Let’s consider errors that can fairly objectively be stated to be “mistranslations”. In other words, where the translation directly contradicts the source text, or cannot reasonably be traced back to any supporting evidence in the source.
For example: one kanji being mistaken for another, subject and object being mixed up, grammar not being parsed correctly leading to a translation that does not convey the same intent as the source.
Now we can consider why these errors may have arisen. Is it really due to the translator lacking in skill, or could it be due to one of the following:
Brain fart. I’ve looked at 七 and seen 九 before. Does this mean I don’t know these kanji? No, of course not.
Being human. Everyone makes mistakes, because we’re not robots.
How many times have you had your order messed up at a restaurant? How many typos have you spotted in traditionally published work?
You don’t fire the bartender who mixes a couple drinks wrong in a month. You might fire them if they mix a couple wrong drinks every night, though.
Insufficient support. What in the translation process could have led to this error? For example, does it seem like this line was translated without any context? Is it more likely that the translator ignored context, or that they were given a random line and told to do their best with it? This happens fairly often with agency work for games, and if you say you need more context, you will often be told to just put whatever might fit.
Now I am not saying that mistakes due to the above should be ignored! But connecting these kinds of mistakes to “this translator doesn’t even understand Japanese and should be fired” is hyperbolic and shows a lack of understanding of the process.
Okay, so it’s not any of the above. Now do I get to say that the translator doesn’t understand Japanese? Can I say they need to be fired?
I think this is a touchy subject, but let’s dive in. Do I think that some translators are better at translating than others? Sure, though that’s still a difficult statement to make, as people have different strengths and weaknesses.
Some translators are stronger in their Japanese skills, some are stronger in their English writing ability, some write amazing dialogue but struggle with narration. Ideally, you want a translator who is strong in every aspect of translation, but guess what, it’s actually hard to find and keep really good talent when there are no pay rises, no mentorship or feedback, no stability, and so on.
But let’s be real here. Do I think I’m “better” at translation than some people? Yes. Do I think other people are better at it than me? Yes. But we don’t get rid of everyone who’s not the best at their job, because then you’d only have one person left doing that job.