#Japan #Tokyo #Marvel #Studio Ghibli #Natsuko Toda

The 20th Film Translation Forum: Bridging Cultures through Cinema

On May 23, 2026, the vibrant world of film translation will unite at the 20th Film Translation Forum, held at the Nichgapuri Sunny Hall in Tokyo. Organized by Wise Infinity, a leading translation company that manages over 3,600 audiovisual translations annually, this event brings together industry professionals for insightful talks and discussions.

This year marks a significant milestone, celebrating two decades since the forum's inception in 2006. The event nurtures the growth of the film translation industry while fostering relationships among those involved. The lineup for this special anniversary features a cast of esteemed guests, including notable figures such as Natsuko Toda, a trailblazer in subtitle translation, experts from Studio Ghibli, and producers connected to KDDI’s new distribution ventures. Notably, translators who have contributed to MARVEL projects will also grace the stage.

Event Overview

• - Event Name: 20th Film Translation Forum
• - Date: May 23, 2026 (Saturday) from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM
• - Venue: Nichgapuri Sunny Hall, Tokyo

(1 minute walk from the JR and Keisei Nichgapuri Station South Exit / 3 minutes from Nichgapuri-Toner Line)

Program Highlights

Part 1: Living with Cinema
Speaker: Natsuko Toda (Film Subtitle Translator)
Natsuko Toda, who has been an influential figure in the film translation realm since her debut with Apocalypse Now in 1980, will share her life lessons through the subtitles she has crafted for over 1,500 films. Her work includes beloved classics like E.T., Forrest Gump, and Titanic. Attendees can look forward to her reflections on the beauty of language and cinema.

Part 2: Paving the Way for the Film Market
Speakers: Kaneyama (KDDI Producer) and Keiko Honda (Korean-Japanese Film Translator)
In this segment, Kaneyama will unveil the journey of KDDI Pictures, discussing the complexities of film distribution and differences in cinematic culture between Japan and Korea. As an experienced producer, he will shed light on recent projects like Funny Bunny and Winny, while Keiko Honda will enrich the conversation by exploring the critical role of translators in this evolving landscape.

Part 3: The Philosophy of Studio Ghibli
Speaker: Junichi Nishioka (Studio Ghibli Fellow)
Junichi Nishioka, who has been instrumental in promoting Studio Ghibli’s works globally, will reveal how the studio's philosophy transcends borders and resonates with audiences worldwide. His experiences, including involvement in the establishment of the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, promise to provide valuable insights into the studio’s impact on global cinema.

Part 4: Translating Global Blockbusters
Speaker: Kanji Hayashi (Subtitle Translator)
Renowned for his translations of major hits like Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Homecoming, Kanji Hayashi will dissect his thought processes and techniques used during the translation of various cinematic masterpieces. He will also share backstage anecdotes and how translations shape audience perceptions.

Audience Engagement

This forum is ideal for anyone intrigued by the world of film translation, aspiring translators, movie distribution professionals, enthusiasts of Korean cinema, Studio Ghibli aficionados, and MARVEL fans alike.

Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the best in the industry and deepen your understanding of the art and craft of film translation. Please visit the official website for further details and registration
Event Details & Registration

About the Organizer

Company Name: Wise Infinity
Founder: Yasuo Kishi
Location: Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Website: Wise Infinity

Join us in celebrating 20 years of excellence in film translation!