投稿者: Jessica Azumaya

（日本語ブログ：効果的なIRが企業価値の差を生む理由｜One World Link）

In our previous blog, we discussed a resurfaced video in which Peter Thiel, chair of Palantir Technologies, briefly discussed the level of impact the expansion of AI may have on people in math-related fields versus those in more writing-based fields.

We dived into a Wall Street Journal article that then discussed the rise in corporations searching to communicate more through “storytelling.”

Today, let’s take that discussion one step further and talk about why effective storytelling in investor relations can become a competitive advantage.

Why Narrative Matters in IR

Investors do not evaluate companies based on numbers alone.

Sure, financial metrics are essential, but investors also need to understand the strategy behind those numbers.

Studies show that investor relations communication and more frequent engagement can improve company valuation, liquidity, and institutional ownership. (*IDEAS / RePEc journal article)

In other words, a good narrative can influence how the market perceives a company.

This narrative is often called a company’s equity story and connects several key elements:

• Business strategy
• Competitive positioning
• Growth opportunities
• Capital allocation decisions
• Long-term value creation

Let’s take a look at a report by Corbin Advisors titled Maximizing Valuation Through Strategic Investor Communication. Corbin Advisors is a U.S. company that provides strategic advisory services in investor relations and communications, supporting publicly traded companies in building sustainable shareholder value. In this article, the company highlights how important effective communication has become in modern capital markets.

Based on more than 24,000 interviews with the investment community, the  research by Corbin Advisors suggests that roughly 40% of a company’s valuation can be influenced by investor relations and communication, either positively or negatively. The same study also found that companies perceived to combine strong execution with strong communication significantly outperform peers in share price appreciation. (Corbin Advisors PDF)

Corbin Advisors, Maximizing Valuation Through Strategic Investor Communication, 2025

In a market where investors follow dozens of companies at once and face an overwhelming amount of information, a clear and compelling investment story can play a major role in capturing investor attention and building long-term confidence. If you are interested in learning more, the full report is worth reading here.

The Growing Use of AI in Corporate Communication

In recent years, an increasing number of companies are looking to AI to cut costs and increase efficiency. In the world of investor relations, this shift can look like reducing personnel and internalizing translation by relying on AI tools or generative translation instead of outsourcing work to professional translators or communications specialists.

But relying on AI tools and generative translation in corporate writing runs the risk of companies losing their narrative and originality in repetitive, second-hand output.

At first glance, relying on AI and cutting personnel may seem efficient. AI tools can quickly generate English text from Japanese source material. They can summarize information and produce draft translations in seconds. However, there is a risk that companies relying heavily on AI may gradually lose their original voice and narrative.

When many organizations use similar tools and prompts, the output often becomes repetitive. Over time, corporate messaging can begin to sound standardized, generic, and indistinguishable from competitors.

The Hurdle of Japanese-to-English

Japanese and English are extremely different languages to translate between. From sentence structure to word choice, and even the tone of business materials, writing clear and effective communication takes more than direct translation.

Japanese business writing tends to rely on long sentences, indirect structure, and implied subjects. English investor communications, on the other hand, typically prefer result-first structures, clear subjects, and active voice.

Using large language models to translate often produces English that mirrors Japanese sentence structures. The translation may be technically correct, but the output frequently reads like a direct, one-to-one translation.

This type of English can be difficult for international investors to read. Following the Japanese structure too closely can make your message too hard to understand, resulting in less effective communication.

Another factor worth considering is the growing number of frameworks and guidelines used in sustainability and ESG reporting. Standards from organizations such as the ISSB, GRI, and TCFD often encourage companies to disclose similar types of information using similar terminology. As a result, sustainability sections in many reports can begin to sound almost identical once translated into English.

Following these guidelines is essential. However, you still have flexibility in how you communicate your message.

Clear and concise writing can often convey the same information in fewer words while highlighting your unique strategy and strengths. Communicating the same required disclosures more clearly and effectively than other companies can create an opportunity to differentiate your company in the eyes of global investors.

Differentiation Through Communication

Modern investors face an overwhelming amount of information, with institutional investors often following dozens of companies at the same time.

Companies that communicate clearly and consistently can stand out more easily in this environment.

Strong investor communication helps companies in the following areas:

• Build trust with investors
• Explain complex strategies clearly
• Differentiate themselves from competitors
• Attract long-term shareholders

Companies that invest in strong storytelling can therefore gain an advantage over companies that rely on generic communication.

The Plain English Approach

One practical way to improve IR communication is by adopting Plain English.

Plain English focuses on clarity and accessibility, and is a great choice when writing for a global audience effectively. This writing approach encourages writers to present information in a way that is easy for investors to understand.

Check out our previous blog on Plain English here, and stay tuned for upcoming posts where we take a deeper look at what Plain English is and how to apply it in practice.

In Summary

An increasing number of companies are looking to AI and generative translation tools for translation. But effective investor relations is not simply about speed and quantity—it’s about the quality of your message and differentiating your narrative from your competitors.

Companies that invest in effective communication and professional writing can strengthen investor understanding, build trust, and differentiate themselves in global capital markets.

（日本語ブログ：AIでは伝わらない。いま企業に求められる「ストーリーテリング力」とは｜One World Link）

Recent data shows a clear rise in the use of the terms “storytelling” and “storyteller” in investor days and earnings calls among Western companies. Corporate job listings reflect the same shift, with more roles emphasizing storytelling as a required skill, even in an era increasingly shaped by AI. What do these companies mean by storytelling? What does storytelling have to do with you in your everyday investor relations work?

Some older comments on AI by Peter Thiel, chair of Palantir Technologies, have gained renewed attention over the past few months. In a discussion at the Mercatus Center on February 21, 2024, Thiel sat down with economist Tyler Cowen as part of the Conversations with Tyler podcast to discuss various topics from political theory to religion and AI.

The resurfaced clip from this interview shows Thiel stating, “It seems much worse for the math people more than word people. What people have told me that they think within the next 3-5 years, AI models would be able to solve all the US Maths Olympiad problems.” (*1)

In other words, Thiel theorized that the expansion of AI would affect those in math-related fields more than those in writing fields.

But why is this video resurfacing now?

While there is no single answer to this question, the video may be resurfacing due to a few factors.

In the U.S., AI has been a recent hot topic among banks and other financial institutions, with numerous companies announcing workforce cuts or the possibility of doing so due to AI in the near future. (*2) Furthermore, according to this Scientific American article (*3), certain AI models were able to solve five out of six questions during an unofficial 2025 International Math Olympiad test.

So, what about the “word people,” and do you even consider yourself “word people” as an IR professional? How does the expansion of AI affect those in corporate communications and other writing positions now?

In December 2025, the Wall Street Journal released an article on the importance of storytelling in corporate America. The article quotes numerous companies like Google and Microsoft that are searching for “storytellers.” (*4)

Specifically, the article states:

“Marketing and technology companies have often repurposed grandiose descriptions from other arenas to lend corporate office roles additional sparkle. While the heyday of technology gurus, developer ninjas, SEO rockstars and at least one digital prophet have long since passed, calling salaried communications professionals “storytellers” and the practice of storytelling appears to only have picked up in popularity.”

In other words, even as some question the value of traditional writing roles, companies continue to increase hiring for positions around storytelling. But what exactly is storytelling, and who are the storytellers?

Storytelling refers to communicating information in a way that connects ideas into a clear and engaging narrative, rather than presenting facts in isolation. Storytellers are the people who shape and deliver that narrative, deciding what to emphasize, how to structure information, and how to make the message clear and engaging for their audience.

In a corporate context, storytelling can be seen in the way we structure information to ensure that stakeholders understand the company’s strategy, performance, and direction as a coherent narrative.

Referring to this type of communication as “storytelling,” rather than terms such as “editorial” or “press relations,” has become increasingly common.

In fact, the Wall Street Journal notes that job postings on LinkedIn mentioning words like “storyteller” and “storytelling” doubled over the past year (Nov. 27, 2024 – Nov. 26, 2025). Listings for marketing positions were around 50,000 at the time of the WSJ article, while listings under media and communications came in at around 20,000.

The article also suggests possible reasons for this shift. Changes in how audiences consume information may play a role. Readers have moved away from traditional newspapers, and companies now communicate directly through their own channels, including social media.

These shifts may also influence how both audiences and companies approach communication, and in turn, how companies define and recruit for these roles.

FactSet, a financial data and analytics company, also reported an increase in the number of times the words “storyteller” and “storytelling” came up in investor days and earnings calls, with CEOs and companies also shifting away from terms “editorial” and “press relations strategy” to terms like “storytelling” and “content strategy.” (*4)

Jennifer Kuperman, chief corporate affairs officer of Chime, a financial technology company, says, “Terms like ‘editorial’ are limiting. They put in mind a very specific thing you’re doing or creating. Whereas you could tell stories in so many different ways—social, podcasts, putting your executives out there, hosting an event, talking to the press.” (*4)

Taken together, these trends suggest that companies increasingly view communication as a way to shape how stakeholders understand the business. For professionals in investor relations and corporate communications, this shift to storytelling raises expectations for how your company writes and presents English disclosures are written and presented.

The Takeaway

AI is evolving at breakneck speed, but increased reliance on AI also brings growing distrust and risks. Corporations appear to be turning towards more human and authentic communications to reach their target audiences, leading to a rise in demand for storytelling-focused roles.

While AI may be one step closer to solving the world’s most difficult math problems, as Peter Thiel previously suggested, humans are still an essential part of writing.

This shift places greater importance on how your company’s story is communicated in English. Disclosures must do more than present accurate information. They must connect key messages into a clear and coherent narrative in both the original and target languages.

At One World Link, we focus on telling your story to the world. Our Japanese-to-English writers support investor relations teams with professional translations that deliver clear, natural, and investor-ready narratives.

Reach out with any questions, and ensure your English narratives clearly support your story.

Citations

1. YouTube video
Mercatus Center. (2024, April 17). Peter Thiel on political theology | Conversations with Tyler [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfbndRTlsg4

---

2. Yahoo Finance article
Ma, J. (2026, March 8). Peter Thiel warned AI is coming for math people before word people. Banks have already said smaller headcounts are possible. Yahoo Finance.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/peter-thiel-warned-ai-coming-180944036.html

---

3. Scientific American article
Reihl, E. (2025, August 7). AI took on the Math Olympiad, but mathematicians are not impressed. Scientific American.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mathematicians-question-ai-performance-at-international-math-olympiad/

---

4. Wall Street Journal article
Deighton, K. (2025, December 12). Companies are desperately seeking storytellers. The Wall Street Journal.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-are-desperately-seeking-storytellers-7b79f54e

（日本語ブログ：日本語レポートの英語表記、本当に正しいですか？｜One World Link）

Do you use English in the design of your Japanese reports?

Whether you add English for branding, global appeal, or internal consistency across your disclosure materials, the final design should always be reviewed by a native English speaker before final publication.

Without that review, the English throughout your design may contain issues that only surface once translation begins. Revisions to the design at that stage can be extremely difficult and may affect both the Japanese and English versions of the report.

These challenges appear in many places, from katakana English to short English labels, English-based headings, taglines, and other forms of copywriting. Below, I dive into just a few of the most common examples we tend to see in Japanese IR and ESG reports.

Katakana English

Many English expressions in Japanese reports originate from katakana words or shorthand that work naturally in Japanese but do not carry the same clarity in English. Common examples include the following:

• テーマ

Often mistranslated as theme. The translation depends heavily on context, but more accurate choices could include  topics, discussion points, or focus areas.

• インプット・アウトプット (Or similar headings)

Input and Output may be correct in certain contexts, but others require that these words take the plural form. Such Japanese words typically don’t take the plural form. Translating the katakana directly without confirming whether the context requires singular or plural can lead to confusion.

• トップメッセージ

Top Message is a very common heading seen in Japanese reports, but it is not standard English for U.S. corporate communications. Natural alternatives include Message From the CEO or CEO Message, among other options.

While these translations aren’t necessarily incorrect, they can appear elementary, over literal, or even come across as a direct translation. When that English is already embedded into background elements or graphics, making adjustments becomes difficult. Early-stage consultation with a native English speaker or a trusted translation company helps prevent issues at the final production stage.

Typography

Typography is another important consideration when using English in Japanese reports. Fonts optimized for Japanese typography do not always handle English kerning or letter shapes well. Using English-optimize fonts is one way you can ensure your English looks professional across both Japanese and English reports. English optimized fonts can prevent wide kerning, unusual spacing, and inconsistencies between the Japanese and English versions of the report.

Below is an example of a single phrase using four different fonts. On the right side, I use Georgia and Arial fonts (English-optimized), and on the left side, I use 游ゴシック and メイリオ.

Notice how the spacing between each letter is slightly wider in the Japanese-optimized fonts. This spacing is called kerning. English becomes more polished when kerning remains tight and balanced. Japanese fonts also use wider ledding—the space between lines—to accommodate the taller structure of kanji and kana. Wider ledding can create unnecessary vertical space when the same font is used for English paragraphs.

For more information on English-optimized fonts, see our blog here. For Japanese, click here.

The Takeaway

Using English inside Japanese-language reports can strengthen your global image, but only when the English is accurate, natural, and typographically appropriate. Literal or improperly formatted English often needs revision during translation, and those revisions become difficult when the original layout has not accounted for English structure or typography.

Planning for English from the beginning improves both versions of the report.
Clear, consistent English supports investor understanding and reflects the professionalism expected in IR communication.

One World Link can help review your English for Japanese layouts before reports reach the translation stage. Contact us today!

（日本語ブログ：英語をより自然に見せるための簡単な方法の一つ｜One World Link）

Direct translations of Japanese lists or items within the same hierarchy often overlook a crucial detail in English writing: parallel structure.

Parallel structure means aligning the grammar and form of each item in a list or group to ensure consistency. Literal translations of such items may reflect the original Japanese structure, but a lack of parallel structure can feel confusing or jarring in English.

High-quality English requires more than accuracy. A clear and consistent structure guides readers smoothly through key points, helping global audiences understand the information without hesitation.

Non-Parallel Structures

At OWL, we often see Japanese reports use non-parallel structures in lists and groups of phrases. Using a mix of verbs, nouns, gerunds, and other parts of speech in the same list may be acceptable Japanese writing, where readers can typically understand the message based on context. But English does not work the same way.

Inconsistent structure appears uneven and reduces readability, leading to communication issues in investor relations documents, where clarity and consistency are essential.

Take a look at the following Japanese-language example.

How would you translate this list? A direct, non-parallel translation might look like the following:

Take a look at item #3. Unlike the first two items, the phrase environmentally friendly activities does not include a verb. A missing verb here can be jarring to English readers, who may wonder what action your company intends to take regarding these activities.

Do you intend to engage in environmentally friendly activities? Increase participation in such activities? Start engaging? Continue current activities?

Ensuring parallel structure can support quick reading, reduce misinterpretation, highlight priorities clearly, and build trust through polished communication.

Items Within the Same Hierarchy

Items within the same hierarchy do not always appear as lists.
A good example of this is a company’s materiality. Materialities have become a common reporting element across sustainability reports, ESG disclosures, and IR documents.

When laying out each materiality, ensure each item follows the same tense and grammatical structure, even if located in various similar areas throughout your report.

Let’s take a look at the following materialities.

Does each materiality use parallel structures? Or can you identify a mix of plain verbs, noun phrases, and gerunds? If there is a mix, how might you fix it?

If you answered that the materialities are not parallel, you would be correct. But how can you best fix this issue?

There are three simple approaches you can take.

1. Convert all plain verbs and gerunds (verbs taking “-ing”) into noun phrases
2. Convert all noun phrases and gerunds into plain verb phrases
3. Convert all nouns and verb phrases into gerunds

Let’s take a look at the following edited materialities.

Would you say the items in this group are parallel?
The correct answer is yes.

Note that in my revision, I changed all forms into “-ing” verbs. Whether you revise your list to begin with plain verbs, “-ing” verbs, or nouns can boil down to preference, style, and even context.

The Takeaway

Literal translations can miss structural signals that matter in English. Ensuring parallel structure in English translations can lower miscommunication and ensure the intent of the Japanese is translated clearly.

Parallel structures across lists and items within the same hierarchy can also create a polished tone that supports trust and credibility with global investors through a clear structure that strengthens your message.

For support in creating consistent English writing, contact One World Link today

（日本語ブログ：なぜ統一したテーマ設定が統合報告書のメッセージ性を高めるのか｜One World Link）

Integrated reports and sustainability reports carry significant responsibility in telling your story to a global audience. These documents communicate strategy, purpose, and progress to both domestic and global stakeholders, and every section contributes to the larger story that your company wants to tell. The key to shaping the story readers take away is the theme, or overarching message, that guides them through the report.

A theme isn’t just a cool slogan on the cover of your report. Instead, a theme should support your company’s values, philosophy, and the message of your overall report.

When the theme shifts from section to section, readers can struggle to understand the overall direction. Using a consistent theme will help keep your reports coherent and create a clear message investors can follow from the first page to the last.

A consistent theme can also only improve readability and enhance credibility. Investors expect companies to communicate with clarity, and a strong theme demonstrates intention and alignment across the organization.

Themes Across Sections

Consider the following example headings commonly found in an integrated report.

Cover
Innovation for Growth

CEO Message
Creating Stakeholder Value

ESG Section
Building a Sustainable Future

Looking at these headings, readers might assume that each section discusses a different concept. Although all three sections may introduce valid talking points, the shift in focus can distract readers and make your report feel fragmented.

Below is an example of what a more consistent theme might look like, centered around the theme of innovative growth.

Cover
Innovation for Growth

CEO Message
Innovative Growth Builds Shareholder Value

ESG Section
Innovative Growth Leads to a Sustainable Future

These revised section headings now link each message back to a single theme, creating not only consistency throughout the different sections but also strengthening the image that your company is fully dedicated to innovative growth.

When each section develops the same core idea, the entire report feels more intentional. Your theme supports the strategic story, and readers can see how leadership, ESG initiatives, and long-term ambitions connect to the company’s growth narrative.

This article on Storyraise (run by Storyraise Technology Inc.) discusses a multitude of reasons why developing a theme for your integrated report is absolutely crucial. In particular, Storyraise comments on the following benefits.

Themes…

• Help tell a story
• Humanize your brand
• Help deliver an impactful message
• Help you and your readers stay on track
• Help affirm your brand
• Help differentiate your report from years past

The article also states that without a theme, “…readers won’t feel like they’re reading a story. Instead, they’ll feel like they’re reading a textbook or a boring financial report.”

In Summary

Strong IR and ESG reports rely on a clear thematic direction. When each section supports a consistent idea, the writing carries a stronger message that resonates more deeply with readers and strengthens your global message.

One World Link can help refine theme structure, align Japanese and English narratives during translation, and improve readability across your IR and ESG materials. Contact us today for a free English Translation Quality Assessment Report (https://www.oneworldlink.jp/satei.php).

（日本語ブログ：縦組みデザインは英語レポートの読みやすさを損なう理由｜One World Link）

No one can deny that Japanese and English are about as different as two languages can be. From the seemingly “backwards” sentence structures to entirely different reading directions, the two feel like polar opposites.

Did you know English text can take up to twice as much space as Japanese? Imagine trying to cram all that extra text into tiny graphs, headings, or design elements. The struggle is real, and translators often need to get creative.

But today, I want to focus on one specific pain point that’s truly a headache—vertical text.

Vertical Text: A Reader’s Nightmare

Vertical text is a staple in Japanese design, but when it comes to English? It’s a recipe for confusion. Here’s why:

Reading Flow Disruption: English readers are used to scanning left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Vertical text forces them to pause and tilt their heads, breaking their rhythm. Some readers may skip the text altogether due to not being accustomed to such formatting.

Misinterpretation Risks: Vertical text and its placement can lead to misinterpretation in financial reports, manuals, or other complex documents as readers are accustomed to left-to-right flow. Vertical text may cause confusion about what data the label refers to or whether the information is a heading or a side comment.

Take a look at this example page I created from a hypothetical  integrated report.

Figure 1

With excessive use of vertical text like this, English readers are almost forced to break their next to read your report.

(True story: I once had to edit an 80-page integrated report full of vertical headings just like this. Imagine trying to read 80 pages like this!)

One study posted in the Journal of Vision found that reading speeds of vertical text drops significantly compared to horizontal text. (Journal of Vision)

While readers may be inclined to force their way through a spot or two of vertical text, an entire 80-page report is another story entirely. Readers may decide that reading such material just isn’t worth the hassle.

Your readers—global investors—expect reports that are easy to navigate. Vertical text can slow down their understanding, making them less confident in your materials.

When Vertical Text Can’t Be Avoided

There will, of course, be times when vertical text is unavoidable.

Oftentimes, when text reaches the translation stage, it’s too late to make any major changes to the design.

So what can you do? Let’s take a look at Figure 2.

Figure 2

Notice how Our Purpose faces the outside of the page?

You may think this is the correct way to print vertical text in English, given that English text is read from top to bottom.

But as you may know, where there is a rule in English, there is almost always an exception.

If I underlined Our Purpose, that line would be facing the blank area, away from the text it should be heading. This makes it seem as if there is no relevant text under the title.

It’s best to rotate such text clockwise or counterclockwise to ensure that any unavoidable English text faces the relevant body text, even if it means not all titles face the same direction.

Let’s look back at Figure 1.

Figure 1 (Revised)

Even though the revised heading reads bottom to top and is different from the other headings, the heading now points to the correct information.

Tools like Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word offer features to align vertical text more effectively. Use these to tweak layouts without redesigning from scratch.

Another option you may have is widening the space allotted and using horizontal text, but this depends heavily on space.

Figure 2 (Revised)

Only take this option if each word if you are able to do so without breaking up single words over multiple lines of text.

Figure 3

The Takeaway

Don’t lose readers to avoidable design flaws.

Remember: Your English-language report may be the first touchpoint global investors have with your company. If a label or title feels unclear, unnecessary, or awkward to read, readers may feel less inclined to continue reading and learn about your company.

Avoiding vertical text, or adjusting its orientation thoughtfully, isn’t just a design decision. It’s part of building trust. And for IR professionals, ensuring your reports meet global readability standards is essential. Take the time to audit your layouts and make small adjustments to vertical text where possible.

Before submitting your report, check for:

• Vertical text that disrupts reading flow
• Misaligned vertical headings
• Alternatives like rotating titles to face the relevant body text

And if possible, collaborate with your design team early to ensure layouts accommodate both languages. A small conversation now can save significant headaches later.

（日本語ブログ：何を書くかだけでは伝わらない：「どう書くか」が重要｜One World Link）

In the world of investor relations and global communications, we sometimes become so focused on what we need to communicate that we forget to consider how best to convey our messages. Writing clear, professional English isn’t always about what you say, but how you present the information. The structures and format of your English text greatly affect how easily readers understand your message.

One technique professional business English writers use is to break information into clear, organized sections. For many overseas readers, long blocks of text can be tiring and difficult to follow. Whether you’re preparing an investor presentation, a shareholder letter, or a corporate report, dense paragraphs can cause readers to lose focus and miss key points.

To make your writing clear and engaging, try using bullet points and numbered lists. These tools help you present key information concisely and guide readers through your main ideas—an essential skill for anyone managing global corporate communications.

Why Bullet Points and Lists Work

Overseas audiences prefer concise communication.

Many English readers tend to skim through text, especially in business contexts where time is often limited. They want to find key information quickly and clearly.

Bullet points and numbered lists help transform dense information into a structured, easy-to-read format. These structures not only improve readability but also give your writing a more professional and polished look, making it easier to communicate complex ideas to overseas stakeholders.

Here are just a few benefits:

• Visually appealing – Breaking up text with bullets or numbers creates breathing room on the page. It’s easier on the eyes.
• Quick to read – Instead of forcing your audience to sift through a paragraph, bullets deliver the highlights instantly.
• Easy to understand – Lists make it easy to organize complex ideas or multiple points in a way that’s simple to follow.

For non-native speakers, bullet points also simplify writing, reducing the chance of misinterpretation and ensuring the message is clear

Consider this example:

Our company adheres to multiple standards and recommendations, including the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) guidelines, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF), and the recommendations of the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

VS

Our company adheres to the following standards and recommendations:

• Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRF)
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)

See the difference? This information just became way easier to digest with bullet points!

Buller Points or Numbered Lists?

Use bullet points when the order of items doesn’t matter. Research by Ho (2023) found that bullet points enhance the reading experience by helping readers absorb information more quickly and with less effort. For example:

• Breaking down a long list into bite-sized information
• Summarizing main ideas
• Highlighting the most important information

Choose numbered lists when the sequence or ranking is important. They work well for:

• Step-by-step instructions
• Prioritized tasks
• Chronological events or processes

Take Note

This article by Clearly Scientific Ltd. talks about the dos and don’ts of bulleted lists. Specifically, I’d like to point out the following:

• Avoid more than seven items in a bulleted list
• Keep text as short as possible
• Use a consistent text structure

Simply throwing the same long-winded, run-on sentences into bullet points won’t help clarify your message. The entire point of using bullet points and numbered lists is to break down your information into easily digestible bits of information. Too many, and the lists might seem daunting to readers.

Consistency is also key. Mixing verb and noun phrases is not standard in English. Use parallel structure in your bullet points and lists (e.g., if most points begin with a verb, make sure all other points do too). Be sure to also keep lists around the same length. As the article by Clearly Scientific states, “…switching from short text to long text is distracting, and may give a misleading impression of the importance of the entries.”

Ready to Transform Your Writing?

The next time you draft English corporate communications, remember that overseas readers value clarity and structure. Break up long paragraphs, use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate, and make your messages easy to scan.

While these techniques may not apply in the same way to Japanese writing, they are highly effective in English business communication. Try applying them in your next IR report or stakeholder message.

Trust us, your audience will thank you for it.

（日本語ブログ：生成AI翻訳の品質は今どうなっているか？｜One World Link）

Is your company incorporating generative AI as part of the DX push to save time and money? Like many companies, you might be using DeepL, ChatGPT, Gemini, or other generative AI to translate Japanese into English. But what’s the state of generative AI Japanese-to-English translation as of summer 2025?

OWL translators are no strangers to generative AI or machine translation. Lately, we’ve noticed some quirks in quality that users should know about.

In this blog post, I’ll share several real examples of odd or problematic translations we’ve encountered. These issues highlight what to watch for when using AI translation tools for Japanese-to-English translation, especially for IR or corporate communications. All examples are taken directly from screenshots we’ve collected.

Tip 1 – Don’t skip the simple stuff

Figures 1–3 show the acronym ESG split across three lines, which led the machine translation tool to render the letters as “E,” “sadist,” and “g.” While no human translator would assume “S” stands for “sadist,” this still raises red flags.

The capital/lowercase inconsistency and the shift from a letter to a word show just how fragile AI output can be, especially with simple formatting quirks. Don’t assume short or seemingly simple content will be handled correctly. Always check for consistency.

Figures 4–6 show another common issue: dictionary-style output. These translations aren’t technically “wrong,” but they include excessive explanations, parentheses, or wordy definitions that don’t belong in the context of a professional document. In fact, the machine translation used the wrong definitions entirely. The correct translations in context were as follows:

Note: In the original Japanese, ときめっく was used as a proper noun (the name of a facility). AI often struggles with proper nouns, fixed translations, and company- or industry-specific terms. Always double-check how these are handled, especially in official documents.

In Figure 7, the translation spells out “URL” as “uniform resource locator,” something rarely done in English. There is no reason to spell this out when URL is the common term.

Figure 8, unfortunately, requires no explanation and is entirely unacceptable. “Polisy” is simply a misspelling of “Policy.”  

Tip 2 – Double and triple check your numbers

Figures 9 and 10 show examples where the translation tool repeats a number four to eight times. The number itself is correct, but the repetition is not. Always check numerical output carefully.

Figures 11 and 12 show more serious mistranslations: ¥ converted to “$20,” and 万人 translated as “million people.” These are easy to catch in isolation but could easily be missed in a lengthy financial report, especially if only the English output is reviewed for grammar, word choice, and natural language use.

Figure 13 shows a bizarre translation of a simple date. “20239Month” suggests the tool tried to translate each part of the Japanese date individually, then collapsed them into a single unreadable string. This translation is non-standard in the use of “month” as well as the lack of spaces.

Tip 3 – Watch out for the occasional completely wrong and inappropriate word

Figures 14 and 15 here depict “otoku” translated as “otaku” and 共食 translated as cannibalism. I probably don’t have to explain why this is wrong. Mistakes like these are potentially embarrassing.

These two examples may be examples of generative AI learning from incorrect or poorly reviewed public translations. As more flawed outputs get recycled into training data, we’re beginning to see these types of errors surface more frequently.

Figure 16 shows 中期経営計画, a term common to most investor relations documents, as “Midterm Corporate Strategy.” The standard English translation for 中期経営計画 is “medium-term management plan.”

First, midterm should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective (i.e., “mid-term”).

Second, and more importantly, this phrase appears to reflect the official English name a specific company uses for its own medium-term management plan. In other words, the tool has likely “learned” this translation from prior public use, despite it being nonstandard.

In all our years working with generative AI and machine translation tools, we’ve never seen 中期経営計画 rendered as Midterm Corporate Strategy by default. This may be another example of how generative AI draws from real-world usage, including company-specific terms, even when they don’t align with standard or widely accepted translations. If a nonstandard translation is used publicly and goes unchecked, it can be absorbed into the AI’s training data and later offered as a “valid” translation. This reflects a classic garbage-in, garbage-out problem: the more flawed inputs the model is exposed to, the more likely it is to produce flawed outputs in the future.

→Find out why “mid-term” is the incorrect translation for 中期 on our blog (English + Japanese)

Tip 4 – Check for missed spaces

Figure 13 showed how machine translation can omit spaces within a date. Figures 17 and 18 reveal similar spacing issues in full sentences. The sentence in Figure 17 is missing a space between “price” and “and,” while in Figure 18 we are missing a space between the number (86) and unit (billion).

These may seem like minor errors, but they can affect readability and look careless in formal documents. Allow me to also note that, while it depends on context and the style guide in use, numbers under 10 are generally spelled out in body text. Hyphenated adjectives like “3-year total” are typically written as “three-year.”

So why is this happening?

We suspect two reasons for the quality quirks. First, we think that generative AI may be becoming self-referential, “learning” from its own past low-quality output accepted blindly by users. Second, we suspect that the more generative AI learns from translations “in the wild,” the more “garbage” (low-quality) translations generative AI comes to accept as correct examples.

These phenomena align with warnings from data quality experts. As Robert Stanley, Senior Director at Melissa, explains in a recent SD Times article , “If you’re training your AI model on poor quality data, you’re likely to get bad results.” He also stresses that without data that is “accurate, complete and augmented or well-defined… the outputs of the AI model won’t be reliable.” In other words, garbage in, garbage out still holds true.

Stanley also notes that LLMs are often designed to please the user, which “sometimes means giving answers that look like compelling right answers, but are actually incorrect.”

[Source: SD Times, “Garbage in, garbage out: The importance of data quality when training AI models” Published June 2, 2025. https://sdtimes.com/data/garbage-in-garbage-out-the-importance-of-data-quality-when-training-ai-models]

The source and quality of training data used in generative AI and machine translation tools may be to blame for these quality issues as well. As highlighted in recent research published in Nature and reported by the Financial Times, AI models trained on synthetic data—content generated by earlier versions of AI—are at risk of what researchers call “model collapse.” Over successive training cycles, these models can begin to reinforce their own mistakes, leading to distorted or nonsensical outputs. In translation, this could mean that awkward, incorrect, or overly literal machine-translated phrases become embedded as standard over time.

[Source: Financial Times. “Model collapse: how AI models trained on synthetic data can quickly degrade.” Published July 25, 2024. Based on research originally published in Nature. https://www.ft.com/content/ae507468-7f5b-440b-8512-aea81c6bf4a5]

To Summarize

Translation tools are becoming more advanced, but they are still quite unreliable, especially if they are “learning” from flawed or inconsistent public content. Over time, these self-reinforcing mistakes can lead to nonstandard or even misleading translations becoming normalized.

Whether the issue is a small inconsistency, a mistranslated number, or an entirely inappropriate word, even one error can affect the quality and credibility of your translations. It is more important than ever to stay alert to these risks and take steps to ensure the final English reads naturally, clearly, and professionally. If you’re unsure about the quality of a translation, or need a second set of eyes, our team of native English translators can help you make sure your materials are accurate and investor-ready.

（日本語ブログ：あなたの英訳文と段落は長すぎませんか？｜One World Link）

One of the most common challenges in translating Japanese business documents into English is adjusting sentence and paragraph length for readability. Japanese writing often features long, complex sentences that connect multiple ideas, conditions, and conclusions within a single structure. While this style is accepted in formal Japanese, it can result in dense and difficult-to-read English when translated too literally.

When it comes to crafting impactful English for investor relations (IR) communications, conciseness is key. Various government issued handbooks on readability and accessibly comment on sentence length and plain language use. Concise sentences and paragraphs are key to capturing and maintaining your reader’s attention. Adjusting sentence and paragraph length in Japanese to English translation is essential to ensure clarity and communicate your message to stakeholders worldwide.

However, if your structure becomes too short, they might seem overly simplistic. So, how do you strike the perfect balance? Let’s dive into the basics.

What’s Just Right for Business English?

OWL recommends paragraphs with three to four sentences, with each sentence containing an average of 20 words. Our recommendations are based on using plain English in translated investor and corporate communications. Plain English is clear, direct writing that avoids unnecessary complexity. This writing helps readers understand information the first time they read it, which is especially important in disclosures, reports, and other materials intended for overseas stakeholders.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which oversees investor protection and corporate disclosure, promotes similar standards. In response to concerns about overly complex financial language, the SEC published the Plain English Handbook in 1998 to help companies communicate more clearly with investors. The handbook encourages the use of short sentences whenever possible, noting that concise writing improves understanding and reduces the risk of misinterpretation, especially in legal or financial documents.    

[Source: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, A Plain English Handbook: How to Create Clear SEC Disclosure Documents (1998) https://www.sec.gov/pdf/handbook.pdf]

Remember to also mix sentence lengths!

Short sentences deliver key points with punch while longer sentences provide context and nuance. Together, they create a dynamic flow that keeps readers interested and aids comprehension. A mix of shorter and longer sentences ensures clarity and rhythm, making your writing more engaging.

What is the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease, and Why Should You Care?

The Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease score is a powerful tool for evaluating the readability of your writing. This score analyzes sentence and word length to determine how easily your text can be understood. Higher scores mean better readability.

How to Find Flesch-Kincaid in Microsoft Word

A score of 60-70 is considered conversational and accessible. However, OWL recommends a Reading Ease score of 35-40 for Japanese to English translations to maintain a professional tone suitable for IR communications. This score ensures sophistication while remaining reader-friendly. For original English writing, a score of 50-60 is preferable.

These guidelines ensure that your disclosures resonate with global investors without losing the nuance of your original message.

Your Action Plan

Let’s Write Your Story Together

OWL specializes in helping IR teams craft timely and impactful English disclosures. Our expertise ensures your story reaches global investors with precision and clarity. Contact us today to transform your IR communications. Together, we’ll tell your story to the world.

（日本語ブログ：貴社の英語の報告書は「読み込む人」と「流し読みする人」両方に伝わる内容になっていますか？｜One World Link）

Western readers typically fall into two categories: detailed readers and skimmers. Detailed readers go through content thoroughly, looking for depth and context, while skimmers scan for key points, often relying on headings, subheadings, and captions to extract the main ideas quickly. Effective writing must cater to both types, ensuring that information is accessible without losing depth.

Are you a reader? Or a skimmer?

More importantly, do you write for both of these audiences?

In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, stakeholders rely on concise and clear information to make informed decisions. Shareholders and analysts expect reports that highlight key data, trends, and performance metrics at a glance. Investors and institutional stakeholders scan financial documents, looking for insights that drive confidence in corporate strategy.

Clear, informative headings and captions help engage both readers and skimmers, making your information easier to understand and more effective.

Why Informative Headings and Captions Matter

Think about the times you’ve scanned an earnings report, investor presentation, or annual report, looking for key financial data and company strategy insights. Your audience does the same. Consider the following headings.

What about…

Although we’ve added more content, these headings are still relatively vague. Now consider

These headings immediately capture attention and let the reader know what to expect if they continue reading.

Here’s a few more simple examples to give you a better idea of what makes headings informative.

Vague Headings

• Key Results
• Our Commitment to the Future
• Sustainability Initiatives

Informative Headings

• Q4 2024 Key Results: Record $500M Net Profit and 12% YoY Growth
• Our Commitment to Achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050
• Solar Power Installations to Reduce Carbon Emissions

Specifying key information in headers makes a world of difference to all readers.

The same can be the same for captions. Captions serve as quick reference points for readers, reinforcing key messages and providing context to visuals. Well-crafted captions help investors and analysts absorb critical details at a glance, making reports and presentations more effective.

Take a look at these captions. Which ones resonate more with you?

Incorporating informative headings and captions is essential for enhancing readability and engagement in your content. Here are some best practices.

1. Be Descriptive: Headings inform readers of what is to come in a particular section. Include specific details from the particular section to help find key information faster. Using descriptive captions helps attract attention, encourage engagement, and improve user experience. (savvy-writer.com). Descriptive headings help search engines, supporting SEO benefits and user-friendliness (Seowind).

2. Use Keywords: Integrate keywords for search engine indexing and ranking (savvy-writer.com). The strategic use of keywords is also crucial to SEO  (Seowind).

3. Prioritize Clarity: Avoid jargon and complex language in your headings. (scribber). Clear and concise wording makes it easier for readers to grasp the main idea quickly, enhancing their overall experience.

4. Align with Your Purpose: Tailor your headings to reflect the content’s purpose and the audience’s needs. For instance, in proposals, structuring headings to correspond with evaluation criteria can facilitate easier navigation and comprehension.

Before finalizing any heading or caption, ask yourself:

• Does this heading or caption clearly convey the content?
• Would someone skimming understand the key takeaway?
• Does this heading add value to the overall message?

Quiz Time!

Which of the following headings is the most informative? Why?

A) Sustainability Efforts
B) FY2025 Target to Reduce Carbon Emissions by 33%
C) Details of Sustainability Efforts
D) FY2025Carbon Reduction Goals

Which caption provides the clearest information? Why?

A) Ariel view of expanded factory
B) Workers at the new manufacturing facility in Osaka on opening day
C) Facility orientation in April
D) Engineer meeting

If you chose (B) for both questions, you would be correct! FY2025 Target to Reduce Carbon Emissions by 33% because it provides a specific goal and timeframe, making it clear to readers what the content will discuss.

Workers at the new manufacturing facility in Osaka on opening day is the most informative caption because it describes the content of the image in a clear and engaging way, providing context to the viewer.

Final Thoughts

Clear and informative headings and captions are more than just a design choice—they’re a fundamental aspect of effective communication. Whether you’re presenting data, sharing a vision, or delivering a report, let your headings drive the narrative and keep your audience engaged.