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, Ole Golazo. Make sure to let us know your opinion on the JUMP STARTs by filling out the weekly survey!

KITAKUBU (きたくぶ)

KITAKUBU is a phrase that comes up in manga and anime a lot. It literally means “going home club.” When a student doesn’t want to join a club, they will joke that they joined the KITAKUBU when actually they haven’t joined any club at all. It was translated as the No-Club Club in chapter one. Joining this club means you don’t have to stay late practicing your sport or musical instrument. You can instead spend your day, as Banba did, playing video games, bowling or going to karaoke. But that’s going to get boring after a while…

NIHON DAIHYOU (にほんだいひょう)

NIHON DAIHYOU means “Japanese Representative,” and that’s exactly what Banba is—but not in soccer! The whole plot of the first chapter is about confusion over this. Everyone in the school soon thinks Banba was chosen to represent Japan as a member of the Under-15 team. This would make him one of the best young players in the country. But he was actually the representative for tae kwon do! Can a master of kicking opponents become a master of kicking a soccer ball? We’ll see!

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