About SWET

Based in Tokyo, Japan, SWET comprises people engaged not only in the three professions of writing, editing, and translating, but also in teaching, research, rewriting, design and production, copywriting, and other areas related to the written word in Japan. Its membership is defined less by occupation than by a desire to share experience, information, and expertise involving English writing and publishing. In addition to publishing a regular newsletter, SWET holds monthly meetings in Tokyo.

SWET has also published Wordcraft, a collection of Newsletter articles from SWET's first ten years, and the Japan Style Sheet, a Japan-specific style guide.

SWET History

SWET began with an informal gathering held in Tokyo in November 1980. More than one hundred people attended, and their enthusiastic interest in forming a continuing association prompted further meetings and the issuing of a newsletter. There are now more than 200 members.

  • November 1980: Informal gathering in Tokyo
  • February 1981: Published first newsletter
  • 1983: Published first book: The Japan Style Sheet
  • 1991: Published second book: Wordcraft: English Writing, Editing, and Translation in Japan
  • May 1996: Started SWET-L mailing list
  • October 1996: Opened the SWET web site
  • 1998: Published the revised edition of the Japan Style Sheet
  • 2000: Celebrated twentieth anniversary

See The History of SWET for more information about SWET's history.

SWET's Goals

SWET's goals are facilitating the flow of information among members, encouraging the sharing of know-how and experience, and providing a vehicle for increased contact among people working in related fields. Members hope that our efforts will result in better working conditions and higher standards of expertise in the many fields that relate to the use of the written English word in Japan, be they translation, rewriting, publishing, editing, copywriting, book and magazine design, or work in allied fields.

SWET Activities

Workshops and other activities are held throughout the year, organized at the initiative of members and coordinated by the SWET Steering Committee. See Events for upcoming events and Past Events for a list of past activities.

SWET Committees

Steering Committee

The SWET Steering Committee consists of a dozen or so people who participate on a volunteer basis in the planning and organization of SWET projects and activities. All interested members are welcome to join the Steering Committee.

Committee planning and coordination are conducted primarily through the SWET-SC mailing list. Informal meetings are also held as needed. It is hoped that all those on SWET-SC will play an active role, if nothing else, in interjecting ideas and making suggestions, offering constructive advice.

Newsletter Committee

The SWET Newsletter Committee consists of a dozen or so people who participate on a volunteer basis in the planning, design, and production of the SWET Newsletter. All interested members are welcome to join the Newsletter Committee.

Newsletter planning and coordination are conducted primarily through the SWET-NC mailing list. SWET-NC is for hansei concerning previous issues; discussion of ideas for articles, editorial policy, design ideas and proposals; appeals for authors, writers, etc.; calls for editorial and proofreading help, organizing the final work of sending out the finished newsletter, reading of articles submitted for publication that need group consideration, etc.

Events Committee

The SWET Events Committee is a group of people who plan SWET events mainly in the Tokyo/Kanto area, collaborating in location of venues, negotiation with prospective speakers, discussion of event programs and content, and preparation for and conduct of events. All dues-paying SWET members are welcome to join the Events Committee. Persons interested in helping organize SWET events in the Kansai area should contact SWET Kansai.

Committee planning and coordination are conducted primarily through the SWET-EC mailing list. Face-to-face meetings are also held as needed. SWET Events are planned and reported on in coordination with the activities of the SWET Newsletter Committee. SWET Events Committee members are expected to respond to requests for ideas, questions put up for discussion, and calls for help with specific event-related tasks.

Web Development Committee

The SWET Web Development Committee consists of a handful of people who participate on a volunteer basis in the planning, design, and maintenance of the SWET Web site. All interested individuals are welcome to join the Web Committee—unlike the other committees, membership in SWET is not required!

Web development planning and coordination are conducted primarily through the SWET-Web mailing list.