Japanese Certified vs. Notarized Translation: Which One Do You Need for Official Purposes?

When it comes to translating your Japanese documents to English, you’ll encounter two terms: “certified translation” and “notarized translation.”

Let’s break down the distinction between these, so you can make the right choice for your specific needs.

Assurance by Experts #

Certified translation means that a reputable translation company has authenticated the accuracy of the translated document. This authentication is signified by the Statement of Certification, bearing the official company stamp or the signature of a representative. Conversely, a notarized translation involves a Notary Public verifying the authenticity of the translated documents.

A key point to remember:

Notary Publics don’t assess the accuracy of the translation itself; they focus solely on the authenticity of the documents.

Certified and Notarized Translation #

Now, do you need notarization for your certified translation?
The general answer is no, unless explicitly requested by the organization receiving your documents. It’s crucial to understand the specific requirements of the organization you’re dealing with. Different entities may have distinct rules and procedures, so being well-informed about their prerequisites is essential.

Why Avoid Notarization Where Possible #

We strongly advise against opting for notarization unless it’s explicitly mandated, primarily due to the associated costs.

In Japan, notarization can range from 15,000 to 30,000 yen, contingent on the type of document. This higher cost stems from the fact that the Notary Public Office operates under the jurisdiction of the Japanese Ministry of Justice, creating a somewhat monopolistic environment.

While there may be instances where notarization is unavoidable, in most cases, these additional costs can be circumvented. Once again, it’s crucial to:

Understand the specific requirements of the organization where you’ll submit your documents.

By doing so, you can determine whether notarization is necessary or if a certified translation alone will suffice.

The Cost Considerations & Mitigation #

Even in situations where notarization is inevitable, there are ways to mitigate the costs – Contact us for your Certified Japanese Translation needs, and we’ll be delighted to share our cost-saving strategies with you!