I am a Japanese–English translator specializing in nonfiction and cultural texts. Below are selected sample translations provided for portfolio purposes.
Sample 1: オオカミと野生のイヌ / Wolves and Wild Dogs
Title: オオカミと野生のイヌ (Wolves and Wild Dogs)
Publisher: X-Knowledge
About: This is from a photography book describing wolves and wild dogs.
Translation (English):
Who Are The Wolves?
Excluding humans, wolves once occupied the widest geographical range of any mammal on Earth. Wolves have survived in virtually all environments, adapting their diet, abilities, and bodies to the land.
To humans, the bold appearance of the wolf has long been a representation of nature’s true strength. For this reason, wolves have been revered as gods. Yet as civilization developed and humans sought to dominate the natural world, wolves came to be feared as symbols of nature’s terror, and viewed as beings to be driven out and destroyed. By the first half of the twentieth century, wolves worldwide were persecuted and driven to extinction.
However, in the latter half of the 20th century, we realized that humans must live in coexistence with nature. We also recognized the vital role that wolves play within nature, and the wolves that were once hunted to death have become the focus of worldwide efforts to bring them back. Wolves have never been a threat to humans. Beautiful in their diversity, broad-minded and expansive, they are nature itself.
To know wolves is, in other words, to know nature. In this book, you will find wolves in all of their forms.
Who Are the Wild Dogs?
This book uses the term “wild dogs” to refer to all members of the canine family, including the dogs (domestic dogs) that are so familiar to us. However, just because they are called dogs does not mean that all wild dogs are domesticated dogs that have gone feral. Dogs and wolves originally share a common ancestor, and out of these descendants, those that form close bonds with humans and live together with them are just one group. We call the wild dogs “dogs” simply because they are like those that are so familiar to us.
Through the genetic analysis of recent years, the wild dogs that are closely related species have been assembled under one lineage, which is mainly split into four groups. Those four groups are the wolves, the South American group, the red foxes, and the island grey fox. Together, these four groups include roughly 35 species, which are commonly referred to by names such as wolf, dog, jackal, and fox.
In this book, we will first take a look at the wolves that make up the core of the wild dogs, offering explanations from various perspectives. After that, from page 58, we will examine each of the four groups in turn, and take a look at every species individually. In this way we will give a full picture of those that make up the wild dogs.
Source Text (Japanese):
オオカミとは誰か？
人間を除くすべての哺乳類の中で、かつて最も広い地域に生息していたのはオオカミである。彼らはあらゆる環境において、その土地に適した食性や能力、肉体を獲得して生きてきた。
そのたくましい姿は、人間にとって自然の力強さそのものであった。それゆえ人間は、オオカミを神として崇拝もしたが、文明を発達させ自然を支配しようとするようになる中で、いつしか自然の恐ろしさを象徴するものとして、恐れ、駆逐すべき存在と考えるようになっていった。そして２０世紀前半ごろまでに、世界各地のオオカミを迫害し、絶滅に追い込んだのだ。
しかし２０世紀も後半になると、自然と共生しなければ、人間も生きていけないことを私たちは知った。オオカミが自然の中で重要な役割を果たしてきたことにも気付き、一度はしに追いやった彼らを再び、世界各地に蘇らせることに力を注ぐようになった。彼らは決して人間にとって脅威ではなかった。多様で美しく、懐の深い、自然の姿そのものであったのだ。
オオカミを知ることは、すなわち自然を知ることなのだ。本書には、その彼らのあらゆる姿が詰まっている。
野生イヌとは誰か？
「野生イヌ」とは、私たちに身近な、いわゆる「犬」「イエイヌ」を含め、すべてのイヌ科動物を指す言葉として本書では用いている。しかし決して、まず犬がいて、それが野生化してイヌ科動物全体になった、ということではない。イヌとはオオカミと同じ祖先を持つ動物のうち、人間と緊密な関係を保って暮らすようになった一派である。あくまでもイヌが人間に最も身近ゆえ、このような呼称になっているに過ぎない。
さてその野生イヌは、近年の遺伝子解析によって、関係の深い種同士を一つの「系統」としてまとめると、主に４つに分けられることになった。それがすなわち、オオカミ型系統、南米系統、アカギツネ型系統、シマハイイロギツネ型系統、である。この４系統に３５ほどの種が含まれ、それぞれ、オオカミ、イヌ、ジャッカル、キツネなどの語が付く名前を得ているのだ。
本書ではまず、野生イヌの中核をなすオオカミについて様々な角度から解説を加える。その後、５８ページ以降は、この４つの系統ごとに、各系統に含まれる種を順番に紹介し、野生イヌの全貌を明らかにしていく。
Translator’s Notes:
This translation aims to remain as close as possible to the original Japanese in both meaning and tone, with an emphasis on accuracy and neutrality appropriate to scientific and natural history writing.
One challenge involved rendering scientific terminology used somewhat flexibly in the original Japanese. For example, 系統 refers to a taxonomic grouping, but does not specify a precise rank (such as clade or genus). In order to avoid over-specifying beyond the source text, I chose the terms “lineage” and “group”, which preserve the intended scientific relationship without imposing a stricter classification than the original.
Another point requiring careful consideration was the expression 懐の深い, which carries metaphorical and cultural nuance and is difficult to translate directly. To resolve this, I researched the expression’s usage and connotations in Japanese, and selected an English rendering that conveys breadth, richness, and scope, consistent with the author’s portrayal of nature.
Sample 2: 海の生物の意外な生態！知れば誰かに話したくなる10の豆知識
Title: 海の生物の意外な生態！知れば誰かに話したくなる10の豆知識 (10 amazing facts about sea creatures that you will want to tell everyone about)
Publisher: Kawasui Aqua & Animal School
About: This is from a blog post sharing facts about marine animals.
Translation (English):
Hello everyone! There are many strange and wonderful creatures in the ocean. Every time I look at marine animals, I am always shocked and think, “Wow, can they really do that?”
The truth is that marine animals are hiding marvelous powers and abilities that you won’t learn in any textbook. I’m going to introduce you to ten facts about sea creatures that will make your friends say, “What??”, the next time you’re talking with them.
When you read these facts, the next time you get to view some sea creatures, you should see them in a different light. And what’s more, you will want to share these facts with whoever will listen.
Even the marine biologists will be impressed that you know so much about ocean animals. It might even make you seem a little obsessed, but these are some seriously interesting facts. Without further ado, let’s dive into the surprising world of the sea creatures!
There are creatures living in the ocean that are so fascinating they surpass even our imaginations. The organisms that look so innocent and nonchalant at the aquarium are hiding traits and abilities that will certainly surprise you. Now, we’ll introduce some facts to you about the surprising ecology of sea creatures that will absolutely make your friends say, “What?? Really??”
The first fact is about the marvelous intellect of octopuses. Octopuses have nine brains, and their memory is extremely sharp. They are able to do things like solve puzzles and use tools. At the aquariums “Kaizokukan” and “Hakkejima Sea Paradise” you can observe an octopus taking an intelligence test.
The second fact is about squids’ special method of communication. Squids are able to change the color of their entire bodies to send a complex message to their friends. This “body color language” is one of the most advanced methods of communication on Earth.
The third fact is the secret of jellyfish’s immortality. In particular, the species called the “Immortal jellyfish” can start to rejuvenate itself when it ages, and can theoretically live forever.
The fourth fact is about the special sensory organ found in sharks. Sharks have an organ called the “Ampullae of Lorenzini”, that allows them to detect weak electromagnetic signals emitted by prey. With this organ they can locate prey in total darkness, and even find prey that is buried in the sand.
The fifth fact is about the IQ of manta rays. Among fish, the weight of the manta’s brain compared to its body is top class. Research has also confirmed that mantas have self-awareness. They are able to recognize themselves in the mirror, which is a very rare capability.
The sixth fact is about the strange power hidden in the body of seahorses. Seahorses are able to absorb the cnidocyte cells they get from eating their prey into their own bodies, and use them for their own self-defense. This is a perfect example of the strategy, “Using the weapon you take from your enemy.”
The seventh fact is about the incredible punching power of the mantis shrimp. This creature is able to unleash a punch from its front legs that is faster than a shot from a gun. The punch is so powerful that it creates a shockwave within the water.
The eighth surprising fact is related to the poison of the pufferfish. The pufferfish’s poison, tetrodotoxin, is not actually made by the pufferfish. It comes from the bacteria found in the food that the pufferfish eats.
The ninth fact is that dolphins have a unique method of sleeping, where only half their body sleeps at a time. They are able to alternate resting each half of their brains while maintaining consciousness, so that they can keep breathing normally.
The tenth fact is about the true state of corals. At a glance, corals look like plants, but in reality they are animals composed of thousands of tiny organisms called zooids.
If you know these surprising animal facts, the next time you go to an aquarium, you’ll be able to say more than just calling the animals beautiful or cute. You will be able to observe the animals of the sea with a deeper appreciation and perspective. Now that your intellectual curiosity about the world of the wonderful creatures of the sea has been peaked, I wonder if you too might fall in love with them!
Source (Japanese):
皆さん、こんにちは！海の生物って本当に不思議な生き物がたくさんいますよね。私も海の生き物を見るたびに「え、そんな特徴があるの？」と驚くことばかりです。
実は海の生物たちには、教科書では教えてくれないような意外な生態や驚くべき能力が隠されているんです。今回は、友達との会話で使える、思わず「へぇ～！」と言ってしまうような海の生物の豆知識を10個ご紹介します！
これを読めば、次に海の生き物を観察するときの見方が変わるはず。しかも、知ってしまえば誰かに話したくなる情報ばかりなんですよ。
海の専門家たちも「そこまで詳しく知っているなんてすごい！」と感心するような、ちょっとマニアックだけど面白い知識が満載です。さあ、海の生物たちの驚きの世界へ飛び込んでみましょう！
海の中には私たちの想像を超える不思議な生き物たちが暮らしています。水族館で何気なく見ている生物たちにも、驚くべき特徴や能力が隠されているのです。今回は、友人との会話で「へぇ～！」と言われること間違いなしの海の生物たちの驚きの生態をご紹介します。
まず一つ目は、タコの驚異的な知能です。タコは9つの脳を持ち、記憶力が非常に高く、迷路を解いたり道具を使ったりすることができます。水族館「海遊館」や「八景島シーパラダイス」でもタコの知能テストの様子を観察できることがあります。
二つ目はイカの特殊なコミュニケーション方法です。イカは体全体で色を変化させ、複雑なメッセージを仲間に伝えます。この「体色言語」は地球上で最も複雑なコミュニケーション方法の一つとされています。
三つ目はクラゲの不老不死の秘密です。特に「ベニクラゲ」と呼ばれる種は、老化すると若返りのプロセスを始め、理論上は永遠に生き続けることができるのです。
四つ目はサメの特殊な感覚器官。サメは獲物が発する微弱な電気を感知できる「ロレンチーニ器官」を持っています。これにより、完全な暗闇や砂に埋もれた獲物も正確に捕らえることができます。
五つ目はマンタの驚くべき知能指数です。脳対体重比が魚類の中でトップクラスで、自己認識能力があるとする研究結果も出ています。鏡に映った自分を認識できる動物は非常に限られています。
六つ目はウミウシの体の不思議です。捕食した海洋生物の刺胞細胞を自分の体に取り込み、防御に利用するウミウシがいます。まさに「敵の武器を奪って使う」作戦です。
七つ目はシャコの驚異的なパンチ力。マンティスシュリンプと呼ばれるこの生物は、人間が銃を撃つよりも速い速度で前脚を繰り出し、水中で衝撃波を起こすほどのパワーを持っています。
八つ目はフグの毒に関する意外な事実。フグの毒テトロドトキシンは実はフグ自身が作り出すものではなく、餌から摂取する細菌によって生成されるというのです。
九つ目はイルカの半分だけ眠るという特殊な睡眠法。イルカは脳の半分ずつを交互に休ませることで、常に呼吸のために意識を保ちながら眠ることができます。
十つ目はサンゴの実態です。一見植物のように見えるサンゴですが、実は何千もの小さな個虫が集まった動物の集合体なのです。
これらの驚くべき生態を知れば、次に水族館に行ったとき、ただ「きれい」「かわいい」で終わらせず、もっと深い視点で海の生物たちを観察できるでしょう。知的好奇心をくすぐる海の生物の世界、あなたもその虜になるかもしれませんよ。
HAKUMUSU 