From November 28-30, 7 members of the Professional Translation Club volunteered at the Tokyo Aquatic Center for the 2025 Japan Open Swimming competition. Over 10 Olympians competed in this event, including 2024 Paris Olympic champion Cameron McEvoy, Japan record-holding high schooler Shin Ohhashi, and former world record holder Ippei Watanabe. The club’s volunteers say this is an experience they’ll never forget.
During the Japan Open 2025 Swimming Tournament, members of the Professional Sports Translation Club supported the tournament by taking on various roles. The student translators were stationed mainly in four spots: the resolution desk, the call room, the MC room, and the pick-up station, where they guided athletes through procedures, translated questions from athletes and communication between the tournament staff and the foreign teams, translated conversations between the staff in the MC room and the guest commentator, and helped out with regular duties alongside Japanese university students. The members’ performance ensured the tournament ran smoothly without any inconvenience and supported the foreign teams and athletes, making them feel welcome.
Yasunari Kamishima (Sophomore) said his most memorable moment was “talking to an Olympian in real life.” He shared that the event showed him “how people from different backgrounds all gather as one and compete,” and added that although the work was unique, he enjoyed the challenge.
For Ryofu Kaku (Junior), the highlight was interacting with world-class athletes and observing their routines before and after their races. “I learned that success comes with an enormous amount of effort and dedication,” he explained. He also noted that being able to use all three of his languages to translate the athletes made the experience especially meaningful.
Yamato Aoki (Junior), the club leader, recalled his own interactions how challenging interpretation can be when asked to in real time. “There were several moments when I was asked to translate Japanese expressions that didn’t have a clear or direct equivalent in English, so finding the most accurate wording on the spot was difficult,” Yamato recalled. “It taught me the importance of flexibility, quick thinking, and choosing the most appropriate phrasing depending on the context.” He commented that the experience deepened his appreciation for the athletes’ discipline and said he was grateful for the opportunity to apply his language skills in a real competitive environment.
Participating in the Japan Open 2025 allowed the club to take a major step toward its goal of providing real-world sports translation experience to students. The event demonstrated the club’s capability to assist at national-level competitions and strengthened its connection with sports organizations. For many students, it was a formative experience that deepened their interest in languages and international sports. The success at this year’s event further solidifies the club’s role as a bridge between athletes from around the world and Japan’s sports community.
The Professional Sports Translation Club hopes to continue supporting major sporting events and welcomes students who are interested in languages, sports, or international communication. No prior experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to learn. Those looking for a unique opportunity to apply their language skills in real-world situations are encouraged to join the club and be part of its next exciting project.
This event served as a valuable learning experience for all seven members. It also seems like Japan Aquatics appreciated their efforts, as the club has received a tentative volunteer offer for an upcoming competition, which will be hosted in Japan next year. Although the offer is not yet confirmed, the club hopes to recruit more members and continue volunteering at even more events in the coming year.
