Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will will focus on our new JUMP START about music—Alice & Taiyo. Please give us your feedback on these two great JUMP START series by filling out the Shonen Jump survey!

TAIYO (たいよう)

TAIYO is the name of one of the main characters of the series and it means “sun.” What a perfect name. TAIYO has unknowingly been a ball of warmth that has gotten Alice through some tough times, but can he develop the confidence to be a shining star on the musical stage?

ONGAKU (おんがく)

ONGAKU means “music.” Manga series about ONGAKU face a serious challenge. It’s hard to express music in manga form. It’s easy to show a character being super powerful, but how can you show that they are playing great music? Beautiful art helps, and Alice & Taiyo is full of that!

KYOKU (きょく)

KYOKU means “song,” or “piece of music.” Taiyo may be a genius when it comes to creating music, but that may not mean much if he’s too scared to share it with anyone. Alice may have her work cut out for her to get Taiyo to come out of his shell!

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