If you’re feeling like
official Japanese translation is breaking the bank, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: there are practical ways to save without sacrificing quality. Let’s dive into some smarter, cost-effective approaches.
Why Certified Japanese Translation Costs Add Up
A recent client inquiry got me thinking about why
certified Japanese translation services can sometimes seem so expensive. The client needed someone to accompany them to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo to notarize a translated document.
While SAECULII TRANSLATION JAPAN couldn’t accommodate their request, the economics of such a service make it clear why the costs can be steep.
Picture this: A representative would spend around four hours commuting, navigating embassy security, and completing the notarization. That’s time they could have spent on other projects. Factoring in time, taxes, and logistics, the cost for such a service can reach JPY28,600.
Doesn’t that seem like a lot for notarization? Luckily, there’s a better option.
The Smarter Alternative: Local Japanese Notary Public
Instead of hiring a translator to go to the embassy, consider using a
local Japanese Notary Public.
Notaries like the
Shibuya Notary Public Office in Tokyo often offer services in English. This means you might not even need to translate the notarization certificate—saving both time and money!
By taking this route, you can cut the cost of notarization to less than half of what a translation company might charge.
More Ways to Save on Certified Translation Japanese to English
Want more tips to reduce costs on
official Japanese translation services? Small tweaks can make a big difference.
- In Japan certain designated Notary Publics provide notarization AND apostille services at the same time i.e. one-stop service — You save money and time!
- The order you follow for certified, notarization and apostilled translation can generate further savings.