Where supporters can interpret
The current SenTIA page lists paperwork at government offices, personal consultations or home visits for nursery schools and schools, and similar daily-life communication. Dispatch is within Sendai City.
Where they cannot interpret
The service explicitly excludes medical services, classroom support, school events such as entrance ceremonies or sports festivals, and parties. It should not be used as a medical interpreter or as routine classroom language support.
Languages and timing
The current service lists Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Nepali, Korean, Hindi, Russian, Spanish, Thai and English. Dispatch is generally available weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00, and a supporter generally interprets for up to two hours per session.
How to apply
Government offices, nurseries/schools and foreign residents can apply. As a general rule, submit the application at least one week before the interpreter is needed. Applications can go through Sendai Multicultural Center or SenTIA’s International Relations Department.
Important limits
Supporters are volunteers, not professional interpreters. SenTIA states that supporters do not read documents and explain them in another language, and SenTIA/supporters do not accept liability for problems arising from the interpretation.