Through “A Proclamation for Peace” translation project hosted by the Oregon Society of Translators and Interpreters (OSTI), I translated the Poetry by the former Oregon Poet laureate Kim Stafford into Japanese, which is one of dozens of languages. The story was featured on the OPB radio program Think Out Loud, September 3, 2024. Listen to the episode here.
A Proclamation for Peace
by Kim Stafford
Whereas the world is a house on fire;
Whereas the nations are filled with shouting;
Whereas hope seems small, sometimes
a single bird on a wire
left by migration behind.
Whereas kindness is seldom in the news
and peace an abstraction
while war is real;
Whereas words are all I have;
Whereas my life is short;
Whereas I am afraid;
Whereas I am free—despite all
fire and anger and fear;
Be it therefore resolved a song
shall be my calling—a song
not yet made shall be vocation
and peaceful words the work
of my remaining days.
(Listen to Kim’s voice in English)
平和のことば
キム・スタッフォード作
めらめらと世の中が燃えている
国々が叫びあっている
明日の夢はぽつねんと
一羽はぐれて電線に
群れははるかに飛び去って。
ニュースも心を見失い
「平和」がわからなくなって
実感するのはいさかいばかり。
それでも宿る、この身の魂。
余命はかれこれ見えてきた
不安だ、
けどまだ自由。
炎の怒りの怖えにふるえる
ぼくの言葉がひさかたの
詩（うた）になるならしてみたい。
まだこれからの、その言葉
和やかなうつせみの世を語る
あしたのうたになればいい。
(Listen to Mika’s voice in Japanese.)
Mika has been the webmaster and online editor of the Western Regional Button Association (WRBA) since 2003. A few years ago, a WRBA member based in Japan alerted Mika to a Japanese beachcomber’s blog post featuring a remarkable find: a glass button with an intricate cherry blossom design.
As a native Japanese speaker, I provide accurate and culturally sensitive translations (written) and interpretations (spoken) that faithfully convey your intended message. My work emphasizes context-awareness, ensuring that the target language output maintains the appropriate tone and level of politeness for a Japanese audience.
I am certified by the American Translators Association (ATA) for translating from English into Japanese, with expertise in intuitive online media translation. I take pride in delivering consistently high-quality results and building strong relationships with my repeat clients and their Japanese counterparts.
Through my involvement with the Oregon Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Services, ATA, and the Oregon Society of Translators and Interpreters (OSTI), I have had the privilege of connecting with professionals from diverse languages and cultures. My mission is to help international teams engage effectively with Japanese-speaking stakeholders, fostering constructive communication and successful collaboration. -Mika Jarmusz
ATA Certified Japanese Translator Mika Jarmusz
American Translators Association member, Certified Japanese translator
(ATA profile)
(verify certification)
Registered Court Interpreter, State of Oregon
(Interpreter Roster)
Qualified Healthcare Interpreter, Oregon Health Authority (Oregon Health Care Interpreter Registry)
Oregon Society of Translators and Interpreters (OSTI) member