What is localization (to localize)? Is it the same as translation?

Localization, when translated literally, means "localization." In any field of products, the market where the product is introduced has different cultures and customs, so it is necessary to adjust the content of the product and manuals accordingly.
In manuals and software, simply translating the original text is often insufficient, so adjustments are made appropriately to suit the target region and language.

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Can I check the quality before placing an order?

Yes, it is possible.

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Do you have any areas of expertise?

We specialize in the translation of manuals, technical documents, and educational materials in the fields of IT, manufacturing (automotive, measuring instruments, semiconductors, machine tools), and healthcare. Please feel free to contact us for any other translation needs. You can also check the translation quality in advance with our free trial translation.
>>Supported Fields for Multilingual Translation

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For the sake of budgeting, what is your estimation method?

When the source text is in Japanese, it is counted by "character count"; for English and other languages, it is counted by "word count". This allows us to confirm the translation fee at the time you request a quote.
The unit price varies depending on the language, volume, and desired quality level. For more details, please also refer to the cost estimate page.
>>Cost Estimate

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What kind of tool is Trados?

Trados is a translation assistance tool that is commonly used in the translation industry. It allows translators to register and accumulate translated texts in a database called Translation Memory (TM) by pairing them with the original text. When the same or similar original text appears, it refers to the previously registered translations in the translation memory, thereby improving the speed and accuracy of translation. In the translation of manuals and specifications, similar sentences often reappear, which can enhance accuracy, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
>>Cost reduction and efficiency improvement through the use of Trados

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If no translation memory exists, can Trados not be used?

No problem. If you have the original text and the corresponding translated text, we can create a translation memory (TM). We also accept requests for the creation of translation memories (TM).

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How are the quality and accuracy of machine translation (MT)? Does it ultimately require a human to redo it?

There are very few cases where the quality of machine translation alone can meet the standards of our customers. The processes that come before and after translation are important.
Even with human intervention, satisfactory cost benefits can still be achieved, depending on where the quality standards are set.
We will propose the benefits that can be obtained through the introduction of machine translation, such as lower costs and shorter delivery times, tailored to each project's desired quality and budget.
>>Lower costs and shorter delivery times through machine translation (MT)

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How much cost reduction can be achieved by introducing machine translation (MT)?

The translation quality may vary depending on the document to be translated, the desired translation quality, and the status of past translation assets, but for certain projects, we have achieved up to 27% cost reduction and 47% deadline reduction.
However, machine translation is not suitable for all translation work. It depends on past translation assets, target users, and volume.
And, without designing an MT workflow that has been sufficiently simulated and verified, successfully introducing machine translation is not possible.
At Human Science, we accept consultations regarding whether or not to introduce machine translation. Please feel free to discuss it with us.
>>Lower costs and shorter delivery times through machine translation (MT)

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Which MT engine does Human Science use?

There are two main types of MT engines, "rules-based" and "statistics-based", and which to use depends on the document and desired quality.
Human Science will propose the most suitable MT engine from multiple rules-based and statistics-based engines, taking into account your quality requirements, budget, and workflow.
>>Lower costs and shorter delivery times through machine translation (MT)

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We are considering not only PDF and paper manuals but also expansion to web and video. Is this possible?

Yes. Since 2000, Human Science has been providing web, video, and multimedia content creation services. If you have concerns such as wanting to turn machine operations into video, wanting to expand Japanese videos overseas, or wanting to convert paper manuals to the web, please feel free to consult with us.

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I've heard that in English and multilingual translation, there are often issues such as corrupted text occurring on-site. Is this an issue?

It's okay. If there is double-byte information (full-width characters) left in the data or if appropriate fonts are not used for each language, issues such as garbled text can occur in overseas environments. At Human Science, we prepare OS environments for various languages and work according to the actual language environments used, which allows us to prevent such troubles in advance.
>> English and Multilingual Manual DTP Editing

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How much multilingual development is possible?

We have a proven track record in over 50 languages, including English, Asian languages, European languages, Nordic languages, and South American languages. If you have a specific language request, please feel free to contact us.
>>Languages available for English translation and multilingual translation

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What should I prepare when asking for work?

In addition to the data to be translated, please prepare a "style guide" and a "glossary." If no style guide or glossary is specified, we will use the Human Science standard style guide. It is also possible to create a custom style guide or glossary based on the old version.
>>Creation and management of glossary and style guide

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Our product is under development, so is it okay to drastically change the specifications?

For such projects, please feel free to consult with us. When there are changes in specifications for products under development, the importance of proper history management, difference management, and file management increases. At Human Science, the production contact (project manager) will centrally manage translation changes associated with specification changes. We will propose methods to proceed according to your requested schedule and to keep costs down.
>> English-Japanese (Translation) & Multilingual Translation Process

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Is it possible to retain the old version of a translation?

You can also translate while referring to the previous version of the translation. Additionally, by creating a translation memory (TM) from the old version data, you can refer to the registered translations in the translation memory when the same or similar source text appears. When there are many changes and the changes are dispersed, using the translation memory (TM) can be particularly effective.

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Do you provide native checks (proofreading by a checker whose native language is the target language)?

Yes. We also accept requests for native checks only. Native checkers familiar with various fields will point out typographical errors and issues in each language that may be difficult for Japanese speakers to notice. This is effective in cases where "we will handle the translation ourselves and only want a native check."

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This is a company outside of the Kanto region. Is it possible to visit?

Yes. We travel to Nagoya, Osaka, Shikoku, and Kyushu to provide proposals and hold meetings. During the project, we conduct meetings using telephone conferences and web conferencing systems, and we visit during key moments such as after the first draft is completed and after delivery for review meetings.

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Are your security measures sufficient?

We enter into confidentiality agreements with our clients and are committed to complying with them.
We physically limit access to data and reference materials that we have received, and we also conduct virus checks on emails and data sent from Human Science to ensure that there are no security issues.
In addition, both internal and external production staff are required to submit a written pledge regarding the handling of information.
If you tell us your security standards, we will prepare the designated responses and reports.

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Is it possible to capture screenshots in 50 languages?

Yes. Human Science provides various languages and versions of OS environments. We recreate the actual environments used in each language and perform screenshot capture.

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Is it possible to conduct real device checks and functionality checks in English and multilingual environments?

Yes. Human Science provides various language and OS environment versions. We reproduce the actual environments used in each language and offer real device checks and functionality checks. In the case of UI (User Interface) translation, we also respond to requests for display checks, functionality checks, and bug fixes after system integration.
>> GUI/UI (User Interface) English and Multilingual Translation

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