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 the big reveal in Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma. It was assumed that the serious plot was taking a break after the defeat of Dean Azami, but Soma’s world got turned upside down with the news that he has a brother!

KYODAI (きょうだい)

KYODAI means “brothers.” It was always assumed that Soma was an only child, even by Soma himself. So what does this big revelation mean for Soma? Will these brothers have to battle it out for culinary supremacy? It’s Food Wars, so of course they will!

OYAJI (おやじ)

OYAJI means “dad” or “old man.” Soma’s always lived in the shadow of his OYAJI, one of the top chefs in the world. He’s never beaten him in the kitchen, even after hundreds of attempts. How will he react when he learns his KYODAI is even better?

MUSUKO (むすこ)

MUSUKO means “son.” Is Asahi really Joichiro’s MUSUKO? Who’s the mother? Why did Soma never know about him? It’s going to be exciting to learn all the secrets surrounding Joichiro’s past!