Game Changers: Bridging language gaps in Japan rugby through translation with Doug Picken

Doug Picken is an exceptional individual with unique insights into the world of rugby translation and the cultural intricacies of Japan and New Zealand. In his position as a translator for the DynaBoars rugby team, Doug helps his team to tackle the linguistic and cultural differences daily. We love his passion for wearing the jersey in promoting Japan rugby and his dedication to his podcast, Japan Rugby Weekly, a favourite of the Jandals team and many listeners too! Ikimasho~!

SHOW NOTES (These will become a blog post as well as go into Anchor/Captivate).

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In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Doug started as a translator finding himself at the “Mighty Dynaboars”
• What makes a good rugby translator and what can get you fired (!)
• The number one thing that helps Kiwis have a long successful career in Japan
• The importance of the company in professional rugby in Japan
• Doug’s podcast, Japan Rugby Weekly, and why we love it

About Doug

Doug was born in Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima and spent time between Japan and New Zealand (Rotorua) growing up. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science

Double majoring in Statistics & Sports and Exercise Science from the University of Auckland Doug moved to Japan in 2015. He worked as an English teacher before getting his first translating job in 2017 in Fukuoka at the Coca-Cola Red Sparks Rugby Team.  Doug has also helped the Sunwolves in 2019 and 2021 before moving to Sagamihara to join the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihara Dynaboars. He is also host of the wildly popular Japan Rugby Weekly Podcast.

Links

Japan Rugby Weekly: https://redcircle.com/shows/japan-rugby-weekly

Heiden Bedwell Curtis: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/eighteen

Jamie Joseph: https://www.jandalsinjapan.com/episode/twenty-six

Jandals in Japan is brought to you by Catherine O’Connell Law and PodLaunch with Jayne

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