Who We Are
About Honyakutori
The Origin
The Birth of the Translation Bird
The name "Honyakutori" (翻訳鳥) literally means "Translation Bird" in Japanese - a combination of "honyaku" (翻訳, translation) and "tori" (鳥, bird). But the story behind it runs deeper than a simple name.
Legend has it, founder Mitchell Fujimoto was working late nights translating a beloved RPG. One evening, exhausted but determined, he noticed a small bird perched outside his window, illuminated by his desk lamp. Night after night, it returned - a silent companion in his work of carrying stories across languages.
That little bird became our symbol: a messenger that bridges worlds, carrying precious meaning from one language to another with care and precision. Like a bird under a lantern's glow, we bring light to stories that might otherwise remain in the dark for global audiences.
"Every translation is a small migration - carrying the soul of a story to new shores, where it can nest in new hearts."
翻訳鳥
Honyakutori
A Story's Migration
Like a bird crossing vast oceans, a story must travel far to reach its global home. This journey spans the entire spectrum of entertainment: the complex mechanics of gaming, the visual rhythm of manga, and the emotional resonance of anime. Whether it's a grand shonen epic or a grounded slice-of-life tale, these stories deserve to land in the hearts of fans everywhere. We believe that no barrier should stand in the way of a story worth telling.
"Every translation is a migration - carrying meaning across vast distances."
What We Believe
The principles that guide our work every day.
Passion for Culture
We're fans first. We genuinely love the content we localize, from anime to games.
Global Perspective
With a network of experts across 8 countries, we understand cultural nuances that matter.
Quality & Momentum
We never compromise on quality, but we also understand deadlines are sacred.
Collaborative Spirit
We work as an extension of your team—acting as trusted colleagues rather than just a vendor.
The Founders
Meet the Team
We are two passionate professionals who founded Honyakutori.
Co-Founder
Mitchell Fujimoto
Studio Director & Lead Localizer
Translator, story explorer, and narrative architect. Dedicated to the craft of bringing stories across borders.
Co-Founder
Miyuki Haneda
Japanese Lead & Partnership Director
Supporting indie outreach and project coordination. Building long-term creative partnerships across cultures.
We believe every story deserves to travel. Our mission is to carry the soul of Japanese creativity—games, anime, manga, and beyond—across linguistic borders with authenticity, artistry, and heart. Together, we're building bridges between cultures, one translation at a time.
The Boutique Difference
Our Process
Click any step to read about our approach.
Process
Deep Immersion
Context, not spreadsheets
Before we translate a single word, we immerse ourselves in your project. We play the game, watch the series, read the source material. We understand the characters, the world, the creator's vision.
Our translators don't work from spreadsheets — they work from context. This deep understanding ensures that every joke lands, every reference connects, and every emotional beat hits exactly as intended.
Work With Us
Ready to bring your content to global audiences? We'd love to hear about your project.