Translation guide
The English word 'innovation' refers to new ideas, methods, or products that bring significant change. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean technological innovation, creative novelty, business innovation, or institutional reform.
New technology, products, or processes that advance a field, especially in business or engineering contexts.
The direct loanword from English, widely used in business and tech contexts. It carries the same broad meaning as the English word and is the safest choice in modern Japanese.
This company values innovation.
Technological innovation drives economic growth.
A native Japanese word meaning 'reform' or 'revolutionary change'. Often used for technological or social innovation, but can sound slightly more formal or abstract than イノベーション.
Technological innovation changed the industrial structure.
Specifically 'technological innovation'. A common compound that narrows the focus to technology.
Rapid technological innovation is occurring in this field.
A new method, idea, or product that is original and creative, not necessarily technological.
Emphasizes creative ingenuity and resourcefulness. Often used for practical improvements or clever solutions.
His innovation led the project to success.
Refers to originality or the quality of being innovative. Often used to describe a person's creative ability or a product's uniqueness.
Literally 'new axis', meaning a novel approach or groundbreaking idea. Somewhat literary and less common in daily speech.
New business models, management practices, or organizational changes that improve performance.
Again the standard term in business contexts. Often used in phrases like ビジネスイノベーション (business innovation).
Management innovation is necessary.
Means 'reform' and is used for systematic changes in organizations or systems. Less about novelty and more about improvement.
New social practices, policies, or institutional changes that address societal challenges.
イノベーション is the most direct and widely understood term in modern Japanese, especially in business and technology. 革新 is more formal and often appears in written language or historical contexts. For everyday conversation about new ideas or products, イノベーション is usually the better choice.
to create innovation
an era of technological innovation
When describing personal creativity or a clever idea, directly using イノベーション can sound overly grandiose. Instead, use 創意工夫 or describe the idea more concretely.
He is always full of innovative ideas.
This design shows innovation.
His proposal brought innovation to the industry.
行政改革が求められている。
Administrative innovation is being called for.
Also used in social contexts, often with modifiers like ソーシャルイノベーション.
I am researching examples of social innovation.