NAMI Medical Interpreter Dispatch Directory (National Association for Medical Interpreters)

The National Association for Medical Interpreters (一般社団法人 全国医療通訳者協会), known as NAMI, maintains a nationwide directory of organizations that provide medical interpreter services across Japan. The directory brings together local governments, international exchange associations, and non-profit organizations that arrange medical interpreters, making it a valuable resource for foreign families who need language support during hospital visits, medical appointments, or ongoing treatment. Organizations are listed by prefecture, making it easy to find services available close to home.

Each listing includes the organization’s name, website, contact information, and the languages it supports. Available languages vary by organization and may include English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Nepali, Thai, Indonesian, and many others. Some organizations provide interpreting in more than twenty languages, while smaller services may offer only one or two. The directory also explains how each service operates, including who is eligible to use it, the areas or hospitals it covers, and whether requests can be made directly by patients or must come through a hospital or public agency. Some organizations provide specialized services, such as medical interpreting for HIV and tuberculosis care.

Because each organization has its own procedures, it is important to contact the provider directly before making arrangements. Families should confirm which languages are available, whether patients can request an interpreter themselves, any service area restrictions, whether there is a fee, and how much advance notice is required. Many organizations ask for bookings several days before an appointment and may not be able to arrange interpreters for same-day requests. NAMI itself does not dispatch interpreters but instead maintains the directory to help families and healthcare providers find local services.

NAMI is a nationwide organization, and the directory includes medical interpreter services from across Japan. While the main website is in Japanese, the interpreter directory is also available in English, making it easier for foreign families to read the organization names, supported languages, and service notes. The current directory is dated April 2021, so some contact details, service areas, or eligibility requirements may have changed. It is recommended to confirm the latest information directly with the organization before relying on the listing.