Thank you for using Yaraku Translate.
Translation technology powered by generative AI continues to evolve day by day.
With the emergence of new models and updates to existing algorithms, it is now possible to translate even highly specialized documents with remarkable accuracy by leveraging prompts.
To deliver the most advanced translation experience to our users, Yaraku will introduce a new translation engine and simultaneously increase the maximum number of characters that can be translated per request.
These updates will be implemented on Thursday, July 31 after 7:00 PM.
Please note that the network connection may be unstable during the below period.
We appreciate your understanding.
Scheduled Update Implementation Time:
July 31, 2025 (Thursday) – from 7:00PM to 8:00PM JST
1.New Engine: GPT-4.1 mini
Following the previous upgrade to GPT-4.1, we are now introducing GPT-4.1 mini as a new engine.
GPT-4.1 mini is a lightweight version of GPT-4.1, with nearly the same translation quality at faster processing speeds. This improvement enables high-volume text translation in less time, allowing us to fulfill the long-requested increase in character limit per translation.
The same security and data protection policies of GPT-4.1 also apply to GPT-4.1 mini.
2.New Engine: Gemini 2.0 Flash
Gemini, developed by Google, will be added as a new translation engine.
Testing conducted by Yaraku confirmed that Gemini provides translation quality comparable to GPT-4.1 mini in many languages. Especially the Flash version enables faster translation speeds.
Gemini is also recognized for its deeper contextual understanding compared to other major generative AI engines, which is expected to produce more context-aware translations.
We encourage you to try different engines to find the one that best meets your specific needs.
3.Character Limit Changes
With the introduction of the new standard engine GPT-4.1 mini, we will implement a long-requested update to increase the maximum number of characters. The limit will be raised from 100,000 characters to 150,000 characters per translation.
Following the character limit increase starting with GPT-4.1 mini, we will continue improving our system to enable further expansion of character limits in the future. In addition, the maximum character limits for other generative AI engines, including Claude and GPT-4.1, will also be updated as follows:
To allow users to fully experience the benefits of these updates, the default engine will be changed from Google Translate to GPT-4.1 mini.
As a result, your current language and translation engine settings will be reset. After the update, the language and engine will revert to the default settings, so please reselect your preferred language and engine when performing translations.
(Once re-selected, these settings will be saved for future use.)
Please note that the character limits for Yaraku Translate, Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, and Papago engines will remain at 100,000 characters.
Thank you for using YarakuTranslate.
At Yaraku, we regularly update our app to offer a more user-friendly and higher-quality translation experience. These updates include implementing the latest technology, improving translation accuracy and usability, responding to user feedback, and adding new features.
We are pleased to announce that Yaraku Translate will be updated to Version 5.5.0 on July 6, 2025 (Sunday).
Please note that the service will be temporarily unavailable during the following time:
Scheduled Downtime:
July 6, 2025 (Sunday) – from 5:00PM to 8:00PM JST
【Update Overview】
1. ChatGPT Upgrade to GPT-4.1
Since the introduction of GPT-4o to our app, many of our users have benefited from its translation capabilities. As you may know, AI is constantly evolving at an incredible pace, and this directly impacts translation quality.
On April 14, 2025 OpenAI released its latest model, GPT-4.1, offering improved performance and increased prompt-following capabilities. To further enhance translation quality, we are upgrading our engine from GPT-4o to GPT-4.1.
We believe this upgrade will significantly improve GPT-powered translations, providing results that exceed expectations.
Note: The same security and data protection policies that applied to GPT-4o will continue with GPT-4.1.
2. Upgrade to YarakuTranslate Engine v4
Our proprietary YarakuTranslate Engine is being upgraded to Version 4.
While the previous version processed translations sentence by sentence, the new version can now interpret and translate content at the document level, resulting in improved consistency and overall translation quality.
This update is especially beneficial for documents such as:
・Scientific papers
・Financial reports (i.e. Investor Relations documents)
Previous version: (depending on the segment, pronouns and family names are not unified)
New Version (V.4) : (consistent translation of pronouns and family names)
3. PDF to PPTX Option
Previously, PDFs were converted into Word (.docx) format to allow editing and translation insertion. However, this sometimes led to layout distortions or misplaced text.
To address this, we’ve added the option to choose between .docx and .pptx formats when uploading PDF files.
For example, horizontally formatted presentation slides or files created using other page layout software applications can now be downloaded as PowerPoint files, preserving the layout.
Below is a comparison of translations using the two formats:
When “.docx” is selected:
→ Layout distortion and text misplacement may occur
When “.pptx” is selected:
→ Layout and font sizes are preserved using macro functions, minimizing translation gaps
4. Changes to Dictionary
Since its launch in 2015, YarakuTranslate has offered a built-in dictionary showing word meanings and example sentences on the side panel. However, over the years the system has grown outdated, with limitations in language coverage and update frequency.
We are currently developing a new AI-powered dictionary to provide easier and more contextually appropriate definitions. Features we hope to add include:
- Context-aware meanings for polysemous words
- Collocations and other related terms
As a preparatory step, the current dictionary feature will be removed after this update. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we introduce the new AI- powered dictionary soon.
5. Retranslate button always shown
The Retranslate (Update Machine Translation) button will now always appear on the editing page. This enhancement provides several benefits:
・Easily regenerate translations using recently saved Phrases with our adaptive Yaraku Translate engine
・Generate alternative translations repeatedly when using generative AI engines like Claude or GPT-4.1
・Instantly retranslate segments after editing the source text
Note: Clicking the button will overwrite the current translation unless added to Phrases. Please consider saving important edits first.
6. Other updates
- Quality Assistant functions will now be turned off by default (with exception of Word-to-Word Highlights and Smart Suggestions). Please select the QA options you wish to use.
- Phrases page now supports Undo/CTRL+Z for any changes or edits made to a saved Phrase.
- Our password reset page will now show applicable password rules for that user. You can now confirm what criteria you must fulfill when setting a new password.
NEW! March 14th (Fri), 2025
Effective April 1, 2025, our service “YarakuZen” will be rebranded as “Yaraku Translate.”
Background
The emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) in recent years has significantly transformed the landscape of machine translation. YarakuZen has evolved into a more advanced CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation) tool, incorporating LLMs as standard translation engines alongside our proprietary translation engine.
At Yaraku, Inc., we believe that YarakuZen has undergone significant advancements while retaining its original functionality. To reflect this evolution, we are renaming our service from “YarakuZen” to “Yaraku Translate”, aiming to accomodate increasing demand for machine translation and post-editing.
In line with this change, we would like to inform you of several updates:
1. Website URL Changes
Our website URLs will be updated as follows, effective April 1, 2025:
Before Change:
Current Service Name: YarakuZen
Current App URL: app.yarakuzen.com
Current Website URL: www.yarakuzen.com
After Change:
New Service Name: Yaraku Translate
New App URL: translate.yaraku.com
New Website URL: www.yaraku.com
※Please note that due to caching and other factors, the old service name may still appear on some corporate sites, system service pages, help pages, and documents for a limited time.
We are committed to enhancing our services under the new brand name.
For customers who have saved our website as a “Favorite” or “Bookmark”, please update your settings. The old “app.yarakuzen.com” URL will be automatically redirected to the new app URL for a limited time.
2. Plan and Pricing Updates
With the service name change, we will also be making adjustments to our Company Plan:
- “Translation Manager” Role Limit Removed
- Discontinuation of the Professional Plan
Previously, there was a limit for users that could be assigned as Translation Managers. Under our new pricing plan, all company members can be assigned as Translation Managers.
※What is a Translation Manager?
A user who can edit and manage Company Data (Company Documents, Company Phrases, and Company Glossary) accessible to all the Company members.
Since we are removing the limit for the Translation Manager role, the Professional Plan, which provided unlimited access to this role, will be discontinued.
At the same time, plan pricing adjustments will be made. Please refer to our Prices page for the updated details. Existing contract holders will be contacted individually by our team.
3. Terms of Use Revision
Our Terms of Use will also be updated, with the main change being as follows:
Adding clauses related to the Enterprise Plan
Effective Date: April 1, 2025
The updated Terms of Use will be available from April 1st at: https://www.yaraku.com/en/terms/
NEW! February 22th (Sat), 2025
YarakuZen will be updated to Ver 5.4.0.
During the update, YarakuZen will not be available during the following times:
YarakuZen Downtime
Feb 22nd (Sat), 2025, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (JST)
New features
- Enhanced Confidentiality for GPT-4o
- Customizable Prompts and Adding LLMs to the Side Panel
- Including Phrases/Glossary in LLM Prompts
- Danish Language Added
- Account Deactivation Change
- Moving Text with the Language Switch Button
- Other Updates
1. Enhanced Confidentiality for GPT-4o
We are happy to announce that we have concluded a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT!
With this agreement, we can now ensure zero data retention for the data we send to ChatGPT, enhancing the privacy and confidentiality of our service. As a result, we will be transitioning our implementation from the current ChatGPT provider, which has a 30-day data retention policy for abuse monitoring, to OpenAI’s service.
As a result, the following changes will take effect regarding the use of our service.
We will be discontinuing the GPT-4 engine.
Previously, GPT-4 was provided due to the advantage of data residency, as data was retained in Japan. However, with this update, GPT-4o no longer poses concerns regarding data residency. As a result, we will remove GPT-4 as an engine option.
GPT-4o will remain available across all plans, including the free plan for individual users.
2. Customizable Prompts and Adding LLMs to the Side Panel
With the new update, you can now freely write prompts for “GPT-4o” and “Claude.”
In our app, you can now write your own prompts to customize translation results. You have full control over aspects like tone, context, and level of politeness or formality.
Prompts can be written in any supported language and in any format you prefer—there’s no need to use English or follow a preset format.
Prompts that you create are saved and can be reused for future translations with just one click.
You can also modify prompts as needed to suit your requirements.
If you’re not satisfied with the initial translation or want to refine specific expressions for a more natural result, you can now do so easily from the side panel. GPT-4o and Claude are now available there, allowing you to compare translation results and fine-tune wording to better suit your needs.
We’ve added this feature in response to frequent customer requests, making your translation workflow more efficient.
You can also freely enter prompts in the side panel and switch between different prompts to compare results instantly. Once you’re satisfied with the translation, simply click the arrow button to insert it into your document.
3. Including Phrases/Glossary in LLM Prompts
The improved prompt system now allows you to include your saved Phrases and Glossary as part of the prompt sent to the LLM engines (GPT-4o and Claude). By incorporating this data, the engine can leverage that knowledge to generate better translations. This means you may see parts of a Phrase appear in the translation even when it’s not an exact match, or experience more consistent Glossary term replacements.
For security, only your own Phrases and Glossary will be included—other users’ data will not be visible, nor will your data be shared with others. Additionally, we have confirmed that prompts are neither retained nor used for training by the LLM engines, ensuring your data remains secure.
4. Danish Language Added
We are pleased to announce that Danish is now available as a supported language, bringing our total to 36 languages. Danish is now selectable for Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, GPT-4o, and Claude engines.
*Also available for users who have set up the DeepL engine option.
5. Account Deactivation Change
We have enhanced our account deactivation process to improve security. Previously, users were required to enter their password to confirm their identity before deactivating their account. To strengthen security, we have switched to an authentication code system.
Now, when deactivating your account, a one-time code will be sent to your registered email address. You will need to enter this code to complete the deactivation process.
6. Moving Text with the Language Switch button
↓
In the Edit screen, clicking the Language Switch button will now also swap the original and translated text. This highly requested feature allows the translated text to move to the left as the new source text and be automatically retranslated, making it easier to verify the meaning—similar to the back-translate function.
Be sure to save your translations or register key phrases in advance!
This function is limited to text translation. For document translation, please use the back-translate function to confirm your translations.
7. Other Updates
1. Premium users can now bulk import Phrases and Glossary from files (CSV, TBX and TMX file formats are supported). Check the Import/Export popup for instructions on how to import your data.
2. For easier reference, we have added a link to the FAQ page in the Contact form page.
1. Claude LLM as MT engine
Source:https://www.prompt9000.com/articles_de_prompt/anthropic-presente-claude-35-sonnet/
Following the generative AI trend, which started in our last release with ChatGPT-4, we are happy to introduce Claude as a new machine translation engine option. Boasting many different capabilities including vision analysis and code generation, it can also be used for translation.
*With our new Company MT engine Controls feature, Company Admins can now customize the engines available to their users including our new Claude LLM.
2. Addition of ChatGPT-4o
Source:https://me.pcmag.com/en/ai/24029/chatgpt-4o
We are able to offer ChatGPT-4o as a new option. Not only does ChatGPT-4o have better translation quality for some areas, it also has better processing speed which should allow faster translation.
For users who want to have ChatGPT but need Japan data residency, ChatGPT-4 can continue to be used. Otherwise, we recommend switching to 4o for the improvements.
*With our new Company MT engine Controls feature, Company Admins can now customize the engines available to their users including ChatGPT-4o.
3. New Adaptive Learning for Yaraku Translate
The next evolution of our YarakuTranslate engine is Adaptive learning by incorporating the user’s Phrases as part of the translation process.
When used for translation, the user’s Phrases (both My Phrases and Company Phrases) are layered on top of the base translation model to produce a customized translation.
Unfortunately, the Adaptive learning is limited to Japanese <-> English translation only which means other languages will no longer be supported by the YarakuTranslate engine.
4. Automatic Title Generation for Text Documents
We are adding automatic title generation when text translation is used.
Previously, the title will be left blank when a user translates text directly. These will be shown as “Untitled Document” in the Documents list page which can be confusing if there are many of them. Now, the date and time of translation will be automatically inserted as the title.
5. Company MT engine Controls
Company Admins will now be able to configure the machine translation engines their company members have access to.
Our existing engines as well as the new Claude and ChatGPT-4o engines can be freely enabled or disabled by Company Admins according to your company's needs and security policy.
6. “Search with YarakuZen” option
Previously, when highlighting text, we would automatically insert it into the side panel Search. While convenient, it also made it difficult to highlight text for copy-paste and other functions.
In this release, we have replaced this automatic behavior with a “Search in YarakuZen” option. This option will be displayed with the existing “Search with Google/Wikipedia” and “Add to Glossary” options.
7. Improved display of Company Members
We have updated the display for company member numbers and roles and also included the number of active invitations.