Japanese Translator - Historical Documents

Heritage Auctions • Irving, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

Heritage Auctions is seeking a Japanese Translator to work alongside Catalogers, translating Japanese documents, scripts, and correspondence into English. This temporary position supports the interpretation of materials associated with auction lots so that catalog descriptions can accurately convey their meaning, historical context, and significance.

The materials are almost entirely handwritten, and many use older Japanese writing styles that can challenge fluent contemporary readers. Complete fluency in written Japanese and demonstrated ability to decipher and interpret older handwritten materials are required; conversational fluency alone is insufficient.

This is a temporary, part-time, onsite role in Heritage Auctions’ Dallas office, three to four days per week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The anticipated assignment runs from mid-November 2026 through February 2027.

Requirements

• Complete fluency in written Japanese and strong English reading and writing skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency reading older handwritten Japanese, including cursive forms and historical writing conventions.
• Experience translating Japanese documents into accurate, readable English.
• Strong research skills, attention to detail, and sound judgment when interpreting ambiguous or incomplete text.
• Ability to explain linguistic and cultural nuances to colleagues who do not read Japanese.
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage deadlines.
• Availability to work onsite in Dallas for the duration of the assignment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with historical Japanese correspondence, manuscripts, archival materials, or comparable primary sources.
• Familiarity with classical Japanese, historical orthography, and cursive scripts such as kuzushiji.
• Background in Japanese studies, translation, history, literature, archival research, or a related field.
• Experience supporting museums, auction houses, libraries, or collections.

Responsibilities

• Read, decipher, and translate handwritten Japanese documents, scripts, letters, and other correspondence into clear, accurate English.
• Interpret older writing styles, historical language, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references while preserving the original meaning and tone.
• Collaborate with Catalogers to explain how translated materials relate to individual auction lots.
• Research names, dates, terminology, and references to support accurate translations and catalog descriptions.
• Identify illegible passages, uncertain readings, and alternate interpretations for further review.
• Organize translation notes and findings for reference during catalog preparation.
• Handle original materials carefully and maintain confidentiality regarding consignments and unpublished auction information.
• Manage assigned work to meet catalog and auction production deadlines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed