Japanese-to-English Translation
I'm a Japan-based American freelance Japanese-to-English translator specializing in anime, manga, video game, film, and other dialogue-heavy translations.I have translated (i.e., produced English-subtitle text for) well over 200 episodes of anime across several different TV series as well as several films. I also have experience translating and adapting manga.In addition to majoring in Japanese at the University of Michigan, I have passed the highest level (i.e., level 1) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and have completed a course in Japanese-to-English translation. I take pride in my ability to write natural-sounding translations. I have been a full-time translator since 2010.As of 2022, I am a contracted instructor for the anime translation class within the Professional J-to-E Visualmedia Translation Course at the Japan Visualmedia Translation Academy (JVTA).For more information, please see my résumé. You can also consult my profile on the Japan Association of Translators (JAT) website or my profile on ProZ.com
I have translated (i.e., produced English-subtitle text for) a number of anime TV shows and films for Sentai Filmworks, done (additional) translation on major anime films for GKIDS, and translated and adapted manga for Seven Seas Entertainment.For more insight into my work as an anime translator, check out the interviews I did with Tokyo Weekender and Lost in Anime, the podcast episodes I did with the official Sentai Podcast and the Translator Tea Times Two Podcast, and the Ask Me Anything I held on Reddit's r/anime.
Anime
Anime I have translated (credited)
Made in Abyss (TV – 2017)
Note: Made in Abyss won Anime of the Year at the 2018 Crunchyroll Anime Awards and was called "an absolute masterpiece" in a review by Anime News Network. Regarding my translation, the Japanese pop-culture site OTAQUEST said, "English translator Jake Jung handled some tricky issues surrounding a character's gender." They also remarked that the anime features "amazing production work in both the music and translation departments."
I also translated a 74-page booklet included with the limited edition Blu-ray that features interviews with the creators and much more.
Made in Abyss: Journey's Dawn (Film – 2019)
Note: This compilation film covers the first half of season 1 of Made in Abyss while also adding in new scenes and narration. The English-subtitled version of the film premiered at Regal Cinema (L.A. LIVE) in downtown Los Angeles in March 2019, and I had the great privilege of walking the red carpet.
Made in Abyss: Wandering Twilight (Film – 2019)
Note: This compilation film covers the second half of season 1 of Made in Abyss while also adding in new scenes and narration.
Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul (Film – 2020)
Note: This film continues the story after the end of season 1.
Made in Abyss: Marulk's Daily Life (Short Films – 2020)
Note: These are four shorts that accompanied the film Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul.
Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun (TV – 2022)
I also translated the 72-page booklet included with the limited edition Blu-ray.
Ghost Cat Anzu (Film – 2024)
Ya Boy Kongming! (TV – 2022)
Note: Episode 6 features a 192-bar rap battle, and I made every effort to preserve the meaning while also matching the Japanese rhyming scheme. You can read more about my English translation in this We Got This Covered article.
I also translated the 64-page booklet included with the limited-edition Blu-ray, which features interviews with the cast, as well as a 25-page original short story, marking my first professional translation of full-on prose.
Ya Boy Kongming! Road to Summer Sonia (Film – 2024)
Note: This is a compilation film of the TV anime, which also adds in new narration and a new final scene.
Oshi no Ko Season 1 (TV – 2023)
I also translated the six 12-page booklets included with the limited-edition Blu-ray.
Oshi no Ko Season 2 (TV – 2024)
Vinland Saga Season 1 (TV – 2019)
I also translated the 176-page booklet included with the limited edition Blu-ray that features interviews with the creators and much more.
Future Boy Conan (TV – 1978 – Ep. 1)
Chiikawa (TV – 2022 – select episodes)
Atom the Beginning (TV – 2017)
Release the Spyce (TV – 2018)
I also translated a 104-page booklet included with the limited edition Blu-ray that features interviews with the creators and much more.
Flying Witch (TV – 2016)
I also translated a 111-page booklet included with the limited edition Blu-ray that features interviews with the creators and much more.
Twittering Birds Never Fly: The Clouds Gather (Film – 2020)
Why the Hell are You Here, Teacher!? (TV + OVA – 2019)
Ane Log: Big Sister Moyako's Never-ending Monologue (OVA – 2014–2015)
Assassins Pride (TV – 2019)
Grimms Notes the Animation (TV – 2019)
Future Folktales (TV – 2020)
ClassicaLoid Season 1 (TV – 2016–2017)
ClassicaLoid Season 2 (TV – 2017–2018)
Hozuki's Coolheadedness Season 2: Part II (TV – 2018)
Xabungle (TV – 1982–1983 – eps. 1–25)
Xabungle Graffiti (Film – 1983)
Note: This is a compilation film for the TV anime Xabungle that features an alternative ending.
Anime
Anime for which I have done Additional Translation (credited)
Note: While the scope of work depends upon the particular project, generally this entails going over the existing translation done by another translator line by line and offering any improvements/revisions I can in order to bring the subtitles to an even higher level of quality.
Weathering With You (Film – 2019)
Belle (Film – 2021)
Lupin III: The First (Film – 2019)
The Colors Within (Film – 2024)
The Deer King (Film - 2021)
Live-action films
Live-action films for which I have done Additional Translation (credited)
Note: While the scope of work depends upon the particular project, generally this entails going over the existing translation done by another translator line by line and offering any improvements/revisions I can in order to bring the subtitles to an even higher level of quality.
Shin Godzilla (Film – 2016)
Anime
Anime for which I have done Translation Quality Assurance (credited)
Note: While the scope of work depends upon the particular project, generally this is a more limited role than Additional Translation that entails going over the existing translation done by another translator and offering revisions/corrections only for any lines that may fall short of quality standards.
On-Gaku: Our Sound (Film – 2019)
Pompo: The Cinéphile (Film – 2021)
Blue Giant (Film – 2023)
Goodbye, Don Glees! (Film – 2022)
Giovanni's Island (Film – 2014)
Manga
Manga I have translated (credited)
From Star Strings (2017)
Manga
Manga I have adapted (credited)
Made in Abyss (Vol. 1–14 – 2013–ongoing)
Made in Abyss Official Anthology (Vol. 1–5 – 2017–ongoing)
# Privacy Policy for JPEN DictEffective date: July 24, 2026
App: JPEN Dict
Developer: Jake JungThis Privacy Policy describes how JPEN Dict (“the App”) handles information when you use the App on macOS.## SummaryJPEN Dict is designed to work offline. The App does not collect, sell, rent, or share personal information with the developer or third parties for advertising or analytics. Dictionary data and your preferences stay on your Mac.## Information the App does not collectThe App does not:- Require an account or login
- Collect your name, email address, or contact details
- Track your location
- Use advertising identifiers
- Include third-party analytics or advertising SDKs
- Upload your search history or dictionary usage to our serversWe do not operate a backend service for this App that receives your personal data.## Information stored only on your deviceThe App may store the following locally on your Mac (for example via system preferences / UserDefaults), solely to provide features you choose:- Text size preference
- Color theme preference
- Search options (for example match style and Words / Names / Kanji / All scope)This information is not transmitted to the developer. Uninstalling the App or resetting preferences removes it according to normal macOS behavior.## Dictionary data on your deviceThe App includes offline dictionary databases derived from open dictionary projects (including JMdict, JMnedict, and KANJIDIC-related data from the Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group and related sources, as acknowledged in the App). That data is bundled with the App for lookup on your device. It is not a report of your personal activity.## Optional network activity (links you open)The App can optionally open an external website (for example jpdb.io) in your default web browser when you choose actions such as Open on jpdb.io.- That happens only if you tap/click that control.
- The App does not require network access for core dictionary search.
- Once the browser opens, that website’s own privacy policy and practices apply. We do not control third-party sites.macOS may also contact Apple services for App Store updates, system features, or crash reporting under Apple’s privacy policy, which is independent of this App.## ChildrenThe App is a general reference tool and does not knowingly collect personal information from children. It does not target children for data collection.## Data securityBecause the App does not transmit your personal data to us, there is no developer-held account database for this App to secure. Local data is protected by your Mac’s normal user account and system security features.## Changes to this policyWe may update this Privacy Policy if the App’s behavior changes (for example if a future version adds optional online features). The effective date at the top will be revised, and the updated policy will be posted at the same URL when possible.## ContactIf you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the App, contact:Jake Jung
Email: jake@junghonyaku.jp---## App Store “nutrition label” (plain language)| Category | Practice |
|----------|----------|
| Data used to track you | None |
| Data linked to you | None |
| Data not linked to you | None collected by us |
| Local preferences only | Theme, font size, search options on device |
# Support — JPEN DictThanks for using JPEN Dict, an offline Japanese–English dictionary for macOS.## Get helpFor questions, bug reports, or feedback, email:jake@junghonyaku.jpPlease include:- Your macOS version (e.g., macOS 15)
- What you were doing when the issue happened
- Screenshots if usefulI usually reply as soon as I can.## PrivacySee the Privacy Policy.## About the dictionary dataDictionary content comes from open projects associated with the EDICT / JMdict family (including JMdict, JMnedict, and KANJIDIC), used under the EDRDG licence. Attribution is also available in the app under Settings.