Abstract

This presentation, "Communication Issues in Translating Contracts and Legal Documents," delivered by Akira Nagasaki at the JALT forum, examines the intricate challenges in translating Japanese legal documents, particularly in the field of contract law, for an English-speaking audience. Nagasaki highlights the foundational differences between Japanese and Anglo-American legal systems, which create unique translation obstacles, such as aligning formal Japanese expressions with “plain” English or “legalese.” Key topics include the precise use of terms like "and/or," handling gendered pronouns, and addressing Japanese legal concepts that lack direct English equivalents. This presentation provides a practical overview for legal translators, offering insights into navigating cross-jurisdictional legal terminology and fostering more accurate communication within translated legal frameworks.

Akira Nagasaki, an international lawyer, is currently a partner at the law firm City-Yuwa Partners and earned an LLB from the University of Tokyo and an  LLM from the University of California, Berkeley. He is licensed to practice in Japan and New York State and is currently a member of the Japanese Ministry of Justice committee on this subject. Mr. Nagasaki has represented clients in Japan and abroad in several mergers and acquisitions, cross-border transactions, and trade law matters. He also served as an examiner for Japan's national bar examination. He was born in Japan but partly raised in California, and he is therefore well versed in both the languages and cultures of Japan and the U.S.
Please see the following for further details on his background: https://www.cityyuwa.com/global/en/attorneys/akiranagasaki/