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 focus on some non-sports scenes in Robot × Laserbeam. Sometimes the most entertaining chapters in sports manga are when the characters are taking a break from the competition. Like when they’re taking a bath!

OFURO (おふろ)

OFURO or just FURO is “bath.” After a long day of golfing, why not relax with a nice warm OFURO? Though maybe it’s not very relaxing when you’re in the same bath as the team you just played. Plus the way Robo-kun washes himself is pretty distracting.

ARAU (あらう)

ARAU means “to wash.” In Japanese OFURO, you must clean yourself before going into the hot water. Robo-kun is precise with a golf club, but that’s nothing compared to how he uses his washcloth. He makes sure to ARAU every part of his body three times. Even his teammates are surprised.

KETSU (ケツ)

KETSU is a vulgar way of saying “butt.” We sure got to see a lot of them in this chapter. Even an Emperor KETSU! An Emperor is never fazed, even when he’s naked! Suzaku has been an awesome addition to the series, and this is the start of a great rivalry with Robo.

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