Our Team

Beyond Languages,
Across Borders

Words are the unique communication tool created by human beings, which are as alive and ever-changing as human beings themselves.

At times, words can become a barrier, however, the power of words can also break through barriers. 'Everything in this world carries on along its own story path.' This is what words taught me. Seamlessly interweaving through new landscapes, words, in a sense, are very uninhibited, and creative. With foreign languages becoming more common for communication, I offer people assistance to connect to the world and celebrate the intricate nature of each unique word.

I am looking forward to meeting your 'words'.

Kumiko Kato, Manager

Penguin Translation's creative members

• My Favorite Word

  入魂translate →Give it all you've got

  Director of Penguin Translation
  Born in Hyogo, Japan. Having lived in Dubai, UAE from 1999 and returning to Japan in 2004 and completed a master’s degree (for intermedia art) at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 2011. After working at a landscape design company and advertisement agency, she began translating for the creative art and entertainment field, providing clear and natural English/Japanese translations, interpretation, English classes, art history instructor (English), and assisting in foreign businesses and events. Also is a practicing contemporary artist who works on field research-based, site-specific installations. Enjoys playing the piano, Japanese dance, kabuki theater, and visiting komainu statues around the country.

• My Favorite Word

  可能性は無限大translate →The sky is the limit

  Sugiyama is a native Japanese translator with more than 10 years of experience in the field. After completing her undergraduate study in Theatre Arts in the United States, she commenced her career at a leading public relations firm in Japan where she provided translation and writing services to clients with global operations. Since 2017,she has been serving clients as a freelance translator covering a wide range of areas such as art, food, hospitality, healthcare, luxury brands and the not-for-profit sectors.

  

• My Favorite Word

  罪なき人を殺す悪を覆い隠せる国旗はない　ーハワード・ジンtranslate →There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people. —Howard Zinn

  Graduated from CUNY Hunter College with BA in Psychology. Translates legal and official documents, websites, arts/economic/academic publications. Likes to collect and trade vintage clothes and knick knacks. Loves reading Manga comics.Her dream is to become a Manga translator.

• My Favorite Word

  知る人ぞ知るtranslate →Those who know it, sure do know it.

  Alongside his practice as an artist, researcher, and critic, he has been working as a freelance translator since 2010. Communicating complex and abstract ideas to the public has been a key part of his practice for most of his career, and he brings this skill to bear when translating academic writing, artist statements, and visitor guides, among other texts. Originally trained at Cambridge University, doing an undergraduate degree in Japanese Studies, and went on to study History of Design and Material Culture Studies (specialising in Asia) at the Royal College of Art and Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

• My Favorite Word

  七転び八起きtranslate →If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

  Lives in Canberra, Australia. Graduated with a Master of Education in leadership and Japanese Culture. Worked as a teacher for 25 years, including two years in Okayama, Japan, teaching English in elementary schools and senior high schools. Currently runs a freelance editing and writing business. Loves everything about words and helping people make their words 'sing'.

• My Favorite Word

  夢は「言葉」を「物」として扱っているのかもしれない　ーフロイトtranslate →Dreams may treat “words” as “things.” —Sigmund Freud

  Okada studied southern India at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, and obtained her master's degree. Currently she is a UX writer, and a UX designer at a creative studio, working on UX scenario designing. She creates the concept designs for car navigator (GPS device) voice agents and other VUI and interactive contents for UX design, as well as writing for web media such as "Machikado no Kurieitibu."

• My Favorite Word

  一期一会translate →Once in a lifetime chance

  Graduated with a bachelor's degree in UK and American literature. After studying abroad in Canada, she worked at a foreign company in Japan. Later she worked as an editor for textbooks and educational magazines for a publisher. Currently she is a freelance researcher, and also edits language textbooks, writes for social media for companies, translates (English to Japanese). She also teaches English for young children.

• My Favorite Word

  入魂translate →Real will makes things come true will makes things come true.

  Director of Penguin Translation
  Born in Hyogo, Japan. Having lived in Dubai, UAE from 1999 and returning to Japan in 2004 and completed a master’s degree (for intermedia art) at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 2011. After working at a landscape design company and advertisement agency, she began translating for the creative art and entertainment field, providing clear and natural English/Japanese translations, interpretation, English classes, art history instructor (English), and assisting in foreign businesses and events. Also is a practicing contemporary artist who works on field research-based, site-specific installations. Enjoys playing the piano, Japanese dance, kabuki theater, and visiting komainu statues around the country.

• My Favorite Word

  入魂translate →Real will makes things come true will makes things come true.

  Director of Penguin Translation
  Born in Hyogo, Japan. Having lived in Dubai, UAE from 1999 and returning to Japan in 2004 and completed a master’s degree (for intermedia art) at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 2011. After working at a landscape design company and advertisement agency, she began translating for the creative art and entertainment field, providing clear and natural English/Japanese translations, interpretation, English classes, art history instructor (English), and assisting in foreign businesses and events. Also is a practicing contemporary artist who works on field research-based, site-specific installations. Enjoys playing the piano, Japanese dance, kabuki theater, and visiting komainu statues around the country.

• My Favorite Word

  入魂translate →Real will makes things come true will makes things come true.

  Director of Penguin Translation
  Born in Hyogo, Japan. Having lived in Dubai, UAE from 1999 and returning to Japan in 2004 and completed a master’s degree (for intermedia art) at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 2011. After working at a landscape design company and advertisement agency, she began translating for the creative art and entertainment field, providing clear and natural English/Japanese translations, interpretation, English classes, art history instructor (English), and assisting in foreign businesses and events. Also is a practicing contemporary artist who works on field research-based, site-specific installations. Enjoys playing the piano, Japanese dance, kabuki theater, and visiting komainu statues around the country.

• My Favorite Word

  入魂translate →Real will makes things come true will makes things come true.

  Director of Penguin Translation
  Born in Hyogo, Japan. Having lived in Dubai, UAE from 1999 and returning to Japan in 2004 and completed a master’s degree (for intermedia art) at the Tokyo University of the Arts in 2011. After working at a landscape design company and advertisement agency, she began translating for the creative art and entertainment field, providing clear and natural English/Japanese translations, interpretation, English classes, art history instructor (English), and assisting in foreign businesses and events. Also is a practicing contemporary artist who works on field research-based, site-specific installations. Enjoys playing the piano, Japanese dance, kabuki theater, and visiting komainu statues around the country.