Translating a Product Catalogue into Japanese
To translate a product catalogue into Japanese, start from the final source text, a list of product names and key terms, and the specifications in a consistent format. Decide early how product names will appear (katakana, the original Latin letters, or both), convert units and sizes to what Japanese buyers use, and check how prices and tax will be shown. A good translation also adapts the copy for Japanese readers, who expect detailed specifications, clear care and safety information, and a polite, trustworthy tone, and the layout needs to be checked after the Japanese text goes in.
What to prepare
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Final source text | Changes after translation cost time and create inconsistencies. |
| Glossary of product names and terms | Keeps names, materials and features the same across the catalogue, website and packaging. |
| Specification tables | Sent as editable text or a spreadsheet, not images, so they can be translated and checked. |
| Your audience | Trade buyers and distributors need different detail and tone from consumers. |
| Design files | InDesign, Illustrator or similar, so Japanese text can be placed and checked properly. |
For a general checklist, see Japanese–English translation: a checklist before you order.
What changes for the Japanese market
- Product names. Brand names often stay in Latin letters, with katakana for readability in text. Decide once and keep it consistent. See choosing a brand name for Japan.
- Units and sizes. Metric units throughout, and Japanese clothing and shoe sizes where relevant.
- Prices. Prices shown to consumers in Japan generally have to include consumption tax. Trade price lists follow different conventions, so check with your distributor or adviser.
- Detail. Japanese buyers often expect fuller specifications, materials, country of origin, care instructions and warranty information.
- Tone. Polite, clear and reassuring rather than hype. Strong claims may need evidence and can fall under advertising rules.
- Layout. Japanese text can be shorter or longer than English, and needs Japanese fonts and line-break rules. Leave time for a check of the finished design.
Common mistakes
- Translating product names differently on each page or channel.
- Publishing machine-translated specs; errors in numbers, materials or safety notes damage trust. See machine translation for Japanese.
- Using fonts without Japanese characters, which leaves boxes or fallback fonts in print.
- Forgetting to update the Japanese version when products change.
Related materials
A catalogue rarely travels alone. You may also need product listings for Amazon Japan or Rakuten, packaging and labels, user manuals or materials for a trade show in Japan. Using one glossary across all of them keeps your brand consistent.
How Hanabuddies can help
We translate product catalogues, price lists and brochures from English into natural Japanese, keep a glossary of your product names and terms, and check the Japanese in your finished design files. We don’t give legal, regulatory or labelling compliance advice, so please confirm requirements with your distributor or a qualified adviser. Send us your files for a quote.