Nihongo Lesson 01/20/17

Vampires and humans around the world! Let's set aside our differences and unite!

By John Bae January 20, 2017

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 the amazing chapter of Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign from last week’s issue. One thing that makes this series particularly intriguing is not knowing where exactly some of the characters stand. And this chapter turns that all on its head. Are the humans and vampires forming an alliance?

KAZOKU (かぞく)

KAZOKU means “family,” and this term is the most important thing to Yuichiro, the main character of Seraph of the End. Sometimes it feels like he won’t stop talking about his KAZOKU, but can you really blame him? He lost everyone dear to him at a young age, and now he’ll do whatever it takes to protect his new friends. This chapter delved into the notion that it doesn’t matter if you’re a human or vampire, what’s important is KAZOKU!

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NAKAMA (なかま)

NAKAMA means “friend,” “ally” or something like “crew.” At the end of the Seraph of the End chapter, Crowley has a very funny reaction when he thinks about this word. After 800 years as a vampire, he just doesn’t know how to act when he gains some new NAKAMA. Crowley may be resistant, but this could be the start of a really good team!

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