Meet Shoko Y., an English-to-Japanese Translation Partner who has been a part of the Lionbridge Community since 2018. Shoko lives in the province of Kanagawa, Japan. Read more about her below.

What do you like most about being a part of the Lionbridge Community?

My colleagues are supportive and communicative, which is very important when working remotely.

How did you get into this field?

I have had a long career as an editor for magazines like GQ Japan and Esquire Japan. I started translating overseas media content, and from there I shifted to IT-related translation editing.

Describe a day in the life of a Lionbridge partner.

One of the great things about working at Lionbridge is that you can decide your own boundaries and control how you work. I want to continue this work, so I try not to overdo it. I'm the type of person who doesn't feel digital stress, so I usually keep myself available for communication all day and set aside core time for actual projects. Being able to manage yourself is really stress-free.

As for a typical day, I usually start working around 8:30 and do any work that requires intense concentration by 10:00. I log off around 5:00, but monitor incoming notifcations from other time zones.

What advice would you give your younger self if they were just starting out in this field?

Any experience is beneficial.

Shoko Y., and English-to-Japanese Translation Partner

Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests.

I love riding road bikes. I don't often ride outside in the pandemic now, but I do online cycling training every day with an app called Zwift. I also love watching road races. I’ve been volunteering to rescue stray cats and abandoned cats, too.

How many languages do you speak, and do you want to learn a new one?

Two — Japanese and English — and I speak French at a very basic level. I want to improve my skills at each of these languages rather than learning a new language.

What is your favorite word or phrase in your native language and why is it your favorite?

生きてるだけでまるもうけ (Life is a gift in itself.) As it is true.

What is your favorite food and why?

It may sound ridiculous, but I love any type of breakfast, whether it is Japanese bento or pancakes or Chinese porridge. It is easy to cook, quickly served, full of energy, and shows the true colors of the countries. Also, it's delicious!

What country would you like to travel to and why?

I am eager to watch road races in person, so I'd love to visit Australia (which has the Tour Down Under), France (Tour de France), or Italy (Giro d'Italia).

What, in your opinion, makes your field special?

I specialize in IT in translation and editing, and this field has been constantly reformed by incorporating new things. When translating in this area, I feel that I am exposed to the world's most advanced culture, which is very inspiring.