Maya Keeley, Deputy Manager

Tell us about your work at RIKEN.

I work as a translator at RIKEN, which mainly involves translating documents from Japanese into English within the administrative departments. These include announcements, manuals and regulations and website content for various administrative divisions.

How and when did you join RIKEN?

I applied to RIKEN after hearing it had an excellent translation team and a supportive working environment. I joined the translation team in 2012 and have been a member ever since.

What is your background?

My mother is Japanese and my father is South African–Irish, and I’ve lived in South Africa, Australia and Japan. I studied psychology at university in Australia and then obtained a teaching qualification. After working as a school teacher for some time, I transitioned to translation.

What kind of support does RIKEN offer to its non-Japanese staff?

When joining RIKEN, new members receive support through an English welcome session and also with practical matters such as visas, housing, Japanese-language classes, opening a bank account and mobile phone contracts. Most notices in the internal RIKEN network are also provided in English.

How was the transition to RIKEN?

The transition was smooth. My team members are highly committed to supporting international researchers and RIKEN as a whole. They’re cooperative and communicative, which made it easy for me to work here. Additionally, RIKEN offers excellent benefits and fosters a good work–life balance, allowing me to visit my family in Australia annually.

What is the hardest aspect of your job?

The most difficult part is accurately conveying the nuances of a document when translating. Since documents often include cultural context, I carefully consider how to translate them in a way that best communicates the original meaning. Because most of our overseas researchers use English as a second language, we strive to translate in a easy-to-understand manner.

What would you say to someone considering joining RIKEN?

RIKEN is Japan’s largest comprehensive research institution, and we’re known for our high-quality research across a diverse range of scientific disciplines. It’s a place where you can contribute to cutting-edge research in an excellent work environment, with help from highly supportive staff. Living and working in Japan provides a unique opportunity to deeply experience a different culture and language, enriching both your personal and professional life.

What future plans do you have?

I aim to contribute significantly to RIKEN’s ongoing internationalization efforts. I hope to help improve the clarity and consistency of English-language documents, making them more accessible to everyone. Additionally, I want to continue to improve my own skills and knowledge to better serve the diverse RIKEN community and help create an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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