Announcement: Applications Open for "JWL for Interpreters 2026"

Japan Winter League Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, Representative Director: Issei Washizaki) and the Japan Sports Management Interpreter Association (Headquarters: Minato City, Tokyo, Representative Director: Tomoo Ikoma) have decided to implement "JWL for Interpreters 2026," a joint project aimed at practically acquiring interpretation and language skills in sports settings. Application acceptance for participants begins today.

What is JWL for Interpreters 2026?

Even after studying sports interpretation, opportunities to work in actual sports settings are rare. This program is a practical initiative designed not to end with qualification acquisition, but to foster individuals who can actively contribute in real sports environments. Using the international baseball league "JAPAN WINTER LEAGUE (JWL)," which brings together over 125 foreign athletes and staff from 16 countries, participants will gain experience in interpretation, event management, and intercultural communication in a realistic sports setting, cultivating not just language proficiency but also "the ability to be trusted on-site."

What You Will Gain from This Program

🌐 Gain Practical Experience

By undertaking practical interpretation duties in a real environment with foreign athletes from around the world, you can launch your career as an interpreter trusted on-site, rather than stopping at qualification acquisition.

⚡ Develop On-Site Responsiveness

You will cultivate the ability to think and act based on "what is needed right now" within the unique speed and atmosphere of a sports setting.

🤝 Build Industry Networks

With attendees from NPB, MLB, overseas clubs, and independent leagues, there is an opportunity to build a network directly connected to work in the sports industry.

📄 Accumulate Demonstrable Achievements

You can organize your on-site experiences and feedback to accumulate them as "achievements" that can be utilized for future job hunting and project applications.

*This program is intended to support career development and does not guarantee employment or project acquisition.

Program Details

1 On-Site Practical Training (Main Component)

Participants will assist with interpretation between foreign athletes and coaches/staff, provide consecutive interpretation during meetings and feedback sessions, and handle practical interpretation for pre- and post-game interviews.

2 Special Lecturer & Classroom Training Program

In addition to lectures on baseball terminology and intercultural communication supervised by SMI, special practical lectures will be conducted by special lecturers active on the front lines of the NBA and MLB.

3 Sports Interpreter Certification Level 3 Exam

This exam will be administered to participants around the final week of the program.

*Those who have already passed Level 3 or higher are not required to take the exam. During that time, they will focus on practical training activities.

4 Review, Evaluation, and Certification

Individual feedback will be provided by supervising professional interpreters. Upon completion of the program, SMI will issue a certificate of completion. Preferential treatment for higher-level certification exams is also planned.

*The content and schedule of this program are subject to change without notice.

Program Overview

Program Name

JWL for Interpreters 2026

Period

November 21, 2026 (Sat) - December 17, 2026 (Thu) (During JWL period)

Location

Koza Shinkin Stadium (Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture)

Target Audience

Pass holders or prospective candidates for the "Sports Bilingual Certification - Baseball -" or "Sports Interpreter Certification Level 3."

Capacity

Approximately 10 people (Selection is made per application; recruitment will close once capacity is reached)

Participation Fee

110,000 yen (tax included)

*Those who have not yet obtained Sports Interpreter Certification Level 3 must take the exam. An additional exam fee of 6,160 yen (tax included) will be required. (Regular price: 8,800 yen (tax included))

Organizers (Co-organizers)

Japan Winter League Co., Ltd.

Japan Sports Management Interpreter Association

*Round-trip transportation and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the participant.

*The content and schedule of this program are subject to change without notice.

Special Lecturer Profile: Ryo Shinkawa

Concurrent roles include Marketing Manager for the NBA Washington Wizards, Consultant for the MLB Cincinnati Reds, interpreter for US sports broadcasts on NHK Satellite Sports, and Operations Manager in Japan for the rugby agency BSMI.

Works freelance as a writer, interpreter, and consultant, primarily in sports. Served in public relations and interpretation for a total of 7 years across 4 MLB teams, and accompanied Samurai Japan in the 2017 WBC. Also handled localization for the launch of DAZN's operations in Japan. His first translated book, "Superstar Story: Shohei Ohtani," was released in April 2024.

*"Cheering Squad" of the Japan Sports Management Interpreter Association

▶ Enter here

https://japanleague.palettetree.jp/form/jwli2026

[Contact Information for Inquiries]

Inquiries regarding implementation and operations

Japan Winter League Co., Ltd. | 2F, 1-7-8 Chuo 1-chome, Okinawa City

📧 info@japanleague.co.jp 🌐 https://www.japanleague.co.jp

Inquiries regarding recruitment and certification

Japan Sports Management Interpreter Association, Practical Program Secretariat

4F, Sumitomo Fudosan Shiba Building No. 2, 1-5-9 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo

📧 info@spomane-inter.com 🌐 https://www.spomane-inter.com/

*Information contained in this release is current as of the time of announcement. Dates and details are subject to change without notice.