Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Bilateral Communication Specialist to serve as the critical bridge for communication and cultural understanding between Japanese-speaking and English-speaking business parties. This role is essential for ensuring the success of strategic discussions, negotiations, and long-term partnerships. The ideal candidate will possess native-level fluency in both Japanese and English, a deep understanding of both Japanese and Western business customs, and exceptional ability to proactively manage the dialogue flow and cultural nuances.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Discussion Management
- Lead and Facilitate complex, high-stakes business discussions, meetings, and negotiations between Japanese and English-speaking executive teams.
- Proactively manage the discussion agenda and flow, ensuring all strategic objectives are met efficiently and equitably for both parties.
- Clarify and Confirm the intent and understanding of technical, financial, and contractual details across language barriers.
- Act as a cultural and communication mediator, resolving misunderstandings and preventing cultural friction that could impede progress.
Advanced Interpretation and Localization
- Provide Simultaneous and Consecutive Interpretation with absolute accuracy, speed, and professionalism during all executive and technical meetings.
- Translate and Localize critical business documents, including contracts, proposals, investor presentations, and internal memoranda, ensuring the language maintains the correct business tone and legal context (e.g., proper use of keigo in Japanese).
- Review and adapt external and internal communications to ensure cultural appropriateness and effectiveness.
Cultural and Business Advisory
- Advise both internal teams and external partners on effective cross-cultural communication strategies, decision-making processes (Nemawashi), and relationship-building protocols essential for the respective business environments.
- Provide coaching on appropriate business etiquette and presentation styles to enhance collaboration.
- Contribute to the strategic planning process by providing cultural insights into potential risks and opportunities within the partnership
Documentation and Relationship Continuity
- Prepare and Disseminate highly accurate, comprehensive, and bilingual summaries of meetings, decisions, and action items.
- Maintain a centralized glossary of technical and business-specific terminology for consistent use across all documentation.
- Ensure smooth transition and continuity between discussions and project phases.
Requirements
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, International Relations, Translation/Interpretation, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience serving as a communication specialist or facilitator in a corporate setting, specifically bridging Japanese and English-speaking business cultures.
- Demonstrated success in facilitating critical discussions such as strategic alliances, major contract negotiations, or joint venture formation.
Skills and Competencies
- Native or Near-Native Fluency in both Japanese and English. Professional certification (e.g., JLPT N1, recognized interpretation certificate) is highly desirable.
- Expert-level Interpretation Skills (Simultaneous and Consecutive).
- Profound knowledge and practical application of Japanese corporate culture, hierarchies, and decision-making norms, alongside Western business practices.
- Exceptional Interpersonal Skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with C-suite and senior technical personnel quickly.
- Superior organizational abilities and meticulous attention to detail in high-pressure situations.
