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Subtitling Guidelines

• ・Follow the character limits for each subtitle card Please keep your translations within the character limits listed in ( ) for each subtitle card. The character limit is calculated by taking into account the duration of each line of dialogue.
  
  • ・Letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and spaces between words are all included in the character count.
    　　Example: Where did you go? (17 characters)
    
  • ・Please do not use any other punctuation marks or symbols other than question marks, exclamation marks, commas, periods, hyphens, and quotation marks.
    
• ・Insert a line break for long subtitles
  
  • ・Each subtitle card can hold up to two lines of 40 characters. Make sure your translations stay within the limit of 40 characters per line by breaking the line into two when necessary. When you break the line, consider the sentence structure and where it would be natural to break the line.

Eligibility

No translation experience is necessary to participate. All are eligible to enter the contest except for the following: Those who have professional experience translating subtitles or voice-over for three or more projects where they are the sole translator.

Prizes

First Prize (1 Winner): $200 US Amazon Gift Card (USD, Digital Delivery)
Second Prize (2 Winners): $100 US Amazon Gift Card (USD, Digital Delivery)
*An awards ceremony for the winners is being planned to be held at the screening of Kamaishi Ramen Story at Japan Film Festival Los Angeles. More information will be provided once event details are confirmed.

How to Enter

Enter and submit your subtitle translations here: Google form URL
* Entries sent any other way will not be accepted.
* Multiple submissions, entries sent using methods other than the specified Google Form, and entries that are submitted past the deadline will not be accepted.


Introducing the Judges



Namiko Nagayama (Instructor, Translation Project Coordinator)
Born and raised in California, Namiko completed interpretation, business translation, and visual media translation courses at JVTA. As a J-E translator, she has worked on a wide range of materials including documentaries, short films, anime scripts, and corporate videos. Currently, she is a translation project coordinator for JVTA's Media Translation Center and also teaches classes as a J-E instructor.



Jessi Nuss (Instructor, Curriculum Developer for J-E Translation Program)
Originally from California, Jessi moved to Japan after graduating from UCLA. As an instructor for the J-E visual media translation courses at JVTA, she teaches the skills necessary to translate Japanese films, TV shows, manga, and other Japanese content for overseas audiences. She also leads curriculum development and training for new J-E instructors.

Important Notes:

・The copyright for submitted subtitle translations shall belong to Japan Visualmedia Translation Academy.
・JVTA is not obligated to respond to any inquiries regarding the translation material, judging process, evaluations and results, or entry confirmations.
・Any contact information you provide will only be used for the purposes of selecting and announcing winners, shipping prizes, and sending information regarding translation courses at JVTA. It will not be used for any other purpose.
・Please enter the contest only if you have understood and accepted the terms listed above.
・If any entries are found in violation of the contest entry rules or eligibility requirements, they will be disqualified.