Translation guide
The English word "publisher" can refer to a company, a person, or the act of making something public. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
A company that publishes books, magazines, newspapers, or digital content.
The most common and general term for a publishing company. Used for book, magazine, and other print/digital publishers.
He works for a major publisher.
Who is the publisher of this book?
Refers to the issuing entity, often used for newspapers, magazines, or official documents. Slightly more formal than 出版社.
The publisher of the newspaper is Asahi Shimbun.
A traditional term for a publisher, especially in the context of books and woodblock prints. Often used in historical or literary contexts.
An Edo-period publisher issued this ukiyo-e print.
An individual responsible for publishing content, such as an editor or founder of a publishing house.
A company that publishes and distributes video games or software.
A person or organization that announces or disseminates information, not necessarily in book form.
出版社 (shuppansha) is the general term for a publishing company. 発行元 (hakkōmoto) emphasizes the issuing entity and is often used for periodicals or official documents. In many cases they are interchangeable, but 発行元 can sound more formal.
The English term 'self-publisher' is often translated as 自費出版者 (jihi shuppansha), but this can sound awkward. Instead, use phrases like 自費出版をした人 (a person who self-published) or simply describe the action.
発行者の名前が奥付に記載されている。
The publisher's name is listed in the colophon.
The publisher of this software is Square Enix.
The publisher of the paper gave a talk at the conference.