Kotaro H.

🔹 Optimized Upwork Profile Kotaro Hanawa | Japanese Translator · Licensed Tour Conductor · Manga Artist & Illustrator Hi, I’m Kotaro — a bilingual Japanese creator who bridges language, travel, and art to help international clients connect with Japan authentically. Having grown up between Japan and the U.S. (Connecticut, IB curriculum), I understand both sides of cultural nuance — which lets me translate not just words, but intent, rhythm, and feeling. 🈺 1. English → Japanese Translation & Localization I help creators, publishers, and media teams bring English content to life in natural Japanese — whether that’s entertainment, AI data, or tourism projects. Experience Highlights YouTube scripts, captions & dubbing (Adobe Audition / Premiere Pro) Fiction, non-fiction & graphic novel localization (EN→JA) AI data evaluation, annotation & cultural alignment (earned $2,000+ in 2 months) Real-world interpretation for casual or travel-related conversations Approach: I prioritize tone and cultural flow over literal translation — ensuring your message feels like it was written by a native from the start.I can also proofread, subtitle, or refine existing Japanese text for clarity and impact. 🚄 2. Japan Travel & Tourism Content I’m a Licensed Tour Conductor (2025) and the author of four Japan travel guidebooks (500+ copies sold on Amazon).For four years, I’ve guided visitors through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and the Japanese Alps — helping them experience Japan with confidence. How I Can Help You Write, edit, or translate Japan travel articles, blogs, or video scripts Design or localize tourism materials (maps, infographics, signage) Provide consulting on inbound tourism communication strategies With 10+ years of on-site experience in Japan’s public transportation system, I make even complex travel topics clear for first-time visitors. 🎨 3. Manga & Illustration As a manga creator and illustrator, I merge traditional brushwork with modern digital tools.Tutored by a Tokyo-based manga editor, I’ve published 3 manga and 1 illustration book (2022–2024). Creative Support Manga translation (EN→JA) & dialogue adaptation Art direction and layout for graphic novels or visual media Illustration, logo, or visual storytelling projects Tools: Clip Studio Paint EX · Adobe Illustrator · Ink & Brush (文房四寶) 🌸 About Me Beyond my creative work, I practice Noh theater and study Shinto priesthood, disciplines that teach rhythm, mindfulness, and respect for detail — the same values I bring to every project.I welcome voice-based, long-term, and collaborative work where trust and authenticity matter. 💬 Languages Japanese — Native English — Fluent (TOEFL iBT 103) Education International Christian University (2015–2020) University of California, Berkeley (Summer 2016) 🧭 Why Clients Choose Me I have stories to tell, and I’ll take you on a ride through a crazy journey—whether it’s about Japanese traditional arts, modern philosophical ideas, or anything in between. Let’s enjoy the process together and see where it takes us. 💡 3-Point Commentary Empathy & Connection:Opens with personal cultural duality — instantly relatable to Western clients working on Japanese projects. This builds empathy and trust before selling. Proof & Credibility:Reorganized achievements into measurable and client-oriented proof points (earnings, sales, credentials, mentorship) to simulate credibility even before reviews. Offer & Trust Loop:Each section clearly explains how Kotaro solves client problems, not just what he does. The closing line (“sound Japanese — not translated”) serves as a memorable trust anchor and value promise.