and reliable assistance to help our clients navigate life in Japan with confidence.
I especially understand the concerns many families have when enrolling their children in a new school system, surrounded by a different language and culture. I strive to offer caring and informed support that meets each client’s unique needs.

📍 Yokosuka

🌏 Background

• International experience while living in the United States during high school and university
• Degree in English and American Literature
• TOEIC score of 890; currently preparing for the Eiken Grade 1 certification
• Worked in the maritime logistics industry as a customer service manager
• Volunteered with Junior Chamber International (JCI) and worked as an English tour guide
• I am also engaged in a side career as a fitness instructor

✉️ Message

I believe that building on the experience I gained during my student years and working in various interpreting environments will contribute to my continued personal and professional growth. My professional background includes working at a shipping company as a Customer Service Manager, where I supported international clients and coordinated customs clearance procedures.
I am currently based in Yokosuka, working as an on-site interpreter while also supporting the messenger team at ET. With prior experience as a tour guide, I specialize in the tourism and hospitality field. In every assignment, I aim to provide customer-focused service by staying close to the client's perspective. I strive to deliver personalized support that goes one step beyond, so that clients feel more satisfied with the services we provide.

📍 Atsugi/Zama

🌏 Background

• Summer Exchange Student of Tokyo O-ta ward/ Boston Salem city in early 2000s
• Temple University bachelor's degree (major: Political Science, minor: Economics)
• Internship at Irish Embassy Tokyo (cultural attaché department)
• 3 years of secretary/admin experience at Keio University School of Medicine
• Several PCS moves after married to my active duty husband (Virginia Beach, Sesebo, San Diego, Atsugi)
• Experienced in teaching English to Japanese middle and high schoolers
• Volunteer experience: Apprentice Caseworker, Budget for Baby instructor, and a translator at Navy Marine Corps Relief Society since 2024

✉️ Message

Translator and interpreter work field have always been my career goal ever since I was a college student because you never stop learning with this work. Thanks to one of ET members, I was able to join this wonderful team of experts to start my new career. While I was a student at Temple University Japan, I helped many exchange students as a translator, interpreter, and sometimes as a tour guide. I gained experiences with proof readings for medical research papers while I was a secretary of research lab at Keio University, as well as be the point of contact for research labs and doctoral students from other countries. Currently I volunteer at Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, and my experiences from them expanded my knowledge about personal finances and military resources.
Now I enjoy assisting foreigners living in Japan (military or non-military) to make their lives smoother. My experiences include, but not limited to, assisting parent-teacher meetings at schools, opening bank account, property viewing, and medial paper translations.

📍Kanagawa, Tokyo

🌏 Background

• Lived in the United States for approximately 20 years across California and Hawaii
• Educated in English-focused environments from childhood through high school and college
• Graduated from Sophia University, Faculty of Comparative Culture
• Holds multiple counseling-related certifications, including Grief Care Counselor, HSP Counselor, and Adlerian Mental Trainer
• EIKEN Pre-1st Grade / TOEIC 915/ TOEFL 637

✉️ Message

I met with Explore Translation when I was hoping to provide help and support for foreign residents in Japan. As I have lived and faced challenging difficulties in a foreign country myself, I feel that I could relate and become helpful through my own experiences. My background spans a wide range of fields, including translation, counseling, education, tourism, and arts-related activities. I have been involved in translation and interpretation, tour guidance, event and conference operations, arts and concert management, customer service, and support for children and students in alternative educational settings. Through this diverse experience, I have developed a strong ability to respond flexibly to individual needs. I hope to become helpful not only as a translator but also as an interpreter and counselor.

📍 Yokosuka

🌏 Background

• 6 years in London as a child, 1 year in Swansea (Wales) as a college student, and 1 year in London acquiring qualifications for aromatherapy and body massage (ITEC) alongside completing an IAIM accredited infant massage instructor course
• 15 years of experience in a music retail company, starting off as the interpreter and secretary to the General Manager, transitioning to handling cross-divisional linguistic assistance across the company
• Completed a course on volunteer medical interpreting in 2018
• Freelance interpretation/translation services include a variety of categories, ranging from business meetings, consulting or artist interviews

✉️ Message

After many fulfilling years interpreting and translating in the business domain, it is an absolute new joy for myself to be able to provide closer and direct support at a much personal level via ET. My professional background includes extensive experience in the music industry—ranging from music retail and digital music platforms to music media, legal rights, localization, and quality assurance for social media platforms and applications. At ET, I am involved in on-site interpretation and document translation, while also supporting music-related affairs, secretarial services, localization, marketing, and public relations.
With any of my linguist assistances, on top of accuracy, I always place great emphasis on the "tone and temperature" of the the conversation that otherwise would have been conveyed without the language difference. I look forward to providing a heartfelt and warm service that reduces the worries and instead, brings a sense of security and (hopefully) lots of smiles!

📍 Yokosuka

🌏 Background

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📍 Saga Prefecture

🌏 Background

• Lived in Melbourne, Australia from 2017 to 2020
• Certified junior high school English teacher
• Qualified librarian and teacher-librarian
• EIKEN Pre-1st Grade / TOEIC 875
• Junior high school English teacher (Part-time Teacher)

✉️ Message

When I first lived overseas as a foreigner, I faced many challenges even in everyday life. I believe that foreigners living in Japan experience even greater difficulties. This experience made me want to help them in any way I can.
I have over ten years of teaching experience at public junior high schools, including both full-time and part-time positions. At ET, I have been involved in document translation coordination, Australian study-abroad programs, and advertising-related work. My primary area of expertise is education.
As an English teacher, I have been continuously studying English for many years. Recently, I read approximately one English book per month, look up unfamiliar vocabulary and expressions, and compile them into a personal vocabulary notebook to expand my lexicon. I also listen to TED Talks and news podcasts during my commute every morning to strengthen my listening skills.
In the future, I hope to offer free in-person Japanese group lessons for foreign mothers (focused on daily conversation; children welcome). I joined similar lessons being offered in Australia, which also served as a supportive gathering place for mothers with young children. Although such programs may already exist, I would like to provide not only opportunities to learn Japanese but also a safe and welcoming community where participants can feel at ease.

📍 Okinawa

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📍 Okinawa

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📍Okinawa

🌏 Background

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🌏 Background

• Studied English for one year at a language school on the Gold Coast, Australia
• Worked at a cafe where approximately 90% of customers were foreign nationals in Japan
• Gained experience as an English conversation instructor
• Completed a 2-year business program at a vocational school on the Gold Coast, Australia
• Working full-time at a local Australian company

✉️ Message

I joined ET because I wanted to support people living in environments where their native language isn’t widely spoken and I also wanted to use English in my work. My previous experience includes working in customer service at a café serving mostly international customers, as well as teaching English.
At ET, I am involved in supporting customers who wish to study English in Australia and managing the company’s Instagram account. My primary areas of strength are education and tourism-related support, particularly assisting prospective international students and providing online support for those studying in Australia. I hope to provide reliable support on the ground to help those planning to study abroad begin their journey with confidence!

🌏 Background

• Participated in the 70th Japan-America Student Conference
• Studied basic Mandarin Chinese at National Taiwan University
• Recipient of the Tobitate! Ryugaku Japan Scholarship; studied English in Portland, Oregon
• Graduated from Keio University with a major in Political Science
• Worked at a Japanese chemical company in domestic sales for consumable products
• Worked at a Japanese OEM startup, handling bookkeeping and logistics
• Currently pursuing a second bachelor’s degree at the University of Maryland Global Campus

✉️ Message

Greetings from “America’s Finest City,” San Diego!
I joined ET in January 2024, driven by a long-standing interest in translation and interpretation that deepened after marrying my husband, who serves in the U.S. Navy. Through him, I witnessed many foreign residents struggle to navigate daily life in Japan—particularly healthcare, legal matters, and official procedures.
After leaving Japan, I have primarily been responsible for graphic design for our partner businesses, as well as website development in both English and Japanese across all ET services. Through my earlier experience working as a translator with ET in Yokosuka and Sasebo, I realized my dream to be an U.S. attorney with the goal of supporting international couples and veteran families both in Japan and abroad. Alongside my current legal studies, I hope to continue supporting those who need assistance with Japanese language, counseling, and young Japanese people who want to study in Australia.