In a reagent protocol, one mistranslated line can mean a failed experiment. In an instrument manual, inconsistent terms turn directly into more support enquiries. In distribution agreements and tender documents, technical language and commercial language sit in the same file. We have the same person handle both document translation and on-site interpreting, and we deliver with reagent names, instrument names, model numbers and units aligned to the manufacturer’s official usage. Our working languages are Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) and English.
When to talk to us
- A reagent kit from an overseas manufacturer comes with an English-only manual, and your laboratory or sales team needs it in Japanese or Chinese
- You are taking Japanese-made laboratory instruments into the Chinese market and need the user manual, product pages and technical brochures in Chinese
- You are exhibiting at a trade show in China or Japan (scientific instruments, medical devices) and want the exhibition materials translated and the booth interpreted by the same person
- You are negotiating a distribution agreement with an overseas manufacturer and need the authorisation letter, sales agreement and price list read accurately, and your own terms conveyed accurately
- You are bidding in a tender run by a university or research institute and need the technical specifications and comparison tables in the right language, exactly
- Product enquiries, complaints and after-sales correspondence with overseas customers or manufacturers have to be handled across languages
Documents we handle
Reagents and protocols
- Reagent kit manuals and protocols (extraction, purification, detection, staining, culture and the like)
- Certificates of analysis (CoA), quality inspection reports, lot information
- Storage conditions, stability data, precautions for use
Instruments and equipment
- User manuals, installation procedures, maintenance procedures (spectrophotometers, centrifuges, pipettes, filtration and concentration devices, water purification systems, cell counters and the like)
- Technical specifications, comparison tables against other models
- Demonstration and training materials, fault enquiries and replies
Products and marketing
- Product catalogues, price lists, product page copy
- Exhibition materials, posters, press releases
- Life-science market reports and industry material
Commercial and compliance
- Distributor authorisation letters, distribution agreements, supply agreements
- Quotations, tender documents, technical responses
- Import and export documents (invoices, packing lists, declarations of origin or composition)
- SDS and documents on hazardous or regulated chemicals
On-site interpreting
Trade-show booths, meetings with universities, research institutes and companies, tender briefings, instrument installation, demonstrations and training, distribution negotiations with overseas manufacturers, after-sales meetings. From a single half day to residence on the stand for the whole show. Terms that come up during interpreting are recorded on the spot and carried into the translated documents.
Interpreting rates are set out on the interpreting rates section of our Services page.
How we deliver
- We deliver in the original file format (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF, InDesign text exports and the like). Layout, model numbers, lot numbers and units are left unchanged.
- Reagent names, instrument names and model numbers follow the names the manufacturer uses officially in each language. Where no official name exists, the source term is given alongside and no new term is coined.
- A terminology table is prepared and delivered for each project, and the same terms are used in later work. Where your company already has a glossary, it takes precedence.
- Where a judgement call is needed, it is flagged in a translator’s note rather than decided silently.
Languages
Japanese ⇄ Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), English → Japanese, English → Chinese. Post-editing of machine translation (MTPE) is also available.
How fees are structured
Translation is quoted by character count and volume and by the technical level of the content; interpreting is quoted by hours and days. For recurring work such as manuals and catalogues, a monthly arrangement is also available on request.
Per-character translation rates and interpreting rates are set out in the rates section of our Services page.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can an English-only manual be produced in both Japanese and Chinese?
A. Yes. We translate English into Japanese and English into Chinese, and running both at the same time makes it easier to keep the terminology aligned.
Q. Can you follow the terminology and product names the manufacturer specifies?
A. Yes. If you give us the manufacturer’s glossary or existing translations, we follow them. If there is no glossary, we build one during the first project and hand it over.
Q. Can we order the booth interpreting and the translation of panels and brochures together?
A. Yes. We translate the exhibition materials in advance and use the same terms when interpreting on the day. Questions and requests raised by visitors are recorded and handed over.
Q. Can you sign a non-disclosure agreement?
A. Yes. We can work with your template or ours. Where unreleased product or pricing information is involved, tell us in advance.
Contact
Email info@az-llc.co.jp with the type and volume of documents and your deadline, or the dates, location and subject of the interpreting assignment. We will review the details and reply with a quotation.
AZ LLC, Fukuoka, Japan