# Translate product images: a Japanese–English copy handoff

Created by SokuPhoto · 2026-09-17

https://sokuphoto.ai/en/blog/multilingual-product-image-copy-handoff

This is an original fictional example, not product information or measured results. Verify it against your actual product. You may copy and edit it for your own store’s work.

Keep a text-free product image and manage the original Japanese meaning and approved English copy in a separate table. Treat Japanese text flattened into an image, labels on the actual product, and webpage text as separate elements. If English needs more lines, adjust the layout rather than shrinking the text excessively.

## Use a three-row Japanese–English copy table to preserve the facts

| Original Japanese meaning | English draft | Units / verification source | Approver |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 小物をひとまとめに | Keep small essentials together | Check the actual items that fit inside | Product owner + English reviewer / not approved |
| ファスナー付き | Zip closure | Photo of the actual opening and closure | Product owner + English reviewer / not approved |
| 小物は付属しません | Accessories not included | List of items included in the sale | Product owner + English reviewer / not approved |

### Blank version (duplicate rows as needed)

| Original Japanese meaning | English draft | Units / verification source | Approver |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Not entered / unknown | Not entered / unknown | Not entered / unknown | Not entered / unknown |

## Before publication

- [ ] Promotional copy, actual product labels, and webpage text are treated separately.
- [ ] The English draft has not been labeled approved without review.
- [ ] The original image and JP/EN files are kept separate.
- [ ] The store's display has been checked in each language.

## References

- [Shopify: Localization and translation](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/international/localization-and-translation)