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 Boruto. The chapter in this issue dropped some huge bombshells that could reverberate throughout the plot for a long time. It also introduced some complicated terms, so here’s some extra info to help with piecing everything together!

KARA (殻, カラ)

KARA is the name of the secret organization operating behind the scenes in the world of Boruto. What are they after? What is this “vessel” that they are seeking? So many mysteries yet to be revealed! Perhaps their name offers a clue. The kanji character for KARA means “husk” or “shell.” Does this indicate that they consider themselves to currently be “empty” and are trying to “refill” something…? This sounds similar to what the Akatsuki was after. Is there a connection?

KARMA (楔, カーマ)

The latest chapter introduced the term KARMA. The kanji character used means “wedge” or “linchpin” and is usually read as KUSABI. According to Momoshiki, killing a god changes a person. A strange mark appeared on Boruto’s palm after the death of Momoshiki, and in this chapter, strange markings spread all over his body. Is KARMA the name of those markings? Is it the person with the markings? Cliff-hangers like this are the best and worst part of Shonen Jump!

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