I got this tip from Joyce, a college professor, and expert in Godzilla studies (not even kidding). She uses this as part of a lesson on cultural insight. Sounds like a fun class. Read on!
It’s funny enough to put something into an online translator to change it to Japanese, then putting it back through the opposite way to see what it comes up with, but this is on a whole new level. This is actually a version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer made just for Japan, culture insight included. Let’s take a look:
Here’s a translation of the above, in English. This is an actual translation (not put through an online translator). Let’s see what it ends up saying.
If you read through this, it’s obviously not the same as the original version. Let’s go line by line and see what’s up with it.
Everybody always laughed cruelly at the poor red-nosed reindeer.
In Japanese culture, it’s important to be a part of the group. Because Rudolph had a red nose, he was considered “different” and outside the group. This is why there is often racism problems in Japan. Because you aren’t Japanese, you aren’t a part of the group. Children (like poor Rudolph) who are different often get bullied because they aren’t the same as everyone else. Being a part of a group is so important, that many people will associate themselves as part of a group when introducing themselves. For example, I might say “Tofuguのコウイチと申します,” which means “I am Tofugu’s Koichi” or “I am Koichi from Tofugu.” Remember, if you want the full experience in Japan, join some groups/clubs!
But one Christmas Day, Old Santa Claus came to him and said, “your flashing nose could light my way on a dark street.”
If you remember the original, Santa says something more along the lines of “Rudolph with your nose so bright, you could guide my sleigh tonight.” In the Enlglish version, Rudolph is special, and Santa is very thankful for his services. In the Japanese one, Santa is like an emperor, or something. “Your flashing nose could light my way on a dark street.” It’s like Santa-sama is doing Rudolph a favor, not vice versa.
Always crying, the reindeer was suddenly delighted to be useful that special night.
Thank goodness Rudolph was able to be “useful” that night, rather than, I don’t know, saving Christmas. There’s no mention of that. He’s just another member of the group, and was able to help out, just like a good member of Japanese society, without drawing too much attention to himself.
Remember kids, if you stand out and are special, people will make fun of you. But, if you do use your powers, use them to help the group and society, but God forbid you bring attention to yourself. Actually, this is how my family tried to raise me. I don’t know how many times my Japanese grandfather told me about how nails sticking up get hammered down. Apparently, all that didn’t quite work out so well :)
Anyways, everyone have a great Christmas (or whatever you celebrate…Festivus for the restivus?). Myself, personally, I’m snowed in. Originally, I planned to leave to Hawaii yesterday, but my flight got cancelled, and the next available is a week from now, so I’ll just stick around Portland and get some extra work done. New Years is where it’s at, anyways!