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, Robot × Laserbeam! If you want to share your opinions with us on this JUMP START series, be sure to fill out the survey and make your voice heard!

HYOUJOU (ひょうじょう)

HYOUJOU means “facial expression.” Robato may be one of the hardest to read main characters ever to appear in Shonen Jump. His HYOUJOU almost never changes, and sometimes it seems like he lacks all emotion. Shonen Jump characters are usually motivated by competition to be the best, but Robato doesn’t even see anything appealing in that. However, he does react strongly to his friend being insulted. Perhaps he’s not so robotic after all.

KYOUMI (きょうみ)

KYOUMI means “interest,” as in being interested in something. Robato starts off with no KYOUMI in golf whatsoever. Is this something that will change? I really hope so for Yozan’s sake!

OTO (おと)

OTO means “sound.” Who knew the OTO of hitting a ball would be such a big plot point? Yozan is trying to track down the guy with the perfect swing based only on the OTO of the club hitting the ball. Has a character ever been so obsessed with a sound in a non-music manga?

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