Japanese Translator - Historical Documents

Description

· Read, decipher, and translate handwritten Japanese documents, scripts, letters, and other correspondence into clear, accurate English.

· Interpret older writing styles, historical language, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references while preserving the original meaning and tone.

· Collaborate with Catalogers to explain how translated materials relate to individual auction lots.

· Research names, dates, terminology, and references to support accurate translations and catalog descriptions.

· Clearly identify illegible passages, uncertain readings, and alternate interpretations for further review.

· Organize translation notes and findings so they can be readily referenced during catalog preparation.

· Handle original materials carefully and maintain confidentiality regarding consignments and unpublished auction information.

· Manage assigned work to meet catalog and auction production deadlines.

Requirements

· Complete fluency in written Japanese and strong English reading and writing skills.

· Demonstrated proficiency reading older handwritten Japanese, including cursive forms and historical writing conventions.

· Experience translating Japanese documents into accurate, readable English.

· Strong research skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment when interpreting ambiguous or incomplete text.

· Ability to explain linguistic and cultural nuances to colleagues who do not read Japanese.

· Ability to work collaboratively and manage deadlines.

· Availability to work onsite in Dallas for the duration of the assignment.

· Experience with historical Japanese correspondence, manuscripts, archival materials, or comparable primary sources.

· Familiarity with classical Japanese, historical orthography, and cursive scripts such as kuzushiji.

· Background in Japanese studies, translation, history, literature, archival research, or a related field.

· Experience supporting museums, auction houses, libraries, or collections.

Heritage Auctions welcomes and encourages applications from women, minorities, veterans, mature workers, and persons with disabilities. EOE