Who interprets for Japan PM, and what qualities do interpreters need?

The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about interpreters for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at international conferences.

Question: I saw Prime Minister Ishiba attending an international confab. What kind of people interpret for him?

Answer: The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed a total of 90 personnel capable of responding to 29 languages including English, French and German as officials in charge of interpretation. These languages include Arabic, which is said to be difficult to acquire, and Sinhalese, spoken by some 70% of the population in Sri Lanka, an island country in the Indian Ocean.

These officials start their careers as interpreters for ambassadors and Diet members, then for foreign ministers and the prime minister. A handful of experts are appointed as Imperial Household Agency officials in charge of interpretation for the Emperor.

Q: There are some languages that don’t often come up, right?

A: Indeed. Some island nations in Asia use English, not their native tongue, in conferences with large numbers of participants. Even so, using the local language helps break the ice between leaders during bilateral summit talks accompanied by interpreters alone, bringing them closer to each other all at once in some cases.

Q: Can those good at foreign languages interpret for the prime minister?

A: Interpreters need to have a sense of humor to convey jokes, a poker face to give a calm impression, as well as courage. It is also important to keep a low profile to the point of making others forget about their presence.

Q: When Ishiba meets U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will interpret for the prime minister?

A: There are rumors that a Japanese foreign ministry official who served as an interpreter for the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may be appointed again. Abe is known to have built a strong relationship of trust with Trump during the latter’s first stint as president.

Q: What was involved?

A: This particular official interpreted with not just profound knowledge of Abe’s intentions in his remarks, but also was aware of Trump’s personality, and is said to have gained deep trust from both leaders. Government insiders call this official a “lethal weapon in Japanese diplomacy.” We hope to keep an eye on how these professionals will play their roles in diplomatic scenes where Japan’s national interests are at stake.

(Japanese original by Akiko Kato, Political News Department)