Japan ranks relatively low on the EF English Proficiency Index compared to other developed nations. While major film commissions in Tokyo or Kyoto may have English speakers, local councils, police officers, and rural location owners often do not. A fixer’s linguistic skill is not merely about vocabulary but about Keigo (honorific speech), which is necessary to politely request favors from conservative authorities.
For filmmakers interested in working with film fixers in Japan, here are some additional resources: film fixers in japan
Beyond linguistic translation, fixers perform "cultural translation." They manage expectations regarding set etiquette. For example, the concept of Meiwaku (causing trouble to others) is paramount in Japan. A fixer ensures the foreign crew does not inadvertently insult local residents or authorities, which could result in permanent bans from a location. Japan ranks relatively low on the EF English