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 terms from our latest JUMP START series, U19. We have a ton of JUMP STARTs series coming in the following weeks, so make sure to fill out the survey and make your voice heard!

HANKOUTEKI (ほんこうてき)

HANKOUTEKI means “rebellious.” In U19, the adults have created a world where kids are put in their place and do as they’re told. The series does a good job of making the world feel real by showing that there are both negative and positive consequences of doing this. However, when you mess with the main character’s girl, it’s time to get rebellious!

SOUSHOKUKEI (そうしょくけい)

SOUSHOKUKEI means “herbivore,” but it has come to describe men who don’t conform to the traditional male stereotype. This terms shows up a lot in shojo manga, with female characters describing how passive the men are these days. It is often used as an insult, but what’s wrong with knowing how to sew? Some of the coolest Shonen Jump characters like Light Yagami from Death Note and Uryu Ishida from Bleach are handy with a needle and thread, so Eiji’s in good company!

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