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 Shonen Jump’s newest Jump Start series, E-ROBOT ! If a technologically advanced erotic robot can end all wars, she should be able to help you learn Japanese too!

AI (アイ)    YUUKI (ユウキ)

Last week we talked about the importance of a manga character’s name. In E-ROBOT, the main characters are named Ai and Yuuki. AI means “love.” That seems like a pretty appropriate name for an erotic robot. Can Ai’s erotic love save the world? YUUKI means “courage” or “bravery.” For a guy with a name like that, Yuuki sure is lacking early in the first chapter. Hopefully Ai can help him live up to his name!

KOKUHAKU (こくはく)

A KOKUHAKU is a “confession,” but it’s usually used to mean the act of telling your crush that you like him/her. Shonen manga characters generally have a really hard time revealing their true feelings. Sure, Marika from Nisekoi knows how to get it done, but most are not that skilled. Hey, I get it. It’s awkward and embarrassing! What if you get rejected? What if a busty erotic robot knocks you over right as you’re about to say the words? A lot can go wrong. Luckily(?) for Yuuki, he’ll have Ai in his corner the next time he’s ready for a KOKUHAKU!

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