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 once again feature terms from one of our new series, Dr. Stone! This series has been a nonstop thrill ride, and the stakes just keep getting upped. A post-apocalyptic world by itself would be tough to survive in, but now the main characters have a psycho with fabulous hair hunting them down!

ONSEN (おんせん)

This one probably doesn’t need too much explanation. ONSEN means “hot spring,” and it shows up in pretty much every manga that exists. Japanese people really love their ONSEN, and can you blame them? Talk about a relaxing experience! Except if you’re in the world of Black Clover, where it looks like a trip to the ONSEN will include some brutal training.

KAIFUKU (かいふく)

KAIFUKU means “recovery” or “to recover.” And that’s just what ONSEN are for! Senku, Taiju and Yuzuriha’s 80 km walk to Hakone was rewarded with a dip in a beautiful natural hot spring. They’re going to need some KAIFUKU if they hope to take down Tsukasa. But will that be enough?

KAZAN (かざん)

KAZAN means “volcano.” Japan is often said to be a country of KAZAN, and that’s why they have so many ONSEN. Thanks to these KAZAN, Team Senku can make gunpowder. Hopefully they can avoid blowing themselves up before Tsukasa appears!

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