Translating Your Company Profile for Japan (Kaisha Annai and Kaisha Gaiyō)
Japanese companies check a potential partner’s company profile carefully before they meet, and they expect it in a particular shape. A Japanese company profile (会社案内) usually includes a fact table called 会社概要 (company name, address, representative, date founded, capital, employees, business lines), a greeting from the CEO, the company’s philosophy and history, and main clients or partners. Translating your English “About us” word for word often leaves out what Japanese readers look for, so adapt the structure as well as the language.
The kaisha gaiyō fact table
| Japanese | Meaning | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 会社名 | Company name | Give the legal name and the katakana reading. See a brand name for Japan. |
| 所在地 | Address | Head office and any Japan office. |
| 代表者 | Representative | CEO’s title and name. |
| 設立 | Founded | Year and month. |
| 資本金 | Capital | Commonly listed; decide what you’re comfortable sharing. |
| 従業員数 | Employees | A number signals stability. |
| 事業内容 | Business lines | Short, concrete list. |
| 主要取引先 | Main clients | Only with permission. |
Other sections Japanese readers expect
- CEO’s greeting (代表あいさつ): a short, sincere message about why the company exists and its commitment to customers.
- Philosophy (企業理念): mission and values, often in a few short lines.
- History (沿革): a dated timeline of milestones.
- Track record (実績): case studies, certifications, awards.
- Access: a map and directions to the office, if you have one in Japan.
Adapting the tone
- Modest and specific beats bold. “World-leading” and “disruptive” can sound boastful; concrete numbers and long-term relationships persuade more.
- Stability matters. Japanese partners want to know you’ll still be there in ten years. Mention years in business, offices and support in Japan.
- Polite, formal Japanese (です・ます and keigo), consistent across the profile, website and business cards.
See also a website for Japanese customers, transcreation for Japan and business card translation.
Where you’ll use it
A PDF to send before the first meeting, a printed brochure for trade shows and visits, and the About page of your Japanese website. Keep one approved Japanese version so names and figures match everywhere. Entering Japan for the first time? See entering the Japanese market.
How Hanabuddies can help
We translate and adapt company profiles, brochures and About pages from English into natural business Japanese, and suggest what to add for Japanese readers, such as the kaisha gaiyō table and CEO’s greeting. Native Japanese speakers check every text. We can also interpret your first meetings, online or in person.