Tsunoda Stylings is an online international multilingual agency that strives to create successful, responsive websites that are fast, easy to use, and built with the best techniques. At Tsunoda Stylings, we search for new talent to develop their portfolios via paid-per-project remote work! Not too long after we opened our doors, we received a request from an experienced translator and content writer looking to enhance her skills.
Her name is Yukie, and she is a Japanese native who has been interested in different cultures and languages and decided to put that curiosity to good use. Read more below to learn more about her and what she plans to accomplish during her time here at Tsunoda Stylings.
Jasmine: "Hello Yukie, could you please introduce yourself to the readers?"
Yukie: " Hi I'm Yukie Hatakeyama, a Japanese translator at Tsunoda stylings, and I translate the English literature into Japanese."
Jasmine: "When did you start applying for translation jobs? How many languages do you speak?"
Yukie: "I started translating in 2017 and joined Tsunoda stylings, last year. I can't believe it's already been 5 years since I first translated, time really flies. I speak English and Japanese. Currently I'm learning Spanish too."
Jasmine: "Why did you decide to start translating? How long have you studied English?"
Yukie: "To put my reason in three words: culture, habit, and food. I'm interested in learning about other countries. I thought I could understand cultures and ways of thinking globally if I translated source texts and read them. It’s been over 25 years since I started learning English. I love English expressions, having many positive phrases. I will continue learning English because it is just like an endless journey for me."
Jasmine: "What made you apply for the job opening at Tsunoda Stylings, and how do you like it so far?"
Yukie: "The website first attracted me to Tsunoda stylings. It was colorful and stylish, and at the time I was really interested in website translation. I can always find a different way of thinking trough translating at Tsunoda Stylings."
Jasmine: "That is so kind! Thank you! I wanted to make the logo something people have never seen before. Even though it is just a generic type of graphic, I think it makes an impact! So what do you like most about being a translator?"
Yukie: " I suppose Translating is just like building bridges between different cultures. If I can convey someone's way of thinking, readers may understand that as well. What I am most fond of about being a translator, is that I can support the cross-fertilization of ideas and culture for people through translation."
Jasmine: " What do you find most challenging about being a translator?"
Yukie: "Sometimes I face difficult situations which it is unable to get understand with only texts. I should not only know the languages that I am working with, but also the cultural background must be completely understood in order to translate. But, I like this process and am delighted when I get to understand it after researching. "
Jasmine: "What do you hope to accomplish while working with us?"
Yukie: "I hope to raise awareness get more people interested in Tsunoda stylings through translation. I will translate in order to make the text more understandable for our readers."
Jasmine: " What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a (freelancer or not) translator or content writer?"
Yukie: "I would give this saying "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. Even if you start with just one phrase a day you can develop the special skills of a translator, and may unlock the secrets of language."
Whether you are a student looking for a major to study in, wanting to learn a new skill for a promotion, or a professional considering a career change, Yukie has shown us that it is never too late to pursue your dreams with a bit of determination.