The introduction of the lay judge system four years ago has only added to the stress placed on court interpreters, as they grapple with ever-worsening working conditions that have left them fatigued, ill-prepared and more error-prone, the Japan Federation of Bar Associations warns.

"We have heard many court interpreters complain about their situation since the lay judge system kicked off," Osaka-based lawyer Akiko Kuribayashi said in a recent interview in Tokyo.

"They're frustrated that the media spotlight is on how those citizen judges are coping with their experience, while their own situation goes unnoticed."