–Interpreting a talk with a former Defense Minister
Last month, I had the opportunity to interpret for the Stimson Center’s “Voices of Japan” events. One of the key events was a public discussion with former Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera.
Minister Onodera spoke about Japan’s National Defense Policy Guidelines, the importance of the U.S.-Japan Security Alliance, security in the Indo-Pacific region, North Korea, and concerns about the ongoing conflict between Japan and South Korea. But the biggest theme was the rise of China in every realm: technology (5G), economy (trade wars with the U.S.), geoeconomics (the Belt & Road Initiative), as well as its humanitarian crises and surveillance system. (A video of the event is available here.)
Minister Onodera was such a great speaker. The fascinating content illustrated how many complicated issues in the world are interrelated, but it was always easy to follow. He was also an ideal person to interpret for, speaking slowly, logically, and with good enunciation. During the Q&A with moderator Ms. Yuki Tatsumi, Director of the Japan Program at the Stimson Center, he said something funny on a few occasions–and when the audience didn’t catch on right away, he followed up with, “That was a joke, so I hope you’d laugh”! Jokes are often a big challenge for interpreters, in terms of the pressure to relay the humor to the audience–so him asking the audience to laugh made our jobs easier (and took away some of the pressure from some very serious topics!).
Minister Onodera was obviously extremely knowledgeable but also seemed very humble and down-to-earth. I’d previously heard praises from bureaucrats who’ve worked with him, and now I see why! I hope I’ll have the chance to interpret for him again in the future.