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 look into the names of the characters from one of our latest JUMP START series, LOVE RUSH! The names in Shonen Jump series can reveal a lot about a character’s personality or origins, so let’s get analyzing once again!

HAKUBA (はくば)

The main character’s family name in LOVE RUSH! is HAKUBA, which means “white horse.” This is likely a reference to a white knight, a person who comes to the rescue of others. In Japanese, there’s a term that is similar to what “Prince Charming” is in English, and that’s HAKUBA NO OUJI, or “prince on a white horse.” That sounds a lot like HAKUBA REIJI! So can we expect Reiji to start exhibiting some princely behavior soon? He’d better start because he has a serious love battle on his hands!

KOKORO (ココロ)

KOKORO is the first name of the Cupid Princess and part of one of the most confusing Shonen Jump names since Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. Try saying KOKORO ROKO ROKOKO ten times fast. The word KOKORO is rather complicated. It can mean “heart,” but not as in the physical organ in our bodies. It can also mean “mind,” “soul” or a person’s “core.” The KOKORO seems to be where emotions originate from. One thing’s for sure, Princess KOKORO sure has a lot of heart!

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