Assignment in Sheffield

I had a business assignment of two days, first day in London and then the second day in Sheffield.  The subject matter was "telematics" - have you all heard of telematics and been familiar with it?

It was all cutting edge, and both the talk and concepts were quite 'edgy'  err - that was how I felt at the beginning, sorry! The agency told me it was an assignment from their regular client, a very major business consulting firm, and the purpose was - they said - market research.  

Later on, I received a few slide decks, and realised it was quite different from what I had imagined.  At a glance it looked pretty IT centric.  I can do engineering and IT unless it is uber complicated but I am not from scientific background.  

Science had been my second favourite subject in schools (schools!!) so I suppose I could say I am at least not science or maths phobic, but still, I am not someone who can confidently say yeah, that is my absolute strength.

Besides, 'telematics' involves quite an in-depth degree of computer science, algorithms, maths, analytics (yes, it is correctly spelt. It's not analysis, it's analytics) etc. I wish I was given a lecture about this field beforehand, even immediately before the commencement of the assignment! 

That's how I felt at the beginning, but you'll be surprised that our comprehension, our reformulating skills and anticipating skills come in play to rescue! You'd be such a quick learner. I felt I became an expert by the time the assignment finished. 

Of course, I couldn't be the mathematician and actually do the maths but at least I had understood the concept and what was playing behind the scene. It is just that we are always wiser when it's over. Yes, that is always the case, it's a pity, isn't it?

Having said that, this doesn't always apply to every interpreter, I know. Some people are better at understanding certain things than others and others are better at understanding other things than some people. Likewise, some people are quicker to understand new things or different things, where others take longer.

When it comes to interpreters, I think this agility - should I say - is one of the abilities called for.  It is one of the 'knack' which determines success or survival in profession. 

Also, because it is a knack only so much can be taught, I mean it can't be taught, really, but you could nurture the intuition through day to day efforts like be interested in what's going on in the field and to have good enough level of general knowledge by doing well enough when you were in schools in those subjects.

This may sound a little contradictory and it is good to have a speciality, it can be a differentiator for you, but at the same time it is better and safer to be a generalist. When I talk about generalist, I am not talking about an ordinary generalist. 

We somehow need to train ourselves to be the generalist who can turn the general knowledge to the level of expertise in an instant - ideally - as it is called for.  Often enough, it can be a tall order.  

Imagine, if someone hired an interpreter who is not trained for court settings, and the interpreter heard 'my learned friend' they will not have a clue what that is.  They'll be wondering "whose friend? what are they talking about?" 

I mean even an experienced interpreter or conference interpreter could make such mistakes.  A lot of people in general, when they hear 'witness' they immediately associate with 'eye witness' in legal terms.

When I interpret, I try to envisage a picture from what I heard. I actively listen to the speech and envision something, like a mind map, and that is the decoded message. Then I try to describe the picture or map in the target language. 

Obviously 'normal' listening doesn't involve this much engagement, because it is passive listening, and that is normal, that is what everyone does, except interpreters.

In other words, if I couldn't envisage a picture, I couldn't interpret. I hear there is another type of interpreter who interprets without envisioning. I can't quite grasp how they manage to do that but in my case I need to be able to see the logic and to imagine the structure to interpret.

It is like drawing a picture or map in mind.  By listening to the speech, draw route map, people's names and product names would appear flashing like stations, and links indicate interchanges or junctions in the storyline, and then figures (numbers) will appear like the platforms or time of arrival or departure...

Now you can see how important to have this map or picture in mind for the interpreter.  Also, information such as where it has been stressed in a speech, emphasised by the tone of voice, little pause, eye contact, repetition etc.

They will be noted in our mind with * or ! and bold or CAPITALISED like a message that says "attention for engineering works."  These non-verbal information or message will be incorporated, reflected into our rendering in the target language.  

If the speech is extremely poorly organised, then it is not organised I suppose however, having parallel routes emerging from no where which happens all the time, then we lose the track of logic, the track of speech.  

Also when the speaker is reading up the script and there is no feeling in the speech, the speaker doesn't mean it because they're just reading up the text and not feeling the message... 

On the other hand, when the speech is delivered like they mean it, when it is structured and spoken in a manner that is not too fast nor too slow, nor fragmented - these things make our job a lot easier. You know the phrase, don't you? - "every little helps."

So it is again a recurrent theme, nevertheless, it is dangerous when end users or in fact any stakeholders involved in the assignments misunderstand.  They're probably simply lacking understanding the truth, and / or lacking appreciation of our profession, either way, they are risking their business outcome.

What's happening in the 'black box' (in the head of interpreters) is a lot more complex and profound than simply being a conduit. Sometimes end clients say "madam interpreter, just translate word for word" or they certainly believe "it only takes a few languages to speak and anyone can interpret."  

By the way, I had booked train in advance, so my return train to London was fixed.  It was cheaper, a fraction of the price of the open ticket.  However, had it rained a lot that day all day, my return train was cancelled (grrr).  I thought I wouldn't be able to come home.  

This is rather a peripheral element, but certainly worth taking into account as an aspect of our profession. We are free agents, meaning we are on the move all the time. We work in one place today, and another the next day.

I managed to go further up north, to Doncaster, and then took an alternative train with a different train company.  Although many people disapprove of train services in the UK, and I am no exception (sorry!), when it comes to this kind of flexibility, I'm thinking Japan might not be as 'understanding' or 'flexible' as this.  That said, trains in Japan are punctual- hence far more reliable. Ah, thank you!

TED "Am I going to die?" the honest answer (マシュー・オライリー「私は死ぬのでしょうか?」真実を答える)

http://www.ted.com/talks/matthew_o_reilly_am_i_dying_the_honest_answer?language=ja

Hurray!! My first work on TED (ja subtitles) is out!!

※　日本語字幕ビデオへのリンクは以下　※
マシュー・オライリー「私は死ぬのでしょうか」真実を答える

私がはじめて手がけた TED の字幕です。以前から TED Talks は興味を持って視聴していたので、さらに身近に感じるようになりました。

最初にこのビデオを観たとき、とても感銘を受けました。決して長くはないけれども、実に印象深い話でした。

なんとか、その温度感を失うことなく、字幕にしたいとおもい努力しました。直訳風ではなく、意図が伝わるように、気持ちが伝わるように訳したつもりです。ぜひ、ご覧ください!

字幕をつける作業をしていて苦労したのは、他の翻訳者も同じ問題にぶち当たった方がいらっしゃるかもしれませんが、タイムコードが出てこなかったこと。シンクロして確認する作業ができない、と、カスタマーサービスに連絡をしましたが、結局解決しませんでした。なので、シンクロの確認作業ができなかったことが一番困りました。

これは何とかしなければ、ということで、2作目に取り掛かっていますが、ブラウザを変えてみたところ、解決したようなので、とりあえずこれで行ってみようと思います。ワクワク♪

45 Life Lessons written by 90-old Woman （90歳の女性から―45の人生の教訓）

45 Life Lessons written by 90-old Woman

45個ある教訓のなかでも（Lessons を教訓と訳すとなんだか硬いですね･･･）とくに以下の9個は心に響きました。日本（人）にはおそらく存在しない発想のものがあります。26番がそうだな、とおもったのですが、相手がどう考えているか、あまり気にするのは、ある種失礼でもあるというような会話をイギリスの友人としたことがあります。とても意外でした。今は理解できますけど。相手の迷惑にならないように、とか相手が不快な思いをしているんじゃないか、とか慮るのは美徳でもあると思うのですが、悩みすぎるとこちらが参ってしまう、だからやめたほうがいい、という考え方はあっても、相手がどう思っているかは相手の勝手、相手の好きにさせておくべき、だから入り込んではいけない、というような発想は日本語?日本社会?にはないのではないか、と思ってしまいました。

04.　Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
（そんなに自分のことを深刻に考えることはありません。他の誰もあなたのことをそこまで深く考えてはいません。）

06.　You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
（議論口論、いつも言い負かそう、勝たなくては、と思わなくても大丈夫。意見が合わないという意見に賛同すればいいんです。）

07.　Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
（泣く時は一人で泣くよりも誰かに付き合ってもらったほうが癒されます。）

10.　Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
（自分の過去とは仲良くしなさい。過去のせいで現在がめちゃくちゃになったりしないように折り合いをつけましょう。）

17.　It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
（幸せな子供時代を過ごすのは今からでも遅くありません。ただし、二回目はあなた次第。誰のせいにもできません。）

19.　Burn the candles; use the nice sheets; wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
（ロウソクに灯をともしましょう。きれいで気持ちのよいシーツを使いましょう。ステキな下着を身につけましょう。特別な日のためにとっておいてはいけません。だって、今日が特別な日なのですから。）

26.　What other people think of you is none of your business.
（他人があなたのことをどう思おうと、あなたには関係ありません。彼らの仕事ですから、あなたが気に病むことではありません。）

29.　Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
（どれだけ仕事をがんばったとしても、具合が悪くなったとき、仕事はあなたの面倒を見てくれません。見てくれるのは友だちです。大事にしましょう。）

37．Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
（使い勝手がよくないもの、きれいだと思えないもの、楽しく感じないもの･･･こういうものはみんな捨ててしまいましょう。）

調子の出ない日ってどうしてもあると思うんですが、今日は午前中はそうでもなかったけれど、午後、とくに家に帰ってきてから調子が悪かったんです。
私が所属している協会の総会だったのですが、朝ごはんも昼ごはんも食べずに行ったのがまずかった。おなかすいてなかったので。

紅茶とコーヒー、ビスケットしかおなかに入れてないのに、そのあとワインを飲んだら、帰りの地下鉄で気分が悪くなってしまいました。そのあと、何もやる気が起きなくて、しかも寒気がしたので寝床に入っていましたが、この記事を見て「ああ、その日その日、一日一日が特別なんだから、気分を切り替えよう!」と思いました。

当たり前のことだけど、いつも覚えていられるわけではないですよね。こうやってリマインダーを見かけるのはいいものですね。感謝。

テレビの調子

ここ数日、テレビの調子がおかしい。見ている途中で突然切れたり、音量設定が変わったり、チャンネルすら変わったりする。リモコンがおかしいのかと、電池を入れ替えたり、はたまた抜いて試してみたりもしたが、一向に解決しない。テレビの本体側の問題だと思われる。はぁ、こんなテレビはじめて。

ネット調べてみると、なんと、この種の故障はまったく珍しいことではないらしい。珍しくないどころか、もっともよく起きる故障の類だということがわかった。ただ、珍しくはないけれども、原因の特定が難しいのも事実で、それが理由で修理が思うようにいかないことも少なくないらしい。

というわけで、我が家ではもっぱら、修理に出すか、新しいのを買うべきかで話し合いが進行中。。。

テレビが壊れて初めて実感したのが、私は最近、NHK の『テレビで～』を使ってスペイン語とフランス語の学習を始めたのだが、これができないのが非常に困る。スクールに通ってもいいんだけれど、最初からちゃんと行けるかどうかわからない、もっと言えば、ちゃんと続けられるかどうかわからない段階で、スクールに申し込むのは気が引ける。自分のやる気を確かめるという意味もあって、かのテレビ番組を使って始めることにしたのだ。これで続けられる手ごたえが掴めたら、そのときスクールに通い始めてもいいと考えたからだ。

ところが、である。これまで何の問題もなく機能していたテレビが、まるで時限爆弾でも仕掛けられていて発動したかのように、突然調子が悪くなってしまった。普通の番組が見られないのも困るけど、もっと困ったこととは、新しいことを習慣付けるのには時間がかかる、そして順調な滑り出し、つまり最初に成功を体験することが大切だと考えている。何が困るかというと、これが台無しになってしまうことなのです。まあ、最初からやり直せばいいじゃないか。そういわれれば身も蓋もない。はい、確かにそれだけのことではあるけれど、しばしがっくり･･･。

修理に出した場合、修理代のほうが高くなる可能性はもちろんのこと、どこへ出すのか、誰がやってくれるのか、そして、ちゃんと直るのか、という問題もあるのです。イギリスでは（苦笑）。

まず、電気屋さんが街から姿を消したこと。そういえば、見かけないなぁという感じ。改めて考えてみると、修理するにしても、どこに持っていったらいいのかわからない。近年、電化製品はネットで購入する人が増え、街中の電気屋さんや電化製品を置いているお店には、従来の感覚から、現物を確認するために行くという利用するという感覚へと移行したように思います。

もちろん世代によっても顧客体験は違うわけで、いまだにお店に行って、お店の人と相談して、いくつか見比べて、聞き比べてからしか商品（製品）を買いません、という人?世代の人?も、少なからずいるんですが･･･。

では修理とおもって、出張修理してもらうとしても不安が･･･。

以前、とある日本語のチャンネルに加入契約しＴＶボックスを付けてもらってアンテナだのなんだの、技師さんに来てもらったとき、まず困ったのが予約が取れない。日本ではありえないことじゃないでしょうか?　そうでもないですかね?　それで、やっと取れたと思ったら、一回目来て帰った後になって、ボックスに不具合があることが発覚。数時間つけてないと現れないエラーだったのです。

それから、そのことをチャンネル側に連絡したら、そんなはずはないのでこれを試して、それでもだめだったらこれを試してみて下さいといわれ、二回目の来訪にこぎつけるまで、これまた手間がかかった。それで、数ヶ月かかって結局二回目に来てもらったら、やっぱりボックスに問題があることが判明、だから言ったでしょーといわんばかりでした。それで、やっと後日別のボックスを持ってきてくれて解決に至ったわけですが、ここは日本ではないので、サクサクとは事が運ばないんです。

今のところ、新しいのを購入しようと思っていますが、今度は回収の問題。電気屋さんがいたときみたいに無料で回収してくれるサービスがあるといいんだけど、なさそう。ということは有料で回収?　これも予約して、もしかしたら当日来なくて（イギリスではよくある）予約のし直しで･･･なんてことをやっていると、いつの話になるんだか、考えただけで気が遠くなります　とほほ。

新しいのを買う＋古いのは回収してもらう、というオプションがいいか、古いのを修理してもらうオプションのほうがいいか、結局、イギリスではどちらのほうが得策なのだろうか･･･?

「父と子」"Father and Son" by Cat Stevens

この歌はキャット･スティーブンスの歌のなかでは一番好きな歌です。
とても考えさせらる歌でもあります。それは、Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_and_Son_(song) に "as part of a proposed musical project with actor Nigel Hawthorne called Revolussia, that was set during the Russian Revolution; the song was about a boy who wanted to join the revolution against the wishes of his father（俳優のナイジェル・ホーソンが出演することが決まっていた「Relovussioa」というミュージカルのために書かれた曲で、舞台はロシア革命、父親の意に背いて戦争に行くことを志願する息子のことを書いた歌である : 拙訳）" とあるとおり、父と息子の葛藤やすれ違いといった普遍的な世代間のテーマとともに、ロシア革命（戦争）に対する想い、それが人々に（親子に）どのように影響しているかを反映しているから。最初は、メロディやビデオクリップがすばらしいので好きになりましたが、高音部が息子を、低音部で父親の心情を表現していることや、この詞の背景など、作品について知るにつれ、ますます好きになった曲です。

It’s not time to make a change　（今は何かを変える時じゃない）
Just relax, take it easy　（リラックスして、気に病まないことさ）
You’re still young, that’s your fault　（あいにく、お前はまだ若い）
There’s so much you have to know　（いろいろと学ばなければならないことが沢山あるのを気の毒に思う）

Find a girl, settle down　（いい娘を見つけて、身を落ち着けたらいい）
If you want you can marry　（何なら結婚したっていい）
Look at me, I am old　（わしを見てごらん。年は食っちゃいるが）
But I’m happy　（それでも幸せだ）

I was once like you are now　（わしも昔はお前みたいだったよ）
And I know that it’s not easy　（だからしんどいってことはよくわかる）
To be calm when you’ve found　（とても落ち着いていられないよな）
Something going on　（何かただならぬことが起きているとわかったときには）

But take your time, think a lot　（だが、時間をかけて、十分に考えるんだ）
Why, think of everything you’ve got　（どうしてなのか、自分が持っているものすべてに関しても）
For you will still be here tomorrow　（明日になったら、お前はまだいるだろうが）
But your dreams may not　（夢はもうなくなっているかもしれない）

How can I try to explain　（どうやって説明したらわかってもらるんだろう）
When I do he turns away again　（説明しても、背を向けて行ってしまうし）
It’s always been the same　（いつも同じさ）
Same old story　（同じことを繰り返し言われるだけ）

From the moment I could talk　（話すことを覚えた頃から）
I was ordered to listen　（話を聞けと言われてきた）
Now there’s a way and I know　（でも今なら道がある、わかってるんだ）
That I have to go away　（遠くへ行かなくちゃ行けないってことが）

I know I have to go　（そう、遠くへ行かなくちゃ）

All the times that I cried　（僕が泣いているときずっと）
Keeping all the things I knew inside　（わかっていたことを胸のうちにしまい込んでた）
It’s hard, but it’s harder to ignore it 　（大変なのはわかってる。でもそれを無視し続けることのほうがずっと辛い）

If they were right, I’d agree　（あっちが正しければ同意するさ）
But it’s them they know, not me　（でも、彼らが知っているのは彼らであって、僕じゃない）
Now there’s a way and I know　（今ならひとつ方法がある）
That I have to go away　（それは僕が遠くに行くことなんだ）

I know I have to go　（僕は行かなくちゃいけないんだよ）

No mic, no documents, no complaints? For appearance sake!!

A friend of mine went to a concert of her favourite band the other day and she told me how fantastic it was.  As she told me her experience there, I started to think about our job – interpreter – in terms of a singer, from a singer or concert’s point of view.  I thought of many questions, such as

“Can you imagine a concert with no microphone?”
“Can you imagine a singer not knowing what to sing?”
“Can you imagine she wasn't given the music or lyrics, either prior to the gig or even on the spot?”
“What if she was supposed to sing as she reads the lyrics as well as the music?”
“And she was expected to sing beautifully in such condition?”

I imagine, in most of the cases No would be the answer to all above questions. You simply wouldn’t expect anything like that in a concert, would you?
Interpreters are different from singers, but shouldn’t we all be respected equally? I mean above kind of things, equivalent things, happen to us frequently. Something of the sort one way or another all the time.

You go to the venue for an interpreting assignment and discover there is no microphone in a conference room where there will be around 100 attendees and also several interpreters sitting beside them.  If no microphone is what you discover almost as soon as the conference starts…  What would it make you think? Or what would this tell you about the assignment?

Let me summarise how it all started – don’t forget it is one of the typical situations in our line of work.  One day, I received a call from an agency.  I never worked with them before, by the way, and they asked me if I could take on a conference assignment in 10 days.  The field was technology, and it was a large internal conference of a very large media corporation.  I had some qualification and experience in media field, so I told them I can make myself available but on one condition.  I emailed them describing the condition, I clearly stated that I need ALL the slide decks and hand outs from ALL the people presenting and/or giving speeches BEFOREHAND.  If they fail to meet the condition, I could not accept the job and would cancel.

The agency responded they agreed and sent me the agenda for the event.  A few days passed, I sent follow-up email to the agency – no progress. A week before the event, I tried sending a reminder to them – no progress.  Every day after that I sent slightly more assertive email to them, I restated that I will have to withdraw.

They couldn't provide any documents except the simple agenda but they couldn't afford to be cancelled so they tried to come up with alternative solution. They asked one of the assigned interpreters who had worked for the same assignment for the past several years to meet with me.  So, we met up, the fellow interpreter told me about the end client and how it is usually.  It was helpful, in terms of comfort, but it couldn't be too informative because the conference agenda is totally different each year.

The first discovery about the assignment was a negative sign signifying ‘bad organisation’ often goes hand in hand with ‘lack of understanding’ of our profession and ‘lack of appreciation’ as if it’s the cream on top.  Soon, we discovered there had been another Japanese interpreter that was booked but through a different route, and as far as they were concerned, it was a double booking, unnecessary cost.  The assignment was for 8-9 hours of chuchotage (whispering) each day, it was only practical and sensible to book two interpreters for each language combination but – no – they had had a number of global size conference every year, but they insisted on having only one interpreter for each language combination.  The agency told me no matter how many times they tried to convince their client that there should be two interpreters, they just wouldn't listen, as if quality didn't matter after all.  

I often hear that educating clients is pretty much part of our job.  Like many fellow interpreters, I suffer from and get frustrated with lack of knowledge, lack of understanding we find in our (end) clients.  It is true that they are who ultimately suffer from the consequence, however, it may not be as critical to them as it seems to us, interpreting professionals.  It seems to me as if there are different (hidden) agenda in having interpreters there for them.

What they care the most sometimes seems as if it is to say that they provided interpreters for the attendees, they at least respected the importance of the language being available and they provided that, so they can’t be blamed or held liable later on that “but I didn't understand the language (and it is a discrimination)” – yes, I am saying it seems as if our presence was used as a risk hedge.

Lack of appreciation is a problem I often face.  I’d like to think the Japanese (language) interpreter is the only one that exceptionally suffers from this, because I see many (end) clients or users who say things which shows how little they understand and how little respect they have towards our profession.  This tendency is not only prevalent among Anglophones but also Japanese speakers too.
Be it in Japan or in the UK, client with English almost non-existent or even fluent in English – surprisingly – it doesn't make much difference when it comes to lack of appreciation in other words a lot of them seem to think it only takes to speak a few languages to do interpreting and it is a soon-be-obsolete occupation anyway...!?

There is another issue, this is rather a very critical issue for corporations, much more relevant to companies than to ourselves in terms of impact should it be infringed, and that is confidentiality.  I think it is fair to say they actually don’t want to need interpreters.  A lot of people feel bringing in interpreters is costing money to elongate their meetings.  In this kind of people’s minds, it is something to avoid if they could.  They don’t want to have to have interpreters, but they cannot take the risk to be held liable but their unspoken message is “Japanese participants, learn English!”  If that could be the case, then the penny drops, our quality of performance didn't really matter, as long as they made the language available ostensibly.

At the end of the day, it’s not a matter of life and death like surgical operation done on themselves. Nor a matter that the performance could determine their course of life, it doesn't affect their individual life like in a law suit - it usually doesn't threaten their career if interpreters fail.  They would quite happily blame us for any problems or complaints in communication.  Is there a way to turn the tables?

なぜ、この仕事をしているのか?

なぜこの仕事をしているか、時々質問されることがあります。

その度に悩むのですが、一言で言うと、好きだから。そして、頂上が見えないからなんですね。

有名なイギリスの登山家マロリーの「そこに山があるから」ではありませんが、そこに障害、障壁があり、越えていく、あるいは誰かが越えるお手伝いができる、それに必要な何かを私が提供できるから、です。

私は、小さいころから、ハイキングや山登りをして育ちました。あの達成感のすばらしさたるや、一度体験したらやめられなくなってしまいました。

イギリスに移ってくる前のことですが、その頃の同僚に誘われて富士山にも二度挑戦し、二回とも登頂しました。

富士山は、高山植物が楽しめたり、景色が変わる他の山とは違い、比較的単調です。あの山の形のまま、下から上まで、灰土の路をひたすらジグザグに上っていきます。単調ですから、やはりどこかで、飽きてくるんですね。

5合目から7合目あたりまでは、この先が長いことを考えてしまい気が遠くなる。一瞬「もうやめようかな」「ここでやめたら、戻るのにそんなに時間はかからないだろうな」「でも、下りて誰もいないところでずっと待っているのも退屈だな、さみしいな」「だったらやっぱり上ろうかな」などと、いろいろな思い、そして迷いが頭の中を駆けめぐります。

それでも、とにかく8合目、9合目と歩みを進めてくると、「あと少しだからがんばろう」という気になってきます。何時間もありますから、その途中で、何度となく自分の弱さに直面し、ああだこうだと自問自答していると、ふと、「つべこべ言わず、とにかく足を前へ出そう！」と、無心になっている自分に気づきます。

12時間近くも坂を上ってくると、疲労も溜まってきますから、葛藤も悩みも、迷いすらもネタ切れになってくるんですね。

そんな頃、気がつくと朝焼け、そしてご来光！　無条件に感動するというご褒美が待っているのです。

私が通訳・翻訳の仕事をしているのは、どこか登山に似たところがあるからかもしれません。

通訳をしていると、逃げ出したくなる瞬間もあるし、翻訳の仕事では、引き受けたことを後悔するような仕事だってあります。

地味で地道で手間がかかる。しかも単調で飽きる作業の繰り返し、だってめずらしくありません。

それでも、仕事をやり終えたときの富士山のご来光にも似た、恍惚感、満足感をもう一度味わいたいから、凝りもせずに続けていると、言えなくもないのです。

英語が好きだからとか、お金をもらうためだからとか、その程度のモチベーションだったなら、とっくにやめていたでしょう。

その程度だと、翻訳という仕事は続かない。とっくにガス欠になってしまうと思うのです。そのくらい忍耐力が要ります。

お客さまに納得してもらえるクォリティを出すためはもちろんと、自分で納得できるものを出すために。

そして日々移り変わる世の中でスキルを、意識を維持・向上しつづけるために。

翻訳・通訳に限ったことではありませんが、そのためには、かならず粘り強さが必要になります。

とは言うものの、もともと私はどちらかというと飽きっぽい性格なんです。

では、なぜ、翻訳・通訳は続いているか、長い間生業にしているのか。

ひとつには「この文章が訳されているからこそ伝わった、広がった思いが、そしてメッセージがある」ということにやりがいを感じるからです。

返して言えば、誰かの人生に触れ、変える力を持った思想もメッセージも、訳されなかったら決して伝わらない。埋もれていってしまう。

書き言葉でも、話し言葉でも、人と人が話をすること、メッセージをやり取りすることで、社会は回っています。

言語が複数である以上、異なる言語同士ではお互いを分かり合うことができない。想いも願いも。

伝えたいことは山ほどあるのに、言語が違うから通じ合うことができない。

これほどもったいないことはないと感じます。

中学生の頃感じたこの想いを今でも、毎日のように感じます。

大切なその想いを、体験を、少しでも伝えるお手伝いが、私にできるなら。

お互いの言語で話すことはできなくても、私が通訳することで「伝わった！よかった！」そう思ってもらえるのなら…。

思うように表現できなくて困っている人がいたら、私にもできることがある。

誰かの切なる想いが、願いが、相手に届く。ひとりの人生が変わっていく――。

一人が二人になり、三人になって増え続けていく。

そいういう、人々の出会いやふれあいを、ほんの少しでもお手伝いすることができるとしたら、これほどうれしいことはありません。

「ワイルド・ワールド」“Wild World” by Cat Stevens

この曲は、じつはもともとキャット・スティーブンスのものとは知らなくて、Mr. Bigというバンドがカバーしたバージョンで知りました。20年以上前になりますが、Maxi Priestというレゲエのアーティストもこの曲をカバーしており、当初は単純に「いい歌だなぁ」とおもっていました。昔よりも英語がわかるようになって、あらためて歌詞を見直してみると、

But if you wanna leave, take good care
（それでも君が行くというのなら、くれぐれも達者で。）

I hope you have a lot of nice things to wear
（きれいな服がたくさん着られるといいね。）

But then a lot of nice things turn bad out there
（でも、素敵なことが悪く不愉快なことに転じてしてしまうことだってたくさんあるんだ。）
特に若いころは人生の大変さ、というか、責任をもって生きていくことの重さがわかっていないから、安易に考えてしまいがち。自分もそうだったけど。正直、もう一回やれと言われたら嫌だわ･･･。

あんなにすてきだと思ったのに、Intentionはよかったのに、とんでもないことになったり、とんでもないことに巻き込まれてしまったり･･･。

You know I've seen a lot of what the world can do
（世間がどういうものなのか、僕はずいぶんと見てきた。）

And it's breaking my heart in two
（苦労するのがわかっているからつらいんだ。）

Because I never wanna see you a sad girl
（君が悲しむ姿を見たくないから）

Don't be a bad girl
（何があっても悪い娘にはなったりしないでおくれ)
年頃の娘がいる親にしてみれば、心配でたまりませんね。
キャット・スティーブンスに娘がいたかどうかわかりませんが、（ここでは「自分のことを歌っているんだと思います」と冒頭で語っています。）
But if you wanna leave, take good care
（どうしても出て行くというなら、せめて自分を大切にするんだよ。）

I hope you make a lot of nice friends out there
（行く先々でたくさんのいい友達ができるといいね。）

But just remember there's a lot of bad and beware
（でも、悪人もたくさんいるってことを覚えておいて。油断しないで。）

I'll always remember you like a child, girl
（僕は子供のような君をいつまでも覚えているからね。）

親戚のおじさんとか、そういう立場で、自分が小さいときから面倒を見てきた女の子が大きくなって違う土地へ旅立つとか、そういう状況を私はイメージしています。

残念ながら人生は「粥やジャムではできていない」。そして、ある人が言うには人間には「だます側」と「だまされる側」しかいないんだそうで･･･。

むごい事件も後を絶たないなかで、子どもを社会に送り出すのは不安ですよね～。命を落とすことだってあるんだから。本人たちは十分に知っているつもりだけど、じつは、どんな目に遭うかつゆ知らず。世間の厳しも知らず、悪者がうようよいることも知らない。経験を積んだ大人になってからでも痛い目に遭うことはあるくらいですからね。Wild Worldだな、とつくづくおもいます。

若いみんな、がんばれー!　世の中、年齢に関係なく、がんばってる人が一番えらい、と私は思うから。

11 Things You Thought You Knew about Japan – 2 of 2

In the last blog post, I introduced the first half of this article.  I mentioned Japanese Curry, Climates & Local Foods, the National Flower, Population and the Language in Japan.  This week, I am going to continue by starting with the 6th item.  For the previous part, please read 1 of 2 for “11 Things You Thought You Knew about Japan.”

6. Taking off shoes

When you go to someone’s house you are expected to take off your shoes.  I believe quite a lot of people know this already.  But did you know you’re supposed to turn the shoes heels against the edge of the Genkan – Japanese entry area of the house? Your shoes should be facing the exit.

When you’ve done that, you can proceed to the rest of the house.  The reason for doing so is for efficiency, as well as manners, to keep the shoes tidy and in the direction of going out that you don’t have to look for your pair being all over the place even when there are many shoes.

However, there is an exceptional occasion.  Mind you this might be trivia so not every Japanese person knows this.  If you’re going to a house on an occasion like funeral or a wake, don’t flip your shoes against the edge of the entry area of the house.  Some people say the spirit of the deceased will follow you as they see your shoes being ready to leave efficiently and quickly from the occasion.

At the funeral it is common that you’ll be handed a sachet of salt.  When you go home, before entering your house, sprinkle the salt over your shoulders and be conscious to leave the funeral or wake behind and not to bring it into your house.

7. Bathing

When you’re going to the bath you mean you’re going to clean.  In Japan, this is not the case.  Bath is more than a place to clean yourself.  In fact, don’t wash yourself IN the bathtub.  Wash lightly and discretely before going in to the bathtub.

There is an area next to it where you can wash yourself with removable shower head, a stool where you can sit in front of a mirror to wash your face, head and what have you.

Bath water in the tub is usually shared typically among family members and even with guests if they have them.

It is manners to keep the water reasonably clean by picking up hairs and other stuff before you leave the room.  For guests, it is courteous to ask them to take the first turn to take a bath while the water is fresh.  A lot of times, small children get in the bath together with their parent and it is a time and a place to communicate.

8. Tattoos

Tattoos might be perceived as fashion or personal statement, but in Japan it means something different. To be exact, it is practical to distinguish in two categories: 1. Traditional Irezumi and 2. Tattoos.  The second one is more of a recent thing, a fashionable style with Western influence.  For convenience, please allow me to distinguish them by calling them differently in this article.

The traditional stuff -- Irezumi -- is deeply associated with Yakuza, Japanese mafia, and it is seen and considered antisocial.  Nowadays, a lot of (young) people have ‘tattoos’ for fashion than representing their tribal association with Yakuza.  However, both Irezumi and Tattoos are received negatively and it can be a problem if you love Japanese public bath because tattoos are usually banned.

I love public baths, especially Onsen (hot springs/spa).  So, I will never risk that by putting tattoos on my body.  Why they’re banned?  That’s a good question, actually.  I hear it is because Irezumi/tattoos intimidate other customers and scare them away.  But I know for a fact there is also sanitary and clinical reasons especially when tattoos are new, and the public bath owners do not want to be liable or involved in such troubles either.  Let alone they don’t want to be associated with negative image it conveys.

9. Tea

When we say tea in Japan, it can mean from Green Tea, Brown Tea, Red Tea (normal tea in England) to all other sorts.  Green tea, for example, is appropriate for many occasions, but the major misunderstanding is how to make it.  Unlike other kinds of tea, green tea requires a more delicate approach to savour it to the full extent.  I’m sure there are other ways but this is what I do with green tea.

First, it is important to know how to store it.  I store green tea leaves/bags in the freezer, not in a cupboard at room temperature.  Because the leaves go yellow we call it ‘leaves catches a cold’ and basically the flavour is long gone by the time it gets to this stage.  You don’t want that.

Now, let’s make tea with fresh green tea leaves.  Please note, don’t use boiling hot water, because it’d be too hot.  Instead, bring it to boil but wait till the water temperature is around 70 degree centigrade.  And then quietly pour into the pot with tea leaves.

How would you know the water is cool enough but I don’t want to use a thermometer?  Mix cold water!  Don’t tell this to tea ceremony gurus, they might not like it.  Hard water is not ideal for green tea anyway, don’t be a perfectionist – be practical.  This is just a quick solution but it helps.

Boiling water is 100 degree centigrade.  If you put cold water up to 1/3 of the pot first and then add boiling water up to the full level you will get around 70 degree centigrade, wouldn’t you?  Calculate by how cold the cold water you are using is.  Brew for a couple of minutes and it’s ready to serve.

Brown tea, called Houji-cha or O-ban-cha, is very easy to drink after a meal.  It is mild but not sweet.  It is one of the first drinks given to even babies, of course it will be lukewarm or at room temperature when given to them.

In summer, barley tea -- Mugi-cha -- is made and stored in the fridge in many households.  For the past decades, Oolong tea has become also popular.  Oolong tea is made from tea leaves but barley is not.  Barley tea is caffeine free and it contains a lot of minerals.  It is healthy and particularly nice chilled to drink after a hot and long summer day.

Here’s one of my school time memories.  Children take barley tea frozen in their flask to school to drink after PE or other sports activities.  The frozen tea will thaw while they are busy attending lessons, and when there are allowed to take a break, they dash to their flasks.  It is such a rewarding moment.  Tea is slowly thawing but is still perfectly cool and chilled.  Kids love it when they come back from playing sports outside all day. (They’re not allowed to drink beer yet… lol)

10. New Year and Chinese New Year

It is known that many Asian countries celebrate Chinese New Year.  However, it’s less known that it is not really celebrated in Japan.  In Japan, New Year is 1 January.  We used to celebrate Chinese New Year, until it was changed to 1 January according to Gregorian calendar during the Meji restoration.

New Year is called お正月 Oshogatsu or 正月 Shogatsu in Japanese, and it does not just mean the first day of the year but the first MONTH of the year.  The second character of 正月(Shogatsu) –so月 --means ‘ month.’  This character means the Moon.  It is the first character for Monday 月曜日 for obvious reasons.  This character is pronounced either gatsu or tsuki, as it changes its reading depending on the context.

11. Christmas and Valentine’s Day

“Do they know it’s Christmas Time At all?” -  Ohh yes, we do.  We do celebrate both Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but we just do it ‘slightly’ (?) differently.  How different is it?  For example, Christmas is definitely the most important national holiday in Christian countries, but in Japan t is not a holiday.

Having said that, a great many people enjoy it as a very joyous, festive season.  The streets, buildings, shops and some houses are decorated with lights – this part is quite similar to the West.  However, one BIG difference I would say, or even odd (?) difference might be, we don’t eat turkey.

We BUY a substitute from somewhere.  This somewhere is – KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken.  If you get to spend Yuletide in Japan, you’ll probably see KFC adverts on TV all the time. It is absolutely one of the biggest campaign season for them.   They’ll be sending out messages “Speaking of Christmas, it’s KFC. Let’s have KFC for Christmas.”

I might have been living in the West for too long.  I can’t spend Christmas without Christmas Dinner.   I even miss Pumpkin Pie on Thanks Giving where I don’t even live in the states!!  There is another reason why Turkey or Goose are not common in Japan.  It is not because they don’t like them.  It is because not many houses have an oven - That’s why!

Valentine’s Day in Japan is interpreted even more differently.  The original meaning was, not quite lost in translation, but construed differently.  Besides, I'm not sure if people know the actual meaning of the day.  I really think any average Japanese person probably has never thought about it.  There is no doubt they will not think of the martyrdom of the Saint Valentine, before thinking of chocolate.

But why chocolate?  There are several theories.  Whatever the truth is, definitely it is the day you will see enough chocolate to even put off a choc-freak.  St Valentine’s Day is, for girls, they ‘have-to-buy-chocolate’ day, and for boys it is the ‘have-to-receive-chocolate-or-you’re-a-sad-individual’ day.

St. Valentine’s defiance in performing marriages in secret for young lovers, somehow turned into the day that ‘even’ girls are allowed to make confession of love to boys.  Where it would be considered daring otherwise.  They are ‘allowed’ to be proactive for the day.  They’re encouraged to give chocolate to the men they fancy.

This may be a serious day for teenage girls and boys, but in general, it is more of a custom.

Some people argue it was because of Morozoff, one of the major confectionery & cake companies in Japan, who introduced St. Valentine’s Day to the country, and that other confectionery companies followed to promote their sales.

Be it true or not, and whether I like the idea or not, chocolate for St. Valentine’s Day and that it is always that girls have to buy for boys has not changed for a long time.

For more information on St Valentine’s Day in Japan, see Giri Choco (obligatory chocolate) and other variations of chocolate giving.

Written by Rie

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11 Things You Thought You Knew about Japan – 1 of 2

This week, I’d like to share with you 11 things that people think they know about Japan.   

Hang on a minute - What about Japanese people?  What do they think they know about the UK? 

I think it is not overstating for me to say that tens of thousands of people in Japan don’t know much about the UK.  For example, when I lived in Northern Ireland, a few Japanese friends of mine asked me questions like “what language do they speak, can you understand them and make yourself understood alright?” “Are there polar bears?” – It shows how much, or how little, we know about each other. 

Likewise, wouldn’t you say it is fair to say that the majority of British people know little about Japan?

It’s been over 20 years since I saw Mr Duff, a English teacher on British Affairs from England.  He said to his students that he expected all Japanese people to look like Samurai, wearing Kimono, when he first came to Japan (quite a few years ago then, but still).  He was proven wrong soon after his plane landed and got his feet off the steps – dove into this big city in the Far East called Tokyo.

“C’mon, it’s been over 300 years since those feudal time ended.  You’ve got to be kidding!” I thought.  I was one of his students, and at that time, I couldn’t get my head around why on earth he should think that.  I thought “surely, he’s seen footage on TV of modern era, everyone wears Western style clothes!?  And, everyone must have known about the huge economic development in Japan over the past 40 years, if anything.  Where did he get this idea from??”

Over 10 years later, after I graduated from the university and moved to London.  It was only then that I gradually started to understand where his stereotypes might have come from.  In London, the buildings have not changed too much in the past 50 years for example, compared to the way Japan’s cities have changed.  They have changed so much that I wouldn’t be surprised if you couldn’t recognise it as the same country if someone showed you a picture 50 years ago and another of now.

 1.      Japanese Curry

Have you ever been to a Japanese restaurant and ordered Chicken Katsu Curry?  Did you wonder why curry in Japanese restaurant as Japanese menu??  Besides their curry looks nothing like Indian curry – where does it come from? 

Well, you’re not the only one - I wondered about that myself…!

Curry in Japan or FROM Japan is believed to have been introduced to the country via British Navy in the Meiji era (late 19th century).  The Imperial Japanese Navy adopted it from them.  At that time it was considered to be Western cuisine for that reason, and has been loved by the whole population ever since.  

The ‘authentic’ or original Indian style curry is differentiated from what’s called ‘curry (ka-ray)’ in Japan.  It is usually called “Indo Karee,” but it doesn’t change the fact that both have been popular in Japan, although Indian style curry is seen as relatively ‘new’ in Japan. 

The curry which came via the English Navy has developed and evolved in its own way, such as almost every household has their own recipe and way of making it.  There are such a wide range of curry and curry-inspired menu available in many restaurants in Japan – which proves its popularity in the country. 

The interesting thing is, it is said that “curry is not much affected in economy down turns or recessions” as it becomes all the more popular because it is most affordable as well as tasty.

2.     Climates & Local Foods 

No, it is not tropical all over, and yes, in summer, you can easily encounter scorching heat.  Japan is an island nation – an archipelago extending wide east and west, and north and south as well.  

The northern part of the country generally has cooler summers and colder winter, whilst the southern part of the country has relatively warmer summer and milder winter.  It does get a lot hotter than in the UK or many other European countries, nevertheless, it does get cold in winter and can get colder than in Europe. 

In certain areas, especially big cities with concentrated population and architectures, summer heat waves can be serious.  Thousands of people were rushed to hospital and some deaths were reported last summer.  In winter, lately there have been Heavy Snow Warnings and hundreds of injuries. 

None the less, spring and autumn are beautiful.  The climate tends to be mild, and seasonal food, flowers and even specific insects such as fireflies and bell crickets (!) play an essential role in the harmony. 

 3.     National Flower of Japan?

This was the question Mr Duff asked us in the class, and it was so embarrassing that I could never forget - none of us in the class could answer!  The truth is we don’t have an official one.  A lot of people in Japan and overseas identify Sakura (cherry blossoms) and perhaps Kiku (chrysanthemum) as our national flower(s), though.

4.     Population in Japan

It is about 125 Million at the moment, which is approximately twice as large as that of Britain and a half of the United States.  Although having said that, due to the well-known dwindling birth rates, combined with a rapidly ageing population, the population peak of 128 million has been declining.  On the contrary, pets outnumber children and pet industry is a fast growing industry in the country.  There are special patisseries and salons for pets; birthday parties held for the pets with their ‘friends’ that are similar to the ones held for children in Western countries and also there are pet-friendly luxurious accommodations and restaurants.  This industry has been developing and diversifying.  It is said that the biggest reason for the country’s dwindling birth rate is less sex as men fear failure and rejection by women.

5.     Japanese Language

Isn’t it a minor language because it is only spoken in Japan?

False: Japanese language is the 9th largest language by the number of speakers who uses it as their mother tongue in the world, and the 4th most used language on the internet. 

There are approximately 125 million mother tongue speakers.  It is called Kokugo (= national language) in Japanese.  Some people assume Japanese is similar to Chinese, but it is not.  The word order is completely different to start with.  In fact, some people argue that Japanese language is a language isolate, whereas there are people counter argue that it belongs to the Altaic language family.

Chinese characters in Japanese language, on the other hand, were ‘imported’ in Heian period (794 till 12th century), and in terms of vocabulary and phonology, it had a significant influence in Japanese language development.  Those vocabulary was initially loan words (foreign words) like Katakana, one of the three kinds of major syllabary used in the language, which is usually used to transliterate foreign words. 

Thank you for reading through down here, we’ve managed to cover 5 out of 11 that I promised at the beginning.  I will continue, next week, by starting with “Festivals & Events in Japan” – see you have a great week ahead, everyone!!

 Written by Rie

(1/2)

15 Things to Avoid - Gift Giving Etiquette in Japan [en]

 
What do you think about when you choose a gift for a friend?  Perhaps, something meaningful to them?  A gift for a Japanese colleague in the office?  What if you are choosing a gift for someone you have never met - you could be choosing something for your business partner in Japan before leaving for a meeting with them.  All of a sudden, you’re struck by a question – “I wonder if there are cultural differences in gift giving…?”

I list here 15 things that should be avoided as a gift in Japan.  Having said that, I am not trying to teach you or preach to you that you must do this or you will offend Japanese people’s feelings.  What’s most important is that it’s the thought that counts after all, so please relax and enjoy this introduction to Japanese culture.

I think, usually, people have a margin for foreign friends for making cultural errors.  I mean, people are more tolerant and understanding towards foreigners when it comes to ignorance of their customs, in general – “because they’re only visiting the country, they just can’t necessarily know these things.”

Vice versa, if you knew these things, the Japanese recipients would appreciate your consideration all the more, and it proves your respect towards the recipient’s culture.  It would almost promise the successful communication afterwards, wouldn’t it?

Knowing these 15 things to avoid can come in handy when you do come across such occasions, as you’ll know the answers already so nobody needs to panic – you’ll be ready to pick appropriate presents or enlighten people who need a piece of advice on this subject.

What you should NOT give as a gift.

Japanese custom and tradition are deeply seated in the influence of Shinto philosophy, whether they consciously acknowledge this or not.  Although I wrote down Japanese gift giving taboos, there are some that are similar to Chinese, simply because they are to do with the sound coming from Chinese characters.

For Celebrations – in general

1. Tea     Why? - It is not recommended to choose tea as a gift for most celebrations, because gift wrapped tea is often used as a return gift for funerals or wakes in Japan

2. Handkerchiefs     Why? - In Chinese characters, it writes手布 and is read “tegire”[such as ‘tay-ghee-ray’] and its homonym is 手切れ which means to sever a connection or relationship and it is easily and naturally associated with alimony or severance pay.  There was a scene in an old film in which I saw that a man (or woman? I can’t remember) hand a handkerchief to his girlfriend as a message of ‘goodbye’…!

3. Comb     Why? - Comb in Japanese is “Kushi,” and the sound of ‘ku’ is the same as 苦 (=suffering) and ‘shi’ is the same as 死 (=death), which is obviously not celebratory and it isn’t appropriate at all.  Also, combs and hairbrushes are for hair and a lot of people (especially women) may not feel comfortable sharing them with other people, as there is a superstitious reason that the owners bad luck will be passed on to the borrower.

4. Chrysanthemum     Why? – Chrysanthemum is commonly seen at funerals and there are many people who associate it with sad occasions.  That being said, there are Chrysanthemum Festivals which are popular, hence it is not always necessarily associated with funerals, so I would say it depends on how the recipient feels – personally I wouldn’t risk it.

5. Clock     Why? – Not so much in Japan, but more significant in China, a clock suggests a ‘time limit’ and you don’t want that when you wish for a long lasting relationship such as business partnership or friendship.

For Get-Well Gift

6. Potted Plants     Why? – pot plants are rooted, in Japanese they are ”netsuku” [as in ‘neh-tsu-koo’] and  in Chinese characters it is written as根付く, and its homonym 寝付く means “bed-ridden” – obviously you don’t want to give such a message to the person you hope recovers.

7. Camellia, Poppy or Cyclamen     Why? – A flower of Camellia drapes or drops, and it connotes a head dropping; poppy blossoms are easy to break and scatter which provokes a negative image of a person falling apart; for Cyclamen, it is called ‘shikuramen’ (シクラメン) in Japanese and the first syllable of ‘shi’ (シ＝死) [as in ‘she’] – once again – is associated with ‘death’ and ‘ku’ (ク＝苦) [as in ‘koo’] – once again – is associated with ‘suffering.’

8. Non-Consumable Gifts     Why? – As the person you are visiting recovers and recuperates, you hope and wish that their illness will have exhausted, and not remain in the body of the person.  Therefore it is believed to be good to select things that can be used up or eaten up itself whilst in hospital, such as soap, fruit, tea or coffee etc.

For Celebrating Wedding

9. Scissors or Knives     Why? – Scissors or knives signify cutting – for example, “cut the ties,” whereas matrimony or a wedding symbolises unity between two people and two families, so it is considered inappropriate to give a tool to cut as a gift for that occasion.

10. China/Stoneware     Why? – China, porcelain, stoneware, glassware… they connote ‘breaking.’  Therefore, it is not considered ideal to choose as a gift, like scissors and knives.  Quite obvious, when you come to think of it, isn’t it?

11. Mirror     Why? – Again, the reason is similar to china/stoneware – it ‘breaks’ and ‘cracks.’  However, I would like to add a detail reason which is specific to mirrors.  It is often associated with the spiritual world or the other side of the world, so some people associate mirrors with souls or spirits.  For example, it is considered unlucky to set a mirror facing your body in bed as if the mirror steals your soul from your body.

For Housewarming

12. Lighter or Ash Tray     Why? – Lighters and ash trays are considered inappropriate as a gift for new home because it is associated with ‘fire.’   Things that may convey the meaning of ‘fire,’ ‘smoke’ and ‘tip (lean)’ – negative connotations in this context.

For People in a Senior Position or Older than you

13. Shoes or Boots     Why? – Shoes or boots are for the feet and therefore they are associated with the idea of ‘stomping’ and giving such things as a gift may be construed as “I am stomping over you (soon),” which is not a good message to send your bosses...

14. Belt     Why? – Giving your boss or someone who is high up in the hierarchy a belt may be construed as a message from you meaning “hey boss, you need to tighten up (you look flabby).”

15. Pens     Why? – Pens are typically chosen as a gift from a teacher to their students or from someone senior to their junior in Japan, therefore, if you do that the other way around it could be considered rude or even condescending.

Numbers: Good and Bad

3, 5 and 7 are generally considered good numbers specially for wedding in Japan, at weddings, a congratulatory gift of money is usually given and giving even numbers is considered bad luck, as they can be easily ‘divided.’ So, for example 30,000 yen (approx. 200 pound) - i.e. three 10,000 yen notes (ideally new notes for a brand-new start) - for a single person and 50,000 (approx. 300 pound) yen – five 10,000 yen notes - for a couple that are invited are largely accepted.

8 – In Chinese character, eight is 八 and the shape signifies (top to bottom) success, prosperity or wealth, as things that start narrow gradually broaden.


4 and 9 – The number 4 can be read in two ways as ‘yon’ and ‘shi’ in Japanese.  Also the number 9 can be read in two ways as ‘kyu’ and ‘ku.’  And then, as I mentioned a couple of times before, in Japanese the syllable of ‘shi’ (し＝死) – has the same phonetic sound as ‘death’ and ‘ku’ (く＝苦) – is likewise the same sound as ‘suffering.’  These sounds convey quite a negative and unfortunate meaning.  Oddly enough, for this very reason, many hospitals avoid using these numbers for patients’ room numbers or floor numbers i.e. there would be room number 101,102 and 103, but after 103, there wouldn’t be 104 but the next number would be 105 instead.