“Kaigyo-todoke” or a notification form for opening of business is a document to submit to the tax office when you start a business as a sole proprietor in Japan (the timing of submission could vary depending on situations). I started freelancing in 2012 but I submitted this document in order to officially launch as a business in 2015, so it’s the 10th anniversary of my business!! 🙌
For the first few years, everything I tried ended in vein, and I was oppressed with anxieties also because of family reasons. However, I am now able to say I’ve settled down, finally. 😌
Translation was my only business at first. Interpreting was then added into the scope of my business afterwards. If a project is too large to accomplish alone, I have team members to share workloads or can find interpreter colleagues for my clients. Now we also provide not only translation & interpreting, but also DTP, printing & arranging to send printed materials, simple field research, Expo-related services, cultural consultancy, and more.
Following the emergence and development of AI technologies, so many people around me (especially Japanese people) say human translation and interpreting are outdated business approaches but the ultimate judge of those on quality still requires human beings, while the speedy delivery is also an important element of service quality in this rapidly changing world. With this in mind, I continue to rethink what I can do for my esteemed clients through trial & error and do my best to support them, and I hope to celebrate the 20th anniversary in another 10 years. ✨
