How to Become a Great Japanese Interpreter

HOW TO BECOME AN EXCELLENT JAPANESE INTERPRETER

In this article, Golden Era will introduce the key elements required to become a highly skilled Japanese interpreter.

- 3 Elements to Become a Professional Interpreter

- INTERPRETER = QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE + KNOWLEDGE

❤️ QUALIFICATIONS

1. Japanese Language Qualifications

Qualifications reflect your real level. Although some people claim that certificates are not important, in reality, in our society, qualifications remain the most essential proof of one’s competence.
That is why if you want to become a professional interpreter, the first thing you must do is “hunt” for the highest-level Japanese certificate.

The key certificate is the JLPT N1 (Advanced Level). If you do not have it yet, you must study relentlessly until you achieve it.
Nobody will trust statements like “I have equivalent ability” or “I’m not suitable for formal certificates,” because only certificates clearly show where your true capability stands.

2. Vietnamese Language Skills

Vietnamese is our mother tongue, but that does not automatically mean you can use it proficiently. That is why many interpreters struggle to clearly convey the speaker's message.
As the bridge between two cultures, you must refine your Vietnamese so that your expression becomes:

1. Concise

2. Straight to the point

3. Clear and powerful

To achieve this, you should constantly read literature, novels, journalism, and books that improve expressive ability.
A true interpreter is someone who keeps learning, keeps reading, and keeps translating all their life.

---

❤️ PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

In interpreting, experience is incredibly important. Through experience, what you learned in books transforms into real-life application. You listen with your ears, speak with your mouth, think with your mind, and feel with your heart.

The more you interpret, the more you will:

• Listen faster

• Speak more fluently

• Develop sharper sensitivity and intuition

These skills cannot be taught by teachers—they can only be gained through real experience. During interpreting, all senses—eyes, ears, voice, mind—work together. Therefore, you must constantly practice until every sense becomes quick and responsive.

The more you travel, interpret, and experience, the broader your perspective becomes. When your knowledge expands, your performance also improves. You will realize that interpreting is not only the work of the brain—it comes from the heart and the whole soul.

If qualifications represent textbook knowledge, then experience represents real-world mastery. Through experience, your Japanese becomes more vivid, natural, and rich in nuance.

---

❤️ SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

There is an unchanging golden rule in interpreting:

“If you don’t understand, you cannot translate.”

For example, in some countries shaking the head means “Yes,” but if you misunderstand cultural meaning, you may incorrectly interpret “No.” Some fields require only basic knowledge, but many require deeper preparation.

As long as you understand the topic, you may not need to translate every word perfectly—the listener will still understand.
But if you do not understand, no matter how passionately you translate, it will bring no value.

That is why for professional interpreters, PREPARATION (reading materials beforehand) is essential.
You must read until you fully understand the subject.

Napoleon said:

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

This applies perfectly to interpreting.

This preparation can be extremely demanding, sometimes taking days depending on the project. Once you accept a job, you must be mentally ready for serious, thorough preparation.

---

❤️❤️❤️ Contact Us ❤️❤️❤️

GOLDEN ERA Co., Ltd – 038.215.5900

➡ Japanese Translation & Interpretation Company
➡ ベトナムコールセンターサービス (Comprehensive Support Window, Local Secretary Service)
Vietnam Call Center Service (Comprehensive Support Services, Local Secretary Service)

Hotline (From Japan): +84 38 215 5900