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 Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle, our newest JUMP START series! Shonen Jump has had some pretty unique series over the years, but this one may take the cake!

YUME (ゆめ)

YUME means “dream.” This series starts with normal student Meh-Meh finding herself in the colorful world of Cuteopia. She thinks she might be dreaming. And that’s probably the reaction of a lot of the readers when they first see this series. Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle is not your ordinary Shonen Jump manga.

FUSHIGI (ふしぎ)

FUSHIGI means something like “mysterious,” “strange,” “wonderful” or “fantastical.” It’s the perfect word to describe Cuteopia. This wonderland may have some weird creatures in it, but it also has macarons growing on trees!

SHINJIRARENAI (しんじられない)

SHINJIRARENAI means “unbelievable.” Meh-Meh has difficulty believing that a Toy Poodle could be born from a tomato. Join the club! But that isn’t the only crazy thing going on in this manga. Pastries on trees, houses made of giant fruit and wiener-themed spelling books are just some of the oddities to be found in Lycopene the Tomatoy Poodle!

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