Current location:opinions >>
VOX POPULI: Ippei Mizuhara’s interpretation skills make the news even sadder
opinions26People have gathered around
IntroductionWhen I was a university student working part time as an interpreter, my instructor often cautioned m ...
When I was a university student working part time as an interpreter, my instructor often cautioned me, “Neither add to, nor subtract from, what you are supposed to be translating. Remember to remain completely ‘invisible.’”
I deserved the warning because whenever I was surprised or flummoxed on the job, it would show on my face. Every time I was told that other people found my reactions irritating, I acutely felt the difficulty of this job.
Masao Kunihiro (1930-2014), dubbed the “god of simultaneous interpretation,” was my hero. I once wrote him a letter. To my surprise and utter delight, he wrote me back, encouraging me to “study and master the basics.”
But I had neither the quickness of mind nor the moxie he considered essential to the profession, and I eventually gave up.
Ippei Mizuhara, the long-time interpreter of Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been fired over suspected illegal gambling.
In a statement he issued during a news conference on March 26, Ohtani said his feelings “could not be easily described in words.” They must have been quite complex, given his closeness to Mizuhara.
Watching a different interpreter sitting next to Ohtani, it suddenly occurred to me that I had never seen Mizuhara take notes even during formal news conferences.
I remember being taught to “write down numbers and proper nouns,” but Mizuhara may have been blessed with an outstanding memory.
He translated even lengthy questions by U.S. reporters with apparent ease, sometimes “embellishing” or “editing out” to ensure clarity.
When Ohtani was injured and his mobility was hampered, Mizuhara brought him food and took him to physical therapy appointments. During the Home Run Derby preceding an All-Star Game, he even served as Ohtani’s catcher.
Mizuhara’s role far exceeded that of an interpreter. He was perhaps able to translate without taking notes because he was fully confident of his unshakable relationship of mutual trust with Ohtani.
Interpretation may well have been his calling. But it ended all too abruptly.
--The Asahi Shimbun, March 27
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Stellar Series news portal”。http://chile.chennaidetectives.net/article-82e399913.html
Related articles
Woman, 62, is left baffled as she turns up to a hospital scan only to be told she's already dead
opinionsA baffled woman turned up to a hospital scan only to be told by staff that she'd already died. Susan ...
【opinions】
Read moreCristian Arongo has 2 goals, 2 assists as Real Salt Lake beats Fire 4
opinionsCHICAGO (AP) — Cristian Arango scored two goals to bring his MLS-leading total to eight this season ...
【opinions】
Read moreShirtless James Argent displays his incredible 14
opinionsJames Argent showcased his incredible 14-stone weight loss amid his trip to Dubai with pal Joey Esse ...
【opinions】
Read more
Popular articles
- Robinhood Markets receives SEC notice for alleged securities violations at crypto unit
- First aid consignment via Cyprus corridor departs for Gaza
- Santiago Rodríguez had a goal and an assist as NYCFC beats DC United 2
- Residents of four Serb
- Moyes leaving West Ham at the end of the season. Lopetegui linked as the replacement
- MacKinnon versus Hellebuyck highlight first
Latest articles
Biden speaks with Netanyahu as Israelis appear closer to major Rafah offensive
Whitecaps take advantage of two Seattle red cards to beat Sounders 2
Jennifer Aniston, 55, and Courteney Cox, 59, show off their age
Whitecaps take advantage of two Seattle red cards to beat Sounders 2
James Corden appears in good spirits as he arrives with glamorous wife Julia Carey at the pre
Coachella 2024: Photo highlights as weekend 2 gets underway
LINKS
- First batch of cross
- China's Tianjin port welcomes three int'l cruise ships within a week
- Comicomment: Five Eyes alliance is the largest global intelligence agency
- With record scale, China's consumer products expo shares opportunities, market with world
- Expansion project of Boeing's first joint venture in China begins operation
- The Forbidden City hosted the Tea&World
- Chinese swimming team breaks record in mixed 4x100m freestyle relay final in Doha
- 2023 Beijing Cultural Forum Arts gala was held to inheriting excellent culture
- Ancient answers to modern questions
- 2023 Beijing Cultural Forum Arts gala was held to inheriting excellent culture