×
FAQ – Arai Translation Service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about our Translation Services

Last updated: May 30, 2026
Q. Do I need to mail the original documents when requesting a translation?
A. No, you don’t need to send the original documents. You can simply email us scanned data or clear photos taken with your smartphone. But if you need us to obtain embassy translation certification after the translation, we may ask you to send the originals. We will let you know in the estimate if this is required.
Q. Can I get an estimate even if I haven’t decided to formally request your services yet?
A. Yes, we would be happy to provide one. Even before making a formal request, you can send us the files or photos of your documents, and we will calculate the cost and delivery time for free. You do not need to notify us if you decide to decline after reviewing the estimate. Additionally, you will never be automatically charged a fee after receiving an estimate.
Q. Is it possible to translate from photos taken with a smartphone?
A. Yes, it is. As long as the text on the document is clearly legible, we can provide an estimate and proceed with the translation using smartphone photos (or screenshots). You can also send the photos directly via text message (SMS/MMS) to 090-6657-2942. When taking photos, please try to avoid shadows or glare on the document as much as possible.
Q. What languages do you translate?
A. We provide mutual translation services for Japanese, English, Ukrainian, and Russian.
Q. Is there any risk of my translated documents being leaked?
A. Your documents will be translated responsibly by our two dedicated staff members, and we strictly maintain confidentiality. We do not currently outsource any of our translation work to a third-party translator on contract.
Q. Will a “Translation Certificate” be attached to the translated documents?
A. Yes, we provide a “Translation Certificate (Declaration)” bearing our signature and seal free of charge. The certificate clearly states the translation agency’s name, the translator’s name, signature/seal, address, contact information (phone number), and date of issue. It is a formal document that can be submitted directly to various embassies, Japanese government agencies, universities, and other institutions.
Q. I am in a hurry to receive the translation. Do you offer express service?
A. Yes, we can accommodate express requests if our schedule allows. If you are in a rush, please contact us by phone (090-6657-2942), and we will provide you with the shortest possible delivery timeframe.
Q. Can I pay by credit card?
A. Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners, UnionPay, Discover, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. We will provide a URL for credit card payment along with your estimate. We cover all transaction fees.
Q. Can I contact you or make inquiries on weekends and public holidays?
A. Yes, we accept inquiries via email and other methods at any time on weekends and holidays. But please note that it may take a little longer for us to respond on a holiday.
Q. I need an Apostille. Can you get it for me?
A. Due to legal regulations, we cannot apply for an Apostille on your behalf. However, for clients who request our translation services, we provide detailed step-by-step instructions via email and individual support so you can easily obtain it yourself from MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan). Our clients consistently complete the process without any issues.
Q. Can I request the translation of documents containing a MyNumber?
A. By law, our office is prohibited from handling Japanese MyNumber (Individual Number) records. Therefore, please prepare documents that do not contain a MyNumber, or request the translation with the relevant sections completely blacked out (masked).
Q. Is it possible for you to obtain notarization and an Apostille at a notary public office after the translation is done?
A. Yes, we can go to a notary public office in Tokyo and obtain notarization through a “Private Signature Authentication” (Declaration) by the translator, along with an Apostille. We will provide a separate estimate for the notary fees and other associated costs, so please feel free to consult with us.
Q. Is it possible to translate a document for an embassy and then get an Apostille?
A. For Japanese documents, an Apostille can be obtained from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Apostilles cannot be obtained at foreign embassies. If an embassy requires an Apostille, you must obtain it from MOFA before the translation process. Please note that an Apostille from MOFA cannot be attached directly to the translated text.
Q. Can you handle translations for submission to a specific institution or for a specific applications?
A. Yes, we can basically translate any type of document. However, we ask that you confirm the specific requirements of the submitting institution (such as translator qualifications) in advance. Since our opening in 1998, our translated documents have been accepted by numerous institutions, but we cannot guarantee the success of your submission purpose (e.g., guaranteed visa approval).
Q. Are you a NAATI (Australia) certified translator?
A. No. Translation by a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) certified translator is only mandatory if the translation is done within Australia and submitted to a government agency in Australia. For translations submitted to the Australian Embassy in “Japan”, our translations are accepted without any issues.

The embassy’s website explains the requirement as follows (as of May 30, 2026):
“Documents not in English must be accompanied by an English translation performed by a professional translation company or translator. The English translation must be on the company’s letterhead or bear an official company seal/certification and include the contact details of the translation company/translator. The translator must be a third party with no connection to the applicant and must not reside at the same address as the applicant.”
Q. I already have the translation done. Can you provide just the translator’s signature (translation certificate)?
A. Since we must thoroughly review the translated content (and make corrections if necessary), this process can take as much time as translating it from the beginning. We handle these requests on a case-by-case basis, so please consult with us first.
Q. Is it possible to issue multiple copies of the signed and sealed original (printed document)?
A. Yes, it is. We charge an additional issuance fee of 1,000 JPY (tax included) per copy. If you need multiple copies, please feel free to let us know when requesting an estimate.
Q. Can I send my documents by fax?
A. Yes, you can send them by fax. However, we first need to prepare our FAX system to receive, so please let us know in advance.
Q. Can I visit your office directly for a meeting or to pick up the translation documents?
A. Our office is strictly used for administrative work, so our staff may not always be present. If you have an urgent need to receive documents, we can arrange to hand them over at the nearest station, so please be sure to contact us in advance. Unless there are special circumstances, we normally deliver documents via postal mail (using Letter Pack 430) or digitally as email attachments.
Q. Is it possible to get an emergency translation certification at an embassy?
A. No. We cannot control embassy reservation schedules or their processing/review times. Processing times vary depending on the season and how busy the embassy is, so if you are in a hurry, please consult with us as early as possible.
Q. I want to get a translation certification at the Ukrainian Embassy. Do they accept all types of original documents?
A. Depending on the type and content of the document, it may not be eligible for their translation certification. To ensure the process goes smoothly, we may first contact the Ukrainian Embassy directly to confirm before beginning the translation work.
Q. Can you include (deliver) a CD-R for translation certification at the Russian Embassy in Japan?
A. Yes, we can. We provide the CD-R free of charge. If you specifically request a USB flash drive, there will be an additional fee. If you need a CD-R or USB, please let us know when requesting a price quote.
Q. Where should I send the original documents required for embassy translation certification?
A. If you need to mail the original documents for embassy certification or similar procedures, please send them via a trackable service like Letter Pack to the following address:
Attn: Kenji Arai
1-9-1-507 Sezaki, Soka-shi, Saitama 340-0022
To prevent loss, we would appreciate it if you could notify us before mailing them.
Q. Can I check the translation content before it is mailed?
A. Yes. Before mailing, we will email the translated data in PDF format to your designated email address. We will only mail the printed documents after you have reviewed and approved the content.
Q. Is there any information I need to provide for the translation work?
A. To ensure an accurate translation, we will check the reading and spelling of personal names and proper nouns in the original document. If the document is being submitted to a public institution, it is important that the spelling matches the one on your passport.
Q. I have special spelling already used in other official documents. Is it possible to specify my own name spelling?
A. Yes, it is. We will translate according to your requests. However, please note that if the documents are to be submitted to an embassy or other public institution, we may need to verify that your spelling matches the specific transliteration rules set by the receiving institution.

Translation Sample Images

Sample translation of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage

Certificate of Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage (English Translation)

Sample translation of Family Register (New Format)

Family Register – New Format (English Translation)

Sample translation of Family Register (Old Format)

Family Register – Old Format (English Translation)

Sample translation of Philippine Birth Certificate

Philippine Birth Certificate (Japanese Translation)

Sample translation of Certificate of Income and Tax Withholding

Certificate of Income and Tax Withholding (English Translation)

Sample translation of Certificate of Singleness

Certificate of Singleness (Ukrainian Translation)

Our Competitive Edge

Established in 1998

As a professional translation agency, we specialize in official translations for submission to government offices, municipal courts, and foreign embassies. This includes family registers (Koseki), academic transcripts, corporate registries, and more.

Complimentary Consultation

We offer free support and consultation regarding document submission, Apostille certification, and embassy applications for our clients. We also accommodate special formatting requests, embassy-specified CD/USB storage, and binding services.

Direct In-House Service

All translations are completed strictly in-house with absolutely no outsourcing. Our two dedicated translators take personal responsibility for every project, ensuring reliable, high-quality results through rigorous cross-checking.

Ideal for Individuals

We welcome small projects and offer budget-friendly rates for individual clients. We are happy to assist you with translations for study abroad, international marriage, overseas employment, and visa applications.

Urgent PDF Delivery

We understand that official procedures often have tight timelines. We strive to offer fast turnaround times and can provide digital PDF deliveries on the same day when urgent. Contact us to discuss your schedule.

Flexible Payment Options

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners, UnionPay, Discover) and Google/Apple Pay with no credit card fees.