Here at the Japan Visualmedia Translation Academy (JVTA), we offer the only course in Japan where you can study Japanese-to-English translation specifically for visual media. You can master the skills you need to translate fun, entertainment-related content such as films, TV shows, anime, manga, websites, and more!

Throughout this six-month Comprehensive course, the first of two, you’ll develop your ability to fully understand the meaning and nuance of Japanese content and translate it into clear, concise English aimed at a global audience. This introductory course includes twenty-one 140-minute lessons and a personal consultation at the end.

● What does our course offer?

☆The skills you need to translate all types of media genres

The J-to-E Visualmedia Translation Course is open to anyone looking to use their English ability to translate Japanese visual media content for a global audience. Working with a wide variety of fun and interesting genres such as film, television, anime, manga, video games, and more, you'll learn the basics of visual media translation. The course also looks at current trends in the foreign and domestic markets for Japanese visual media content. While subtitling makes up the majority of the assignments, the course also covers voiceover, manga, corporate videos, entertainment-related text translation, and much more.

☆A curriculum taught by active professionals in the field

All instructors in our J-E course are translation professionals with several years’ experience working at the top of their fields. Through lively class discussions, you'll receive feedback on homework assignments to help you develop the skills and expressive ability that are essential for visual media translation. We are focused on creating a positive, discussion-driven atmosphere where you'll find it easy to voice opinions and share ideas.

☆Real-time Online option (Limited spaces available)

Take part in our classes online in real-time from the comfort of your own home! In order to provide you with the best possible experience, we'll carry out a pre-lesson connection test Please note that only those who pass this connection test will be able to join the class online. Student numbers are limited and only open to those living outside of Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa prefectures (students living outside of Japan may also participate).

● Course Name

Japanese-to-English Media Translation: Comprehensive Course

● Time and Day

Weekday class: Tuesday nights (19:00 - 21:20)
Weekend class: Saturday afternoon (13:30 - 15:50)

● Course Length

6 months (21 classes total)

● Course Offered Twice a Year

Spring term: From April to September (6 months)
Autumn term: From October to March (6 months)

●  Prerequisites

• Ability to follow a lecture/discussion in Japanese (Around 20% of the J-E classes are taught in Japanese)
  At least JLPT N2 level Japanese is recommended to get the most out of this program
• Ability to read kanji and write in Japanese (a small number of assignments are to be written in Japanese)
• Ability to read and understand documents in Japanese regarding class policies and sign-up procedures
• Ability to follow English conversation at native speed and freely communicate in English discussions
• Ability to write in English without major errors in grammar and syntax
• Previous J-E translation experience not required

● Course Fees

Revised for April 2024

－All prices listed include taxes－

※ Students are responsible for any fees related to course materials outside of handouts and videos (such as subtitling software related fees), as well as any fees for extracurricular classes or seminars that they choose to take.

※ Payment can be made by credit card or bank transfer.

※ Current or past students of JVTA's main translation courses (the English-to-Japanese Media Translation and Japanese-to-English Media Translation courses) do not need to pay an entrance fee when signing up for other JVTA courses. However, JVTA students who take other courses may need to pay a full or partial entrance fee if they wish to take one of the main translation courses. Please contact the school staff for more details.

※ Cancellation Policy
-If the course you have applied for is over two months long, and the total payment made is more than 50,000 yen, then it is possible to cancel your participation in the course halfway through. -If the course you have applied for is less than two months, and the total payment made is less than 50,000 yen, then it will not be possible to cancel your participation in the course halfway through.

※ Please be sure to inform us if there will be any delays in payment. If we do not hear from you, the application will be voided.

● How to Sign Up

Join any of our Open School events, free trial lessons, or personal consultations HERE!