The current state of technology use in the translation industry in Japan: project managers’ views

Technology is becoming increasingly pervasive and ubiquitous in our daily lives. While we enjoy the convenience it provides, we cannot ignore its potential negative impact. We asked translation project managers (PMs) working in Japan what challenges they are facing in their workplaces with regard to technology use and how they are dealing with them. Their answers encompassed all aspects of their day-to-day operations, including work tasks, career development, work conditions and human relationships. Circumstances concerning other actors involved in these operations, such as translators and clients, were also discussed. PMs were chosen as our study participants due to their intermediary position, which places them in continuous contact with both upstream and downstream players in the translation production process. The aim of the study is to provide useful information for the shaping of a successful and sustainable translation industry in Japan, and worldwide.