Vissel Kobe has several interpreters on staff because they have players whose native languages are Portuguese, English, and Spanish.Interpreting not only facilitates smooth conversations between players, but also involves facing each player individually, each of whom has different positions, personalities, and upbringing environments, and supporting them. This is also part of the job.Overcoming language barriers, communication between hearts.To understand its importance, we spoke to Eiji Kumon, who is in charge of Portuguese, and Norikazu Murakami, who is in charge of English.

What they unanimously stress upon when interpreting is “conveying information reliably” and “thoroughly understanding the athletes they are responsible for.”

“In order to convey the meaning of a statement without misunderstanding, one must decide whether it is sufficient to rely on a direct translation of the speaker’s words, or whether it would be better to arrange it a little in a Japanese style.”In order to do that, it’s crucial to understand their backbone, as you cannot make instantaneous decisions without it. Therefore, it’s important to communicate on a regular basis.” (Kumon)

“Knowing one’s character, speech habits, and where they come from is also an important point.Even if you live in the same country or speak the same language, the regional characteristics of the land you live in also influence your language.Indeed, it starts with getting to know the other person well, and sometimes it involves asking why they choose to use the words they often use.”I feel it’s easier to convey the message when I interpret after establishing communication.” (Murakami)

In addition to connecting conversations between teammates, the job of an interpreter also involves providing personal life support to prevent feelings of isolation when in a foreign country.

“Whether your private life is fulfilling or not affects your play,” says Murakami.In a foreign country, activities such as shopping and dining can be stressful.In order to alleviate that, it seems that right after transferring, there are times when one might be completely devoted.Furthermore, “It’s when you can’t speak your native language that you are most likely to feel homesick.”I am thinking of actively speaking in my native language in order to alleviate my loneliness, even if it’s just a little.

Furthermore, Murakami feels that “the role of a communicator is also significant in the job of an interpreter.””When two people are in an emotional conversation, it’s not about simply conveying the words as they are, but understanding what they want to say, choosing the words, and conveying it simply.”The purpose of my existence is to facilitate smooth communication.”I believe that there are things that can be accomplished by human intervention, not by translation machines.”

Kumon also mentioned that he is conscious about “not becoming a speaker”.Especially, there are times when you can’t choose your words when you’re emotional.By standing in between, the number of sharp words thrown decreases, and it becomes a time to regain calmness.”Foreigners and Japanese people have completely different cultures and ways of thinking.”There are times when, if the same words are returned even after conveying these words, you may have a conversation with the person before translating.We are one family.”I believe that simply being a yes-man and agreeing to everything often doesn’t work well, as I don’t want to ruin the team.” (Kumon)

The success of foreign athletes is indispensable to the presence of interpreters who are skilled in communication abilities.Of course, there are many players in Vissel Kobe who have experience playing for overseas teams, and there are many instances where the players communicate with each other.”Scenes where multiple languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Japanese are spoken can often be seen.””We are communicating not only about soccer, but also about private matters.” (Kumon)

People unaccustomed to that environment might be intimidated, but the official interpreter says, “It’s not embarrassing even if you make a mistake.””Speaking and initiating conversation by arranging the words you know, and tracing the memory of the grammar you know, is the most pleasing thing for the other person and I believe it gets communicated.””Firstly, it’s all about that feeling, isn’t it?”

Interpreting is like a bridge that overcomes barriers arising from language differences.However, it’s not just because communication is a common language that it works well, but I was able to feel from the conversation that it’s important to have the desire to understand what the other person is saying.They express their team as a “family”, sweating not to convey words but to share feelings.There is no doubt that its presence is one of the pillars supporting the team.

Eiji Kumon, who is in charge of Portuguese interpretation

Norikazu Murakami, in charge of English interpretation

INTERVIEW & TEXT: Chiharu Abe