Language Services Specialist / Japanese Interpreter

Japanese-English Interpreter/Translator

Deliver high-quality Japanese-English interpretation for Otsuka's global initiatives, supporting staff at all levels, including senior leadership, as well as partner companies, consultants, and vendors. Independently prepare for assignments by reviewing materials, conducting background and terminology research, and seeking subject-matter clarifications to ensure clear and accurate communication across diverse business contexts. Provide high-quality Japanese-English translation for a variety of global initiatives, effectively leveraging technology when appropriate, and ensuring consistency, clarity, and accuracy in all deliverables. Support cultural initiatives by providing Japanese culture training to Otsuka US and affiliates, and offering guidance on Japanese language and culture for organizational activities as needed. Contribute to team operations by managing incoming language service requests, tracking service metrics, maintaining accurate records, and preparing monthly metrics reports. Coordinate with external language service vendors for outsourced assignments, and assist the scheduling of linguists and monitor progress to ensure successful completion of each assignment. Manage user accounts for department-subscribed systems and tools as an administrator by establishing user guides, planning and conducting user training, monitoring usage, and addressing issues when needed. Assist with various departmental projects and initiatives, including the search, evaluation, and adoption of new language technologies, implementation of process improvements, and support of broader operational enhancements under the guidance of senior staff.

Qualifications Required Minimum bachelor's degree 2+ years of experience in the interpretation/translation industry Native-level fluency in Japanese and English with comprehensive understanding of Japanese and American norms, communication styles, and business practices Demonstrated mastery of multiple interpretation modes including simultaneous, consecutive, whispering, and sight translation; experience using AI-powered translation tools and post-editing machine translation output Ability to manage virtual, hybrid, and in-person interpretation, including experience with interpretation equipment and major conferencing platforms such as MS Teams Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills with ability to tailor communication style, strategy, and content to the diverse needs of stakeholders and partners at all levels Have initiative and proactively strive for superior customer services and outcomes Ability to build relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels Ability to maintain complete discretion with confidential and sensitive information Ability to identify and solve problems effectively with creative or innovative solutions Ability to work independently and collaboratively while adhering to well-defined and well-established departmental procedures and processes Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and appropriately shift priorities while keeping attention to detail to achieve high-quality outputs Up to 25% domestic travel may be required based upon business needs Preferred Master's degree in interpretation Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical industry Experience with a global work environment Familiarity with interpretation technologies and platforms, or translation productivity tools Competencies Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change. Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business. Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders. Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect. Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka. Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others' perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals. Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.