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 some terms from our latest JUMP START series, Red Sprite. This round of JUMP STARTS have been some of the best we’ve seen. Make your voice heard by filling out the survey and telling us what you think!

TAISHO (たいしょう)

TAISHO means “captain” in a very broad way. It can be used for the general of an army or even the head sushi chef at a restaurant. Basically, anybody who’s in charge could be referred to as a TAISHO. The first chapter of Red Sprite does a really good job of expressing what it means to be a strong TAISHO. Tatsu is bossy, sure. But he smoothly brings the shy Mono into the group with some deft prodding. He’s definitely a natural-born leader!

HIKOUSEN (ひこうせん)

HIKOUSEN means “airship” or “flying ship.” It appears that these flying machines are going to be a major part of the plot of Red Sprite, which makes the series stand out from other Jump series. The militarized steampunk-type world feels really fresh and should pose quite the obstacle for Tatsu and his friends. Going up against an entire empire won’t be easy, even for someone called the Red Lightning!

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