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 our latest JUMP START, Demon’s Plan. Make sure to let us know your opinion on the JUMP STARTs by filling out the weekly survey!

AKUMA NO SEKKEIZU (悪魔の設計図)

AKUMA NO SEKKEIZU is how “demon’s plan” is written out in Japanese. However, it is still read as “demon’s plan.” This is an awesome feature of Japanese that many other languages can’t match. You can combine the meaning of a word and the pronunciation in the same text. This is especially useful for foreign words. A Japanese reader who doesn’t understand the English words for “demon” or “plan” will have the Japanese there to explain it to them. So convenient!

ERABARESHIMONO (えらばれしもの)

ERABARESHIMONO means “chosen one.” Chapter 1 of Demon’s Plan featured main characters Bolo and Carlos working hard to raise money to try their hand at the demon’s plan. They were hoping to become ERABARESHIMONO and have their dreams come true. Well, they ended up being chosen for something, but it’s not exactly what they had in mind!

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