David Christian
"Translations From Japanese to English - Wildlife, Forestry, Fisheries, Agriculture"

Education and experience:

I am a Japanese to English translator specializing in natural resources and agriculture. In 2011, I earned a a B.A. in Japanese studies (with an Asian studies minor) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. While studying there, I took over 40 credit hours of upper division biology courses and spent over 1500 research hours studying plant ecology and wildlife management. I began Japanese study in 2001, and have lived in Japan for four years.

Fortunately, I also had the chance to further solidify my Japanese skills during a study a one year study abroad program at Tohoku University where I studied Indian Buddhist philosophy and ancient Sanskrit texts, translating them from Sanskrit to Japanese to English. During that time, I was was offered an internship with the Tohoku University Economics Department, later being hired as full-time staff, where I translated the entire department website and advertisement materials, as well as interpreted for local sporting events. Since that time, I have translated a variety of documents, including: government safety reports, research papers, advertising campaigns, website and software localization, company logistics, finances for security firms, automobile manufacturing specifications, television commercials, legal correspondence, video games, food analysis, chemical safety information, etc.

My field experience allows special insight into my translations. For five years, I managed wilderness construction projects for the United States Forest Service, completing over 6,000 miles of trail, teaching outdoor education to youths, and specializing in designing water erosion prevention projects. I also have four years of professional business experience creating and running a profitable small business which offered management solutions to local legal firms. I keep my specialty language skills up to date by intense reading, and interacting with professional and academic peers. I regularly subscribe to and peer edit scientific journals such as Ecology, Zoology, and Wildlife Management.

For a project to be successful, you need someone who has hands on experience with the material they specialize in. My experience managing trail restoration crews for the United States Forest Service, and academic research experience give me insight into the fields I translate. My specialized terminology glossaries, network of professional and academic contacts, and my access to the world’s largest research database will be valuable assets for your project. I am dedicated to maintaining accurate, up-to-date knowledge in my field. Although I also was raised on a small farm, I still frequently volunteer at local farms around the Tokyo area in order to directly experience current agricultural trends.

My hobbies and interests:

I am dedicated to agriculture and spend much of my free-time volunteering at local farms, helping with community project works, and reading more about agriculture and natural resource trends. Last year, I saw a lack of information regarding Japanese agriculture for the English speaking public, so I formed the Nippon WFFA, which is an NPO dedicated to providing this service free of charge. Although we are still in the development stages, I have high hopes for the future. I also enjoy anything outdoors -- camping, hiking, fishing, stargazing, etc. I often take walks with my dogs, read poetry over my morning coffee, and sing karaoke with friends. I read constantly -- mostly scientific journals and related literature. In my spare time I enjoy playing Shogi (Japanese chess), watching Kabuki (traditional Japanese theater) and cooking vegetarian cuisine.

Why choose me for your project?

• I have unlimited access to one of the largest scientific research databases in the world through my university. I am quickly able to search for unfamiliar terms and provide context for their application.


• My contacts with the university and the Forest Service allow me to make phone calls, ask for favors, or get in depth explanations for your needs. These references include past professors and cutting edge research colleagues, as well as professionals with years of field experience.


• I have both the education and hands-on experience with the material I specialize in.

Please feel free to browse my sample translations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by email.

You may link here to my profile on JAT (Japan Association of Translators). Also, visit me on LinkedIn here.