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【No. 2162】Sabusuku Binbō (サブスク貧乏 - Being Poor due to Subscriptions)

Sep 22, 2023 12:23
Sabusuku Binbō

How much do you use subscription-based services?

I have numerous subscription agreements, mainly for music, video, manga, and cloud services. However, I have realized that many of them are unnecessary.

This phenomenon, where one continues to spend money on unnecessary subscription-based services, is sometimes referred to as sabusuku binbō (サブスク貧乏) in Japanese.

Since sabusuku (サブスク) is short for "subscription," and binbō (貧乏) means "being poor," sabusuku binbō literally means "being poor due to subscriptions."

To avoid being sabusuku binbō, it is important to carefully consider whether or not the subscription-based service is truly necessary.
  • in Diary
  • 4 min read

【No. 2161】Released Original LINE Emoji

Sep 21, 2023 15:15
Released Original LINE Emoji

I occasionally draw four-panel comics based on the topics I posted on Lang-8

Since the number of illustrations of the character Chikuwa-kun (ちくわ君) in my comics increased, I created and released a LINE emoji package of him.

It was not easy for me to adjust to the size of the illustrations, and I had to redraw almost all of them, which took a lot of time.

Finally, I created emojis that I am personally satisfied with.

I wanted to release them for free if I could, but that was not possible due to LINE's terms and conditions.

If you are interested, please check out Chikuwa-kun's emojis at the following URL.

https://store.line.me/emojishop/product/6508060222c545010728ce88/ja
  • in Essay
  • 4 min read

【No. 2160】Dō ni Iru (堂に入る - Mastering Something)

Sep 20, 2023 12:58
Dō ni Iru

The Japanese idiom dō ni iru (堂に入る) refers to achieving proficiency in a study or skill.

This idiom is short for dō ni nobori te shitsu ni iru (堂に昇りて室に入る), which originated in the Analects of Confucius.

Dō (堂) means "front room," nobori/noboru (昇り/昇る) means "to go up," shitu (室) means "inner room," and iru (入る) means "to enter," making literal meaning of this phrase "to go up to the front room and enter the inner room."

In other words, the idea is that one's knowledge or skills have reached not just the superficial level but also a profound region.

In the Analects, the latter part is phrased as shitu ni irazu (室に入らず) in a negative context, which means that one's knowledge or skills have not reached a profound region.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2159】Onaji Ana no Mujina (同じ穴の狢 - Birds of a Feather)

Sep 19, 2023 12:48
Onaji Ana no Mujina

Even if people seem unrelated, they can sometimes be kindred spirits with the same nature.

In such situations, the Japanese proverb, onazi ana no mujina (同じ穴の狢), can be used.

Onaji (同じ) means "same," ana (穴) means "hole," and mujina (狢) refers to either tanuki (タヌキ - "raccoon dog") or anaguma (アナグマ - "badger"). Therefore, the literal meaning of this proverb is "badgers in the same hole."

While badgers dig holes to live in, other badgers or raccoon dogs sometimes begin to live in the same hole without permission.

This is why onazi ana no mujina came to have its current meaning.

Note that this proverb is usually used in a negative context related to bad behavior.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2158】Genkai Otaku (限界オタク - Excessive Otaku)

Sep 18, 2023 18:21
Genkai Otaku

A few days ago, I introduced the term oshi (推し), which means "my fave."

In the fandom world, there are enthusiastic fans whose love for their oshi leads them to say embarrassing or creepy things.

Such people are sometimes described with the slang term, genkai otaku (限界オタク).

Since genkai (限界) means "limit," and otaku (オタク) is typically translated to "otaku" or "nerd," the literal meaning of genkai otaku is "otaku at their limit."

In other words, this term means an otaku who has reached the limits of their emotion, human dignity, rationality, creepiness, and so on.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2157】Koro Gyaku (コロ虐 - Korok Abuse)

Sep 17, 2023 18:37
Koro Gyaku

Soon after "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" was launched, an act called koro gyaku (コロ虐) became a hot topic on social media.

Since Koro (コロ) and gyaku (虐) are short for Korokgu (コログ - "Korok") and gyakutai (虐待 - "abuse"), respectively, the literal meaning of koro gyaku is "Korok abuse."

In this game, there are many side quests where players take the character "Korok" to his friend's location, using a variety of flexible items.

At this time, Korok is often unintentionally abused (i.e., 'koro gyaku'), such as being dropped from high places, thrown into the water, or dragged on the ground.

While some players seem to intentionally do koro gyaku, according to the game developers, it was expected that Korok would be treated as such.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2156】Korogu Kōbun (コログ構文 - Korok's Sentence Structure): Part 2

Sep 16, 2023 12:20
Korogu Kōbun: Part 2

Yesterday, I introduced the Korogu kōbun (コログ構文 - "Korok's sentence structure"), which consists of 'mō tsukare chatte zenzen ugoke nakutē...' (もう疲れちゃって 全然動けなくてェ･･･ - meaning "I'm so tired, I can't move at all...").

Although Korok's line does not directly ask for help, it emphasizes his fatigue and inability to move, implicitly conveying a desire to be carried to his destination.

The relatability of the line and the roundabout way of not directly asking for help might have left a strong impression on game players and led to widespread recognition.

Incidentally, I have heard that this tone of speech is very similar to that of the development staff who handled Korok's part of the game.
  • in Essay
  • 3 min read

【No. 2155】Korogu Kōbun (コログ構文 - Korok's Sentence Structure): Part 1

Sep 15, 2023 16:25
Korogu Kōbun: Part 1

Recently, Korogu kōbun (コログ構文) is often used on social media.

Korogu (コログ - "Korok") is a fictional character in The Legend of Zelda series.

In addition, kōbun (構文) means "sentence structure," the literal meaning of korogu kōbun is "Korok's sentence structure."

In "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,' this character often says 'mō tsukare chatte zenzen ugoke nakutē...' (もう疲れちゃって 全然動けなくてェ･･･ - meaning "I'm so tires though. I can't move...").

This line has a somewhat distinctive sound in Japanese, and this type of sentence structure is called Korogu kōbun.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2154】Egokoro (絵心 - Artistic Taste)

Sep 14, 2023 13:02
Egokoro

The hobby or knowledge of drawing, the sensitivity to understand art, or the desire to draw pictures is called egokoro (絵心) in Japanese.

Since e (絵) means "picture," and kokoro/gokoro (心) means "mind," the literal meaning of egokoro is "mind for pictures."

People often use the phrase egokoro ga nai (絵心がない - "have no 'egokoro'") to mean "bad at drawing" or "lacking artistic sense." However, based on the original meaning of egokoro, this phrase could also carry the nuance of "I do not like drawing."

Regardless of one's drawing ability, anyone who enjoys drawing or appreciating pictures has egokoro.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2153】Oshi (推し - My Fave): Part 2

Sep 13, 2023 17:46
Oshi: Part 2

The term oshi (推し - "my fave") is widely used among young people in Japan and has various derivatives.

For example, when one supports their favorite idol or character in various ways or tries to promote them to others, it is called oshikatsu (推し活), with katsu (活 - meaning "activity").

Additionally, when one likes the entire group rather than a specific member, it is called hako oshi (箱推し).

Hako (箱) usually means "box," but in this context, it is a metaphor for the live music club where the idol groups perform.

Having something to be crazy about like oshi is nice, but be careful not to spend too much money.
  • in Essay
  • 3 min read

【No. 2152】Oshi (推し - My Fave): Part 1

Sep 12, 2023 12:26
Oshi

If you have a particular favorite member in an idol group or character in an anime, that is colloquially referred to as oshi (推し).

Oshi is an abbreviation of oshimen (推しメン), which is short for oshiteiru member (推しているメンバー - meaning "member you are recommending") or ichioshi no member (一推しのメンバー - meaning "most recommended member").

In other words, oshi represents a member you like so much that you want to recommend them to someone else.

Incidentally, currently in Japan, an anime/manga called Oshi no Ko (推しの子 - literally "My Fave's Children") is becoming popular.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2151】Arigata Meiwaku (ありがた迷惑 - Misplaced Kindness)

Sep 11, 2023 19:29
Arigata Meiwaku

Have you ever felt inconvenienced by someone's actions of favor or kindness?

Such a situation can be described with the Japanese term arigata meiwaku (ありがた迷惑).

Since arigata/arigatai (ありがた/ありがたい) means "grateful," and meiwaku (迷惑) means "inconvenience," the literal meaning of arigata meiwaku is "grateful inconvenience."

In other words, it expresses a situation where one feels grateful for someone's intentions, but the actual action is inconvenient.

Too much goodwill may lead to arigata meiwaku, so think carefully before acting.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2150】Shitashiki Naka ni mo Reigi Ari (親しき仲にも礼儀あり - Good Fences Make Good Neighbors)

Sep 10, 2023 16:16
Shitashiki Naka ni mo Reigi Ari

No matter how close the relationship, there are some etiquettes that should be observed.

The proverb, shitashiki naka ni mo reigi ari (親しき仲にも礼儀あり), expresses this notion.

Since shitashiki/shitashii (親しき/親しい) means "close," naka (仲) means "relationship," reigi (礼儀) means "etiquette," this proverb literally means "even in a close relationship, there is etiquette."

To build interpersonal relationships, we should treat everyone respectfully and be mindful of etiquette.

It is believed that this proverb derived from the "Analects" of Confucius.

【No. 2149】0-ji Machi (0時待ち - Waiting for Midnight)

Sep 9, 2023 22:59
0-ji Machi

Yesterday, I did '0-ji machi' (0時待ち - literally "waiting for 0 o'clock") at a highway service area.

On Japanese highways, tolls are discounted by 30% all day on holidays and from midnight to 4 a.m. on weekdays.

This discount applies to the entire section you traveled, if you drive on the highway even for a short period during the designated hours.

Therefore, just before midnight, transportation trucks often stop one after another in front of toll gates, causing traffic jams.

This is known as '0-ji machi', which has become a problem, especially on Tokyo's highways.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2148】Sakushi Saku ni Oboreru (策士策に溺れる - Hoist with His Own Petard)

Sep 8, 2023 11:37
Sakushi Saku ni Oboreru

Even those who are good at devising strategies can sometimes rely too much on their plans and end up failing.

The proverb, sakushi saku ni oboreru (策士策に溺れる), illustrates this lesson.

Since sakushi (策士) means "strategist," saku (策) means "strategy," and oboreru (溺れる) means "to drown," the literal meaning of this proverb is "a strategist drowns in his own strategy."

In other words, it reminds us not to be too overconfident in our own abilities.

This proverb may be translated as the idiom "hoist with his own petard," originated from Shakespeare's "Hamlet."
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2147】Kusaki mo Nemuru Ushimitsu Doki (草木も眠る丑三つ時 - Witching Hour): Part 2

Sep 7, 2023 21:26
Kusaki mo Nemuru Ushimitsu Doki: Part 2

In Japan, it is believed that we should avoid going out between ushimitsu doki (丑三つ時 - referring to "2:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m.") because ghosts and specters become active during that time.

In addition, it is also traditionally believed that we should not do practices like awase kagami (合わせ鏡 - meaning "two mirrors facing each other") or morishio (盛り塩 - meaning "pile of salt") during ushimitsu doki.

Similarly, in other countries, midnight is sometimes called "witching hour," and it is believed that witches, demons, and ghosts are most likely to appear during this time.

These are probably superstitions aimed at keeping people from being active at midnight. Regardless, it is best to sleep well at night for a healthy life cycle.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2146】Kusaki mo Nemuru Ushimitsu Doki (草木も眠る丑三つ時 - Witching Hour): Part 1

Sep 6, 2023 22:11
Kusaki mo Nemuru Ushimitsu Doki: Part 1

The eerily silent midnight is sometimes described as kusaki mo nemuru ushimitsu doki (草木も眠る丑三つ時) or simply ushimitsu doki (丑三つ時) in Japanese.

Ushimitu doki is a way of expressing time in the Edo period, corresponding to the time between 2:00 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. in today's terms.

In addition, kusaki (草木) means "plants and trees," nemuru (眠る) means "to sleep," so the literal meaning of kusaki mo nemuru ushimitsu doki is "2:00 a.m. to 2:30 a.m., when even plants and trees sleep."

It implies a silent dead of night as if even plants and trees are sleeping.
  • in Essay
  • 3 min read

【No. 2145】Aku ga Nukeru (灰汁が抜ける - Becoming Refined)

Sep 5, 2023 19:54
Aku ga Nukeru

The Japanese idiom, aku ga nukeru (灰汁が抜ける), describes that someone's personality or appearance loses its negative aspects and becomes refined.

The term aku (灰汁 - literally "lye") refers to the bitter, astringent, or harsh taste in food, and it is often removed in cooking to make the dish tastier.

In addition, nukeru (抜ける) means "to be removed," so the literal meaning of aku ga nukeru is "a bad taste is removed."

In other words, in this idiom, aku, the ingredients that make the dish taste bad, is a metaphor for the negative aspects of a person.
  • in Essay
  • 2 min read

【No. 2144】Giga ga Nai (ギガがない - Reached Data Limit)

Sep 4, 2023 23:51
Giga ga Nai

Many countries have data limitations or caps for smartphones.

Have you ever reached the data limit of your contracted plan?

In such situations, young Japanese people often say giga ga nai (ギガがない).

While giga (ギガ) originally refers to a prefix for a unit representing 10 to the ninth power, it is also a slang term for the amount of data traffic.

In addition, nai (ない) means "no/nothing," so the literal meaning of giga ga nai is "no data traffic," implying that you have reached the data limit.

The slang usage of giga originates from the fact that many Japanese mobile phone companies provide data plans in gigabyte units.

【No. 2143】Kansuto (カンスト - Maximum Value)

Sep 3, 2023 23:06
Kansuto

Today, I played a certain game a lot and reached kansuto (カンスト) score.

The term kansuto is short for kauntā sutoppu (カウンターストップ) or "counter stop" in English, which means a state where a player has reached the maximum level or score of a video game.

Since kansuto is a Japanese-English word and probably not understood by native English speakers.

In English, it can be expressed as "maximum value" or "maximum score."

Incidentally, the game in which I reached kansuto is Salmon Run in Splatoon 3.