The Power of Localization
Jamie Lemon·October 7, 2023

Why Having a Japanese Version of Our PyMuPDF Documentation is Essential
In today's globalized world, businesses are constantly expanding their horizons, reaching out to new markets, and connecting with diverse audiences. With this expansion comes the need for effective communication, especially in the technical realm. One valuable strategy for reaching a wider audience and enhancing user experience is the localization of technical documentation. In this blog, we'll explore the 7 key benefits of having a Japanese version of our technical documentation available for PyMuPDF.
But before we dive in, the main reason we felt the need was that we noticed there was a growing number of PyMuPDF blog articles appearing on Japanese sites, such as the following:
https://kojichu.photoruction.com/entry/2023/04/28/090000
https://katoo-post.hatenablog.com/entry/2022/01/09/230653
https://python-work.com/?s=pymupdf
Given this situation we thought it was about time we provided our documentation directly for the Japanese audience.
1. Local Language for your Development
History has shown that the Japanese have a rich tradition of translating Western publications. Nowadays much technical documentation is actively translated and published, including the PDF specification from Adobe being available in Japanese bookstores. Given this culture and abundance of documentation in Japanese we wanted to provide the same Developer Experience for Japanese users of PyMuPDF.
2. Demonstrating Commitment
We're committed to meeting the specific needs of Japanese customers and want to invest in a quality user experience tailored to Japanese language and culture. We hope this commitment not only builds trust but also enhances customer loyalty.
3. Legal Compliance
In some industries, providing translated technical documentation is essential to meet regulatory and legal requirements. In Japan, for instance, certain products and services must include documentation in Japanese to comply with local laws and standards. By having a Japanese version ready, we hope to avoid potential legal issues and ensure PyMuPDF’s marketability.
4. Improved Developer Experience
Developer Experience (DX) is a critical factor in product adoption and customer satisfaction. We want to greatly enhance the overall experience and hope Japanese users will find it easier to understand PyMuPDF, troubleshoot issues, and make the most of its features.
5. Reduced Support Costs
Effective technical documentation can significantly reduce the burden on your team. When developers can find answers to their questions in the documentation, they are less likely to seek assistance through customer support channels. This not only saves time and resources but also helps improve the efficiency of your team.
6. Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding and respecting cultural nuances is vital in a global marketplace. By localizing our documentation for the Japanese market, we hope we can adapt the content to align with cultural norms and values. This can help avoid misunderstandings or unintended offense, ensuring a positive reception among Japanese users.
7. International Growth
We are keen to expand PyMuPDF to new markets and with Python being a hugely important programming language in Japan we hope to find new and exciting opportunities for new products and services throughout the Japanese market. Our hope is that a new wave of Japanese developers will find PyMuPDF the best solution for their needs.
For more information, see: