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| Translation & Cultural Notes |
These Liner Notes cover volumes 11-20. They are VERY long.
Episode 39, Story 62: "Thrilling Summer Date"
"And the batter for Pierrot Academy..." This school name is a pun on PL Gakuen (PL Academy), a school renowned for its baseball. "PL" comes out as "Pieru" in Japanese pronounciation, and it's not far from that to "Pierrot." And, of course, Studio Pierrot did the animation for this episode of Urusei Yatsura.
"The whole Ookanei High School team is crying." In Japan, it's common knowledge that players in the summer national high school baseball festival all cry like babies. Supposedly, teenagers crying their hearts out takes on an almost religious significance.
"I guess I'll have to make do with Tamiko." Kojima Tamiko, one of the series's main directors, is also a disciple of chief director Oshii Mamoru.
"Come on, Darling, let's go on a date! Come on, let's go on a date! Hey!" The LP Ataru is cleaning here says "YMC." In all probability, this is a pun on YMO--Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sakamoto Ryuuichi's legendary technopop band.
"Yes, this is Moroboshi. Is this Iyo? Huh? Your tastes have changed?" Iyo is most likely meant to be Matsumoto Iyo, a well-known TV talent.
"Let's go have a bite. I know a great Beefbowl place!" It goes without saying that Beefbowl joints are not the sort of place one normally takes a girl on a date!
The Restaurant Sign: "Ikakuchoo Restaurant": The characters used in the sign are ateji (Chinese characters substituted, arbitrarily in this case, for proper ones) for a word which in Japanese means "gastric dilation." The joke is that Lum and Miki are eating enough to cause themselves just such a condition.
"Episode 40, Story 63, "So Long, Goodbye, Summer Days"
Mr. Tebasaki Yoshinori, the character actor who was hospitalized for an enlarged appendix which is said to have been 7.5 times normal size, left the hospital yesterday in good health." "Tebasaki" is Japanese for "chicken wing," so a guy with that name having an abnormal appendix is a pun.
"...that boy was plagued by a terrible stomachache for ten days!" "Oh! A stomachache!" "And he only had ten watermelons of about this size!" "Ten!" "I usually have twenty!" "I can handle eighteen." "Ah, indeed, so can I." This sequence is simply a reference to what monstrous appetites Sakura and Cherry have. For the definitive reference, see TV set 4, episode 13, story 26, "Full Course From Hell."
"So "goblin," what do you want to be "gobbling?"" This was an attempt (made by one of us whose name is being withheld to protect the guilty) to deal with one of the most outrageously untranslatable puns yet seen in the series. The original line reads: "Yookai, nani ga yookai?" The pun is that the first "Yookai" means "goblin," and the second, together with the "nani ga," means, "What do you want?"
Episode 41, Story 64, "Panic in a Typhoon!"
"...potato chips, Nichibei Caramel, and Umauma Chocolate!" These are brandnames--made up for the story, in all likelihood.
"Oh! Hold it! You thieving cat!" The word Ataru uses in the original, "dorobooneko," is equivalent to the English "cat-burglar"--when applied to humans, that is.
"The splashing of the oars is like flowers..." This line is from a song called Hana, by Taki Rentaroo, one of Japan's great composers.
Episode 42, Story 65, "Drunkard's Boogie"
This episode marks the earliest Urusei Yatsura screenplay penned by Komparu Tomoko, who went on to script three of the movies (Only You, Remember My Love, and The Final Chapter) and co-script a fourth (Always My Darling).
Umeboshi (pickled plums) have a preservative effect on rice, due to being soaked in vinegar. Also, the single red circle in the field of white rice gave rise to the term "Hinomaru Bentoo" (Hinomaru Box Lunch), because of its similarity in appearance to Hinomaru, the Japanese flag. For more about Hinomaru Bentoo, see TV Set 4, Episode 13, Story 26, "Full Course From Hell."
"They really hit the spot! Want to have them with hot water?" This is a nod to a relatively recent trend in alcoholic drinks. "Mizuwari" means adding water to a drink, as in whiskey and water. "Oyuwari" means adding hot water instead.
"Here, spray some of this alcohol on them, and they should be OK!" The spirits which Cherry is carrying around are "shochu," or fermented potato liquor.
"Alcohol! Alcohol!" The word "sake" is often used to mean alcohol in general, as well as the specific fermented-rice liquor.
Episode 43, Story 66, "The Terror of Meow"
This episode is a signature piece, in that Chief Director Oshii Mamoru performed the three main functions of screenplay, storyboarding, and direction by himself.
"I gotta go to the bathroom first!" When hearing scary stories, people don't want to go to the bathroom alone.
"If this follows the usual pattern then I'd call the Creature Police..." The original line, "Yookai 110-ban," refers to "110," the emergency telephone number set aside for the police in Japan.
"Oh, very well!" "Huh? What is it?" Cherry is receiving a bribe in a very traditional Japanese fashion, known as "sodenoshita," or "under the sleeve." It comes from the receiver of the bribe inserting it within the sleeve of his kimono.
"Looks like the ones who ought to have survived have indeed survived." From here on, Ataru takes on the appearance and style of Joe, the star of "Ashita no Joe" (Tomorrow's Joe), a classic manga series about a budding boxer (later made into an equally classic anime series). Note also Cherry's impression of Joe's manager.
Episode 44, Story 67, "After You've Gone"
At the end of the series's original broadcast run (March, 1986), the viewers voted this episode as their favorite.
"Menko, I've always loved you..." "Shiruo!" Shiruo, when written out in kanji is the same as "Soup Man," while Menko is "Noodle Girl." Soup and noodles, of course, are the key ingredients in Ramen. In fact, it's sometimes said that the relationship between soup and noodles in Ramen is like marriage!
"MENDOU!" This line is a pun. Although he's saying "Mendou's here," Mendou is also a homonym for "bother," "trouble," or "nuisance." For more details, see TV Set 4, Episode 14, Story 25, "Mendou Brings Trouble!"
"Allow me to say it straight... Your husband is a buffoon!" Mendou is speaking in Osaka dialect in Ataru's imagination, because it supposedly makes him look and sound stupid.
"But it'd be a crying shame if she really is gone." "Moto mo ko mo nai" is an idiom. At times it can be taken to mean "one's efforts going down the drain," but generally equates to "it'd be too bad."
"...I don't care if you have to go down to the grass roots, but find Lum!" "Kusa no ne wo waketemo..." literally, "even if you have to part grass roots..." It actually means, "no matter what you have to go through, find whatever you're looking for."
"Sir, there was no sign of her on Dream Island!" Dream Island is actually a landfill in Tokyo Bay, in other words, a garbage dump, with a name meant to make it sound nicer than it is.
"I hope she's not at another matchmaking session!" For details on this reference, see TV Set 6, Episode 22, Story 43, "The Great Space Matchmaking Operation."
This episode marks the earliest animation work on Urusei Yatsura by Yamazaki Kazuo, who would take over as Chief Director on the latter part of the TV series, as well as direct two Urusei Yatsura movies ("Remember My Love" and "Lum the Forever," the latter of which he also co-scripted). Yamazaki made the storyboards, as well as working as Animation Director and on the key animation.
Episode 45, Story 68: "Lum's Class Reunion"
English classes are a required part of education in Japan, usually starting in intermediate school (equivalent to 7th grade in the US).
"We mustn't interfere with class... Here! It's heavy." That big white thing Ten's holding is a Japanese radish, or "Daikon." He's grating it. One of the most popular ways of consuming grated Daikon is to put some on grilled fish, which Cherry is apparently preparing on his Hibachi.
"She hasn't been here since Setsubun, right?" Setsubun is the last day of Winter in the traditional Japanese calendar, which falls on Feb. 3. To understand what Ataru is referring to in this scene, see TV Set 4, Episode 15, Story 29, "The Great Spring War," and Story 30, "The Benten Gang's Return Match."
"In that moment, a dark memory crossed the minds of the Gang of Four. It was a painful memory of their trip to Neptune via a Dimensional Tunnel." For details of this experience, see TV Set 2, Episode 8, Story 15, "Neptune is Beyond My Closet."
"It was a painful memory of the time he first met Rei, when he lost a contest over their looks." For details, see TV Set 10, Episode 36, "Rei Returns! The Big Study Hall Panic!!" For details of his reaction to Shinobu in this scene, refer to TV Set 7, Episode 23, "The Big Springtime Picnic Uproar!"
"Hold on a second!" The little green man Lum sees Ran talking with right before the commercial break is the Space Taxi driver from TV Set 1, Episode 1, Story 2, "It's Raining Oil in Our Town." Later, he is being carried around by Prim, from TV Set 6, Episode 22, "The Great Space Matchmaking Operation."
"My name is the Prince of the Underground!" For more about the Prince, and many of the guest stars in this episode (most notably Diana and Uni), see TV Set 6, Episode 22, "The Great Space Matchmaking Operation."
Episode 46, Story 69, "Lunchtime Eat-Out'ers, Gather Around!"
Eating out of school during lunch breaks, or at any time in school uniform, is known as "kaigui," and is against school rules in Japan.
"Baked goods and ice cream at 'Akamaru...'" "Pan" normally translates as bread, but in this case, it's more likely that Onsen is referring to baked goods or pastries in addition.
"...Okonomiyaki at 'Zipangu...'" Okonomiyaki are basically Japanese-style pancakes. Zipangu is an ancient term for Japan.
"...the Taiyaki joint, 'Ebiya...'" Taiyaki is a fish-shaped "pastry," with Anko (sweet bean paste) inside and a little dough on the outside. It contains no fish whatsoever, despite its name. It's served very hot (see Mr. Hanawa's expression later on).
"...Ramen and Takoyaki at 'Neko Restaurant...'" Takoyaki is a dough puff, the size of a golf ball. Its ingredients are mainly eggs and flour, plus some vegetables. There's also a tiny piece of octopus (tako) in the center, hence the name. Takoyaki is perhaps the most popular snack during festivals, eaten using a little plate and toothpicks.
"...the Oden joint, 'Kotobuki...'" Oden is hotchpotch, consisting of all kinds of boiled stuff. Aside from potatoes and daikon, there is baked tofu and other goodies, including Konnyaku, a jello-like substance made of a certain kind of potato.
"Lum, what's going on? Is this the School Olympics?" Every fall, grade schools hold a major sports event called Undoukai. Essentially, it's a combination of miniaturized Olympics and athletics exhibition.
"I'll have Tanuki Ramen and a half-serving of rice!" Tanuki-Udon is literally, "Raccoon Wheat Noodles." Despite its name, it has no raccoons in it. It's Wheat noodles immersed in a thick soup, topped with Tenkasu (Deep-fried egg-flour droplets, left over from cooking Tempura). Related to this is something called Kitsune-Udon (lit., "Fox Wheat Noodles"), which doesn't have fox in it either. Instead of Tenkasu, it's got what's called Age, which is something like a thin deep-fried tofu.
"At Taian Store's Yakisoba Corner, two male students were reprimanded." Yakisoba is cooked buckwheat noodles.
The spiderweb weapon which Onsen-Mark wields has its origins in kabuki theater, and is the secret weapon which the villain typically uses to trap and manipulate his enemies.
"Let's hang in there, Megane!" Posters in this scene are for three Rumic World manga features published around this time (1980-1982): The ChooJo (SuperGal), Seito Kaichoo (Student Body President), and DustSpart.
Knighted Pawn, read you loud and clear." " Honarinotokin" (Knighted Pawn) is a term from Shoogi, which will be considered a Japanese form of Chess for simplicity's sake. It refers to a pawn reaching the opposite side of the board from where it started. When this happens, it can be turned over, revealing a more powerful piece on the other side, typically a knight. Sakura being the traditional Japanese that she is (mostly), she would use a Shoogi term as her codename rather than one from Chess.
"One enemy motorcycle and two private cars are heading toward Mrs. Donut's." No surprise that this is a takeoff on Mr. Donut, which, like McDonalds, is very successful in Japan.
"Excuse us." "Excuse us." In the background are characters are from another Takahashi Rumiko classic, Maison Ikkoku (which was starting up at this time in the manga weekly Big Comic Spirits). They are the grandfather-in-law and niece-in-law of the heroine, Otonashi Kyooko, by her late husband, Note also the Wonder Woman and Supergirl knockoffs who run past.
The girl jumping out of the dumpster and Megane running out of Zipangu both say "Shuwacchi!" This is the sound effect made by Ultraman when he flew. Also, the poster next to the dumpster is from the legendary opening animation to Daicon IV. In another scene, note also the Mach-Go, (the car from Maha GoGoGo, aka "Speed Racer") with a red paint job.
"Cherry, let's make a deal for some Modanyaki!" Modanyaki is a sort of combination of yakisoba and okonomiyaki.
"Uncle, this is for the sake of my job. I won't go easy on you!" Cherry is striking a pose from sumo, namely the stance taken for warming up, or just before starting the match.
"Youth can't be explained away as simply as that!" This speech by Megane is reminiscent of a uniquely Japanese narrative form: "Seishun (youth) Drama." The stories typically revolve around a high-school student and the teacher who does everything he can to show him the glory that is youth. Megane's lines deliberately point up just how maudlin these shows can (and usually do) get.
"Everyone rush immediately to Tomobiki-Ginza..." Attaching "Ginza" to a placename is a common device used for naming shopping districts in Japan.
Episode 47, Story 70: "Terror! The Deserted Fossil Grounds Mystery"
"Gori, set the light on it and make a good shadow, would you?" "Gori," in this case, may be short for "Gorilla," a possible nickname for the lighting man on this crew.
"We got any straw festoon ropes?" Shimenawa is a type of rope (festoon) which is sacred to Shinto.
"Terror! A do-or-die invasion of the mysterious mountain which is protected by weird Jizo statues." This is an example of a practice used in some Japanese TV documentary shows called "yarase" or "detarame," which means fabrication or elaboration on the truth. It's used typically when a director or producer decides that reality won't be interesting enough to get ratings. The staff simply makes up something that they think will sell. "Jizo" are stone statues of Buddha, which makes stringing them together with shimenawa, a sacred Shinto rope, all the more amusing.
"You've got a sports newspaper that you bought this morning, right?" Sports newspapers are one of the major classes of tabloid dailies in Japan. In addition to sports coverage, they also contain large doses of salacious gossip and numerous pinups.
"How long have you been an Assistant Director?" In the Japanese entertainment businesses, esp. TV and movies, Assistant Directors (ADs) are legendary for the abuse they have to take, from higher-up staffers and performers alike. One anecdote tells of a TV show being filmed at the beach. The director thought the waves were too small, so he told the AD, "Make the waves bigger."
"Testing, 1, 2, 3..." "Amemboakainaaieuo" is a phrase commonly used in Japanese broadcasting to check that the audio is working properly.
"Here, on 'Low-Ratings Special...'" "Uraban," short for "urabangumi," which refers to the lowest-rated show in a given timeslot.
"If it doesn't go as I want, I'll make it the way I want." "Nakanai hototogisu o nakaseteyaru" (If the nightingale won't sing, I'll make it sing) is part of a classic anecdote from Japan's Sengoku Jidai (Warring States Period), in which numerous warlords battled for control of Japan in the 16th Century. The entire story is a depiction of the personality types of the three greatest warlords of the time: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu (who would eventually defeat his two rivals and unite Japan into one nation as the first Tokugawa Shogun). These examples represent the attitudes and personalities of the three warlords. Oda's attitude would be, "If it won't sing, I'll kill it." Toyotomi's would be, "If it won't sing, I'll make it sing," which is the portion borrowed here. Tokugawa, on the other hand, would be of the opinion, "If it doesn't sing, I'll wait until it does." The fictional character Yoshi Toranaga, from James Clavell's "Shogun," is based on Tokugawa Ieyasu.
"A mysterious monk who isn't seaweed, not even Kombu or Wakame seaweed!" The word "kaisoo," written with one set of kanji, can mean "mysterious monk." Written another way, it can mean "seaweed." An awful pun, but not as bad as...
"By 'mysterious bird,' I don't mean 'the head of a community association...'" Again, with one writing, "kaichoo" can mean "mysterious bird." Written another way, it can mean "president of a community association."
"Momoe!" This is probably a reference to Yamaguchi Momoe, who was Japan's most popular singer when she retired around this time period to get married, at the ripe old age of 21.
Episode 48, Story 71: "Princess Kurama--A New Challenge!"
"Why are they so interested in an old woman in a box?" "Hakoiri-toshima" (Old Woman in a Box) is a pun. The original phrase, "Hakoiri-musume" (Young Girl in a Box) means a girl sheltered by her family, believing that protectiveness is the best way to raise her. Thus, she doesn't know much about the outside world.
"It's a nightmare. Today is evidently a bad day." Butsumetsu, the day Buddha died, is the unluckiest day in "Rokki," the six-day Buddhist nomenclature. For details, see TV Set 3, Episode 10, Stories 19-20, "Pitter Patter Christmas Eve."
"Princess Kurama and I are destined to be united in marriage!" "Unmei no akai ito" (the red string of fate) is an invisible thread which supposedly ties destined lovers together. For details, see Urusei Yatsura Movie 3, "Remember My Love."
"It's your favorite deep-fried saurel dinner!" "Teishoku" is a combination meal set, comprised of fixed meal items for ease of both the customer (when ordering) and the restaurant (when preparing).
"With the very best rice." "Sasanishiki" is a particular brand of rice, originally from Miyagi Prefecture. Together with Kooshihikari brand, from Niigata Prefecture, it is considered one of the top brands of Japanese rice.
"The guy with the swept-back hair is so-and-so, and the idiot is such-and-such!" "Kakugaku" and "shikajika" more or less mean the equivalent of "so-and-so" and "such-and-such."
"One day, when I was taking a walk in the forest..." "Ippo, niho, sampo to sampo shiteita" is a pun. With one writing, the word "sampo" by itself means "to take a walk." With the variant writing used in the phrase "Ippo, niho, sampo" (one step, two steps, three steps), it means "three steps," and the entire phrase means "to stroll."
Episode 49, Story 72: "The Terrifying Cavity Wars!"
"I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't stop eating sweets before bed. Ow..." "Yookan" are sticks of anko, or bean jam.
"Wanna go for it?" In this scene, Ataru's poses and noises are reminiscent of Bruce Lee.
"So-and-so, such-and-such, thus-and-such!" The Dappya Kaijuu is using the same words as the Karasutengu in the previous episode.
Episode 50, Story 73: "The Mendou Siblings!"
This episode marks Mendou Ryooko's first appearance in the Urusei Yatsura TV series.
"I will interfere any way I can!" "But I'm going!" This exchange is a pun on "jama suru," which normally means "to interfere." But it is also a polite way of saying that one is entering someone else's home.
"Intruder in World's Dumbest Son District!" "Sangokuichi no Hanayome" means "Number One Bride in the Three Kingdoms," referring to Japan, China and India. It was a common saying in the Muromachi Period (1392-1572).
Episode 51, Story 74: "There's a Cat on the Stairs"
The original Japanese title of this episode, "Kaidan ni Neko ga Onnen," is a pun. "Onnen" is a dialectical way of saying "oru," which is one way of saying "to be." But written with a different set of kanji, "onnen" can also mean "to curse" or "haunt." So the full meaning would be something like, "There's a Cat Cursing on the Stairs."
"Legsweep!" The Dappya Kaijuu is dressed as a Sumo referee in this scene because he is describing Kotatsu Neko's maneuver against Ataru as a Sumo technique, namely, "komata sukui," of which legsweep is a convenient if somewhat unsatisfactory translation.
"We came to chase evil spirits from this house." "Are you sure? The only thing I want to have chased away is our mortgage!" This exchange is a pun on the word "harau," which can be used to mean either "to pay, " as in a bill, or in this case, a loan or mortgage, or "to chase away," as in to exorcise evil spirits.
"A scary stairy ghost!" Written one way, "kaidan" can mean "horror story, but with different kanji, it can mean "stairs," hence the pun. The original also makes reference to the horror story being out of season. This is because summer, particularly June/July, is the traditional horror season in Japan, and this episode takes place in December.
"Two eels, please." Unajuu is, essentially, sliced eel in a box over rice. Other such meals include katsujuu, which is breaded pork slices, also in a box over rice.
"We'd like the most expensive kind. Can we pay in installments?" Foods such as eel typically come in three grades: Nami (Ordinary), Joo (Good), and Tokujoo (Special, or the Highest Grade). Grade also determines price.
"My head isn't for pounding on!" A Mokugyo is a type of drum used by Buddhist priests during their meditations.
Episode 52, Story 75: "Can a Raccoon Repay a Favor?!"
"Going is fine, returning is cold." The original version of this line, "Going is fine, returning is hazardous," is a famous Japanese proverb, orginating in a children's song, the specifics of which can be found in the next episode, "The Do-or-Die Subspace Part-time Job."
"I'm O-shima!" A raccoon of the same name appears in Urusei Yatsura Movie #3, "Remember My Love," which was made in 1985, some three years after this episode. Both of the O-shima's are played by the same voice actress, Sugaya Masako, and both O-shima raccoons are absolutely good for nothing, but the similarities between the two end there. For all intents and purposes, they are not the same character.
Episode 53, Story 76: "The Do-or-Die Subspace Part-time Job"
"Miss, I'll have a Sunday Part-time Jobs Weekly." Shuukan Arbaito Sunday is a pun on Shuukan Shoonen Sunday, the magazine in which Urusei Yatsura was originally serialized.
"Yochinoya Beef-bowls is hiring a few. ´500 per hour..." Yochinoya is a take-off on Yoshinoya, a major Japanese gyuudon (beef-bowl) chain.
"Bath? Bath... Hazels!" "Hazels? Sacred!" "Uh... I'm not here to play games. Do you know where it is?" Shiritori is a word game wherein the object is to make a word beginning with the last character used in the previous word given. Ataru makes an indavertent pun on "shiritori" when he asks, "Shirimasen ka?" (Do you know where it is?) The pun is that the "shiri" is "shiritori" means "rear," and the "shiri" in "shirimasen" is the -masu form of the verb "shiru," which means "to know."
"Asura, according to Buddhism, was one of Tenryu's eight clans..." Tenryuu hachibushu are eight different beings who protect Buddhism. They consist of Ten, Ryuu, Yasha, Kendasuba, Asura, Karura, Kinnara, and Magoraga.
"Wait! Do you want menko? How about Rooseki? Or Biidama?" Menko is round thick cardboard card, used in a traditional kids' game, the like of which hardly exists today, in the age of Nintendo. One card is placed on the ground, and players take turns trying to flip it over by throwing their own cards at it. Flipping it over earns points. Rooseki are stones cut into long sticks, used for drawing lines and circles on the ground for children to play in. Biidama are marbles, and used in much the same way in Japan as in the US.
"Hey, you, over there... YOU! What's your name?" This character is in the style of manga artist Tsujino Taroo, creator of "Kyoofu Shimbun" (Terror Times) and other horror stories. For more information, see Urusei Yatsura OVA set 3, "Goat and Cheese."
"What's this, Jariten? You're old enough to be in the men's bath?!" Young children often go to the women's baths, with their mothers.
Episode 54, Story 77: "The Big Year-End Party That Lum Organized!"
Everything in this episode points fairly obviously to the tale of Urashima Taroo, with the joke being that nobody figures it out, no matter how obvious it gets.
"I'm the protector of justice, Zenigata Heiji!" Zenigata Heiji was a legendary Edo-period detective, whose special technique for capturing criminals was (as shown in this episode) to throw a handful of zeni (a type of old Japanese coin, of fairly low value) at them.
"Come, Kojiroo!" "Here I come, Sashi!" This scene is a parody of the duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Ganryuu Sasaki Kojiroo. Unlike the actual event, Kojiroo wins. For more information, see TV Set 15.
"A traveling takoyaki seller!" Takoyaki are pieces of baked octopus, rolled into balls and wrapped in seaweed.
"Where's Garapachi?" Garapachi was Zenigata Heiji's actual assistant.
"OK, then, how about this?" Yoiko no Ehon (A Good Child's Picture Book) is a typical title or slogan for a book for children. "Yoiko no..." is often attached to the names of merchandise intended for children, as if to say, reading or using such products will make your children into good children.
"Hey! Y...You look familiar!" "Don't be shocked, but I'm the thief Lupin!" This exchange between the original Zenigata Heiji and Arsene Lupin is an in-joke directed towards the popular manga/anime series "Lupin III," which had finished its smash-hit second series run in 1980, only about a year before Urusei Yatsura began what would become an even more successful TV run. To be precise, the descendants of both Zenigata and Lupin are two of the five regular stars of "Lupin III."
"Good place to meet! Does this mean anything to you?" "Not really. Why?" "Me ni hairu" can mean to recognize something, or to literally get something in one's eye. "Me ni ireru," on the other hand, means to put something into one's eye, which Lupin says is impossible.
Visual jokes: Chase scene one: Leaning Tower of Pisa and Pyramids of Egypt in background, the Invaders' saucer, Kazama Shin's F-20 Tigershark, from "Area 88." Chase scene two: Ultraman, Tetsujin 28-goo.
"Come in!" The pun here is that turtle, in Japanese, is "kame," and this turtle says "kam-in," playing on the sound similarity of "kame," and "come in."
"Was it a dream? Or was it real?" The music in this sequence is from a song about Urashima Taroo. Also, note the various women seated around Onsen-mark when he sits at the banquet table. The Macross (a.k.a. Star Blazers) bridge crew are directly behind him.
"I want to have a good poke with all the girls in the world!" Written one way, "tsuki au" means to go out with, or date, someone. Written another way, it means to poke, or stab, one another.
"What? Treasure? As a hero I can't let this go by!" This is the legendary "Gekkoo Kamen" (Moonlight Mask), perhaps the original mysterious masked motorcycle-driving superhero in Japan. An awful lot of similar Japanese heroes over the last twenty or thirty years more or less owe their existence to Gekkoo Kamen.
Note also the various cameos by famous heroes and monsters in the last part of this episode, including Frankenstein's Monster, Wolfman, Batman and Robin (albeit with slightly different color schemes), Wonder Woman (same), Spock (ditto), and Tinkerbell.
Episode 55, Story 78: "Bad Boy Musashi: A Success Story"
Miyamoto Musashi, inventor of the "Nito" (two-sword) fighting style, was made famous in Japan by an author named Yoshioka Eiji, in a newspaper serial called "Miyamoto Musashi," which began serialization in 1935. The novel, while based on historical fact, contains considerable amounts of fiction as well.
Miyamoto Musashi (1584?-1645?) was born in what is now present-day Ooaza Miyamoto, Sanumomura, Aida-gun, Okayama Prefecture. It was called Yoshino-gun, Mimasaka-no-kuni (Country of Mimasaka) in his time. His given name at birth was Bennosuke, a name which he himself later changed to Musashi. He also had the title of "Niten." His father, Munisai, died when he was seven. When he was seventeen, he took part in the famous Battle of Sekigahara, on the losing side.
At the age of twenty-one, he fought a duel in Kyoto with the Yoshiokas: Seijuuroo, Denshichiroo (brothers), and Matashichiroo (son of Seijuuroo). Yoshioka Kempoo, father of Seijuuroo and Denshichiroo, founded the Yoshioka-ryuu (Yoshioka School of Kenjutsu [fencing]) toward the end of the Muromachi Period (1333-1572). Some people feel that Miyamoto was being excessively cruel, because he not only killed the two elder Yoshiokas, but also the young Matashichiroo, who wanted to avenge his father and uncle. But the Yoshioka clan themselves did not see any particular unfairness, and not only supported Matashichiroo's attempt at revenge, but also provided him with a musket for the purpose.
During that same year, he also took part in a competition with the famous Nara Hoozooin school of spear-fighting.
Between his twenty-second and twenty-eighth years, Miyamoto had a battle with Shishidoo Baiken(?), wielder of the kusari-gama (chain-and-sickle) at Iga, took part in a competition at Edo against Musoo Gonnosuke, who invented the Musoo style of staff fighting, and visited many Zen temples, including Daitokuji (whose master was Takuan Soohoo), to improve himself mentally.
In April, 1612, when Miyamoto was 29, he fought another duel, this time at Funajima, against Ganryruu Sasaki Kojiroo, killing him (see below). The name of the island was later changed to Ganryuujima to honor the name of the fallen swordsman.
In the later years of his life, he became more interested in cultural matters, developing his skills as an artist and writer. In the latter field, he wrote a book on his "Niten-ichi-ryuu" (two-swords fighting style, also known as "Enmei-ryuu" and "Nitoo-ryuu"), as well as the legendary "Gorin no Sho" (The Book of Five Rings), which he finished in 1645, at the age of 62, not long before he died. His most famous work of art is the black-and-white brush painting, "Kosui Kigezu."
Character references:
Takuan: full name: Takuan Soohoo (1573-1645). Like Miyamoto, he was born in Mimasaka. Historically, he crossed paths with Musashi many times. Apparently, he assisted Muasashi's mental training while Musashi stayed in his temple, Daitokuji. He had an important role in Yoshikawa's book, but it is unclear whether he was really all that close to Miyamoto. It is possible that a radish of the same name took its name from this monk, but it cannot be said for certain that this is so.
Sasaki Kojiroo (?-1612). He developed the Kempoo Tsubame-gaeshi (Swallow Swoop Style) of Kenjutsu. In 1612, for historically unclear reasons, he would fight Miyamoto Musashi, at what would become known as the Duel of Ganryuujima. According to Yoshikawa, Musashi used a number of strategies, the first of which was to arrive three hours late for the duel. It was set for eight o'clock, and he didn't arrive until eleven. He used this strategy routinely, because it would offend and upset his opponents. Next, instead of regular swords, he fashioned a long, flat heavy sword out of one of the oars of his boat. Then he fought in shallow water, with the sun deliberately behind him. He chose this time of day because the sun would be high, and would also reflect well off the water, thus adding to the strain on Kojiroo's eyes. Finally, waiting for the moment when Kojiroo dropped his scabbard, Musashi said, "Kojiroo, you lose!" Kojiroo, startled, was caught completely unprepared when Musashi brought the boat oar squarely down on his head, killing him.
Supposedly, Musashi was a sneaky fighter, always choosing opponents that he knew he could defeat, and then applying strategies that would make his victory even more inevitable. But according to Yoshikawa, he had numerous ups and downs in his life as well, and in Yoshikawa's novel various (fictional) acquaintances appear in order to dramatize this. Chief among these was Matahachi, a childhood friend of Musashi's, his grandmother, Osugibabaa, and Matahachi's fiancee, Otsuu, who was later abandoned by Matahachi. Osugi held a grudge against Musashi, because she believed Matahachi left Otsuu and never came back home after the Battle of Sekigahara because of Musashi. But the truth was that Matahachi simply found himself another woman, and didn't want to go back. But that didn't stop Osugi from laying all sorts of traps for Musashi throughout the course of the novel. Yoshikawa went to great lengths to make all the events in his novel, both real and fictional, as dramatic as possible.
Musashi was also considered something of a wild man, traveling alone from place to place, with little regard for what was considered good grooming and dress among the bushi (the warrior caste), and also engaged in conflict with various authority figures, including the Yoshiokas and the Hosokawas, all of which combined to make him a popular figure.
Another noteworthy point in this episode is the multitude of anachronisms. See how many you can spot.
Episode 56, Story 79: "We'll Risk Our Lives During Classtime!"
"If you do something like that, your folks will be saddened!" This line is reminiscent of a typical episode of "Taiyoo ni Hoero (Howl at the Sun)," a Japanese detective series. This sort of comment is typical of old-fashioned persuasion techniques on the part of police, trying to convince criminals to give up their evil ways. In
"Do you make your customers eat soba so old that it's swelled up like udon?" Soba are thin buckwheat ramen, and udon are thick egg-flour ramen. When soba is left to sit too long in the broth, it absorbs the liquid content, swelling up. This indicates that it's fairly old.
"It was as if Friday the 13th, Butsumetsu, Sanrinbo, Tenchuusatsu, the Grand Cross, and the Seventh Month of 1999 had all come together at once, and congealed!" Butsumetsu is bad luck because it is the day Buddha died, according to the Rokki, or Buddhist diary, which foretells days of good and bad luck based on certain events in the life of Buddha. See TV Set 3, Episode 10, Stories 19-20, "Pitter Patter Christmas Eve" for more details. If something is built on the day of Sanrinbo, it will catch fire, and not only burn down itself, but also three other houses in the neighborhood. Tenchuusatsu is from a method of foretune-telling introduced a decade or so ago, based on determining what days or years will be bad luck for one. We weren't able to determine what the Grand Cross means, but the Seventh Month of 1999 is from the prophecies of Nostradamus, who supposedly foretold some great disaster for Earth at that time.
"Come on, Tentaman!" This sort of gattai (combination) robot is one of the most abundant themes in anime.
Episode 57, Story 80: "Domestic Quarrel--To Eat or to Be Eaten?!"
"Ran...?" "...Away...?" "...From home?" This is an attempt to deal with the exaggerated repetition of "I." "E." "DE." (Run Away From Home) that the Moroboshis use in reply to Lum's statement of same.
"The way of men!" "The way of men!" "The way of men!" The visual following this scene is a parody of the Toei Movie Logo. It is also a parody of Otoko Wa Tsurai Yo (It's Tough to Be a Man), the longest-running film series in the world, about the life and times of Tora-san, a ne'er-do-well travelling salesman.
Episode 58, Story 81: "Steal the Kiss of Miss Snow Queen!"
"What induced you to treat me to okonomiyaki all of a sudden?" Okonomiyaki is a pancake-like snack food, with many combinations of ingredients.
"And now, here she is, Miss Snow Queen!" As the Queen struts down the stage, look for Minky Momo in the crowd.
"I don't know, but I do know this: 'V for VICTORY!'" "Sign wa V" (The Sign is V) was a TV drama popular around 20 years ago, about a girl's volleyball team. Very soap-opera-like.
"I love your manliness, Shiruo!" "Menko..." Shiruo means soup-guy, and Menko means noodle-girl. The reason these characters are here is for no reason at all. Really.
Volume 16 - Episodes 59-62, Stories 82-85 - info temporarily unavailable
Episode 63, Story 86: Introducing Ryuunosuke - We Love the Sea!
The training that Ryuunosuke receives from his father is a parody of the method used in the famous anime series "Ashita no Joe," which revolved around an aspiring boxer, Joe, a loner who is taken under the wing of a grizzled old trainer. Just think of a younger and much more melodramatic version of "Rocky" and you'll have the idea.
Hamajaya literally means "Beach-side Cafe." It goes without saying that real beach-side Cafes don't stay open during the winter. Mr. Fujinami is claiming his family invented the concept.
"Cross-Counter Punches" is a reference to a famous "Ashita no Joe" fight. Both Joe and his opponent, Rikishi, landed simultaneous punches with all their strength behind them. Joe was seriously injured, and Rikishi eventually died. This episode was so famous that it has been endlessly copied and parodied by many other shows. The phrase "Cross-Counter" is about as well-known in Japan as "Where's the Beef?" is in the United States.
Episode 64, Story 87: The Season for Goodbyes
"The sound of the bells of Gion Shouja..." "...carries the haunting tune of impermanence." is a poem from the famous "Tale of Heikei." It is a reference to the fact that power and prosperity never last, that they are always destroyed by pride.
"Tomorrow, hurry! Hurry, hurry...! I'm Megane, who has just begun to walk..." is a parody of a famous old song called "Spring, hurry!"
"Who knows what love lurks in the hearts of men?" The actual line is "Who knows the heart of the water, 100 feet below?" It's weird, it's untranslateable, and it's the perfect starting point for a certain un-named pun-obsessed staff member...
Episode 65, Story 88: Date:Impossible for Ran!
The title of this episode, "Ran-chan no Deeto Daisakusen" is a play on the popular TV show, "Spy Daisakusen," better know by it's US title, "Mission:Impossible."
"Antonio's Special Destruction Hold" is the special finishing technique of Antonio Inoki, one-time king of Japanese pro-wrestling, and more recently the one and only Diet member of the Sports Peace Party. During the Gulf War, Inoki flew to Iraq in an attempt to get the hostages freed. He didn't.
"The world is one family... We're all brothers! Prosperity for all! Pray for the national safety!" is a parody of a famous telephone commercial.
Episode 66, Story 89: Happy Birthday My Darling
The names of the students being roll-called are all members of the production staff of the series. Nunokawa, for example, is the president of Kitty Films.
In the scene where Ataru tries to hint that his birthday is coming up, he is reading the film-comic of the first Urusei Yatsura movie, "Only You."
Ne-Ne Time: "Ne Ne Shiyoo..." is kid's language. "Ne Ne" is a kids word for sleep, so "Ne Ne Shiyoo" means "let's go to sleep." Why is this in the liner notes? Because AnimEigo Chairman James Ueki (currently aged 3) does a fair Ten-imitation most nights, and his long-suffering parents, in an attempt at long time-delay revenge, wish to embarrass him in a few years when he reads this...
"April 13th." April is the 4th month, and 4 is an unlucky number in Japan because it can be pronounced the same as "death." The 13th needs no explanation, it goes without saying that Ataru was born on a Friday. Even more dire, he was born on "Butsumetsu," the unluckiest day in the Buddist calendar.
"Laughing Target" is the name of another Rumiko Takahashi story, part of her "Rumic World" series.
Ataru's sniping at the calendar is probably a parody of "Golgo 13"
Episode 67, Story 90: "Found: The Valley of Peaches in the Camp-from-Hell!"
It is an Anime tradition that the cooking of strange female characters often redefines the term "dreadful." Lum is no exception, and may well be the worst offender in this regard.
Note the continuity error: the hare is in Ataru's hands, then suddenly he is on the ground.
Rainbowman: Rainbowman was the hero of a popular live-action special-effects SF show, one of the many in the same genre as "Power Rangers." As recounted in the theme song Rainbowman trains in the mountains of India, thus the reference by Ataru.
The Legend of Momotaro ("Peach Boy") tells of an old childless couple, Ojiisan and Obaasan, who found a large peach drifting down a stream one day, when Obaasan went to do her laundry. When they opened it, out sprang Momotaro When he grew up, he went to hunt the Oni, who had stolen all the wealth of the people years before. Along the way, he met a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant, all of whom joined him when he gave them one of his "Nippon-ichi no kibidango" (Steamed shiratamako flour with white sugar on top; they taste like rice-cakes.) When they reached Oni-ga-shima ("Oni Island") in the Inland Sea, a great battle took place, and Momotaro took all the treasures back to the people from whom they had been stolen. He also ensured that Ojiichan and Obaachan would be well taken care of in their old(er) age. Tougenkyou is apparently where Momotaro got put in the peach in the first place.
'Is it the famous "Peach Boy picked a peck of pickled peaches" peach?': The original phrase "Sumomo mo momo mo momo no uchi" is just a tongue-twister. It just means "Pickled peaches, peaches... they are all peaches."
The sword, Peach-Petal: The name of the sword, "Momotaro-maru," literally means "a valued object of Momotaro's"
Ataru's number is of course 4, considered to be very unlucky since it can be pronounced the same as "death" in Japanese.
Episode 68, Story 91: The Groom's Name is Ryuunosuke
All the gifts the Tengu bring are traditional engagement gifts.
"That bouncy feeling..." is a parody of a detergent commercial.
The Sex Change Cannon (Improved Version): Fans of Uchuu-senkan Yamato (or Star Blazers) know that the Yamato's most powerful weapon was the so-called "Wave-Motion Cannon," a giant particle-accelerator-like device that was capable of releasing an enormous burst of particle plasma. It required so much energy and time to charge the cannon during the process. In "Yamato", these scenes were always shown in great detail (can you say "reusing footage? We knew you could...).
Multiple exposure effect: Ryuunosuke and her father seem to blur because they move so fast. This Anime effect, called Electronic Acceleration, was first made popular by the anime/manga "Cyborg 009". Cyborg 009 & Co. were able to engage in this mode, where they moved at speeds so fast that they were unable to be seen by ordinary people.
Episode 69, Story 92: A Message in a Bottle: Seaside Spookiness!
Kasu & Boozu are terms from the card game of Hanafuda, which is what Lum and Shinobu are playing.
Episode 70, Story 93: The Sensational Debut of Mizunokouji Ton!
Koushien Stadium is very prestigious baseball stadium where annual high school tournaments take place. It's the ultimate goal for aspiring players, and the process to get there is highly selective. Winners will certainly be called heroes in their home towns, and may even be scouted by many professional teams who shop around for their future members there. On the other hand, Losers are known to pack home a bagful of treasured Koushien dirt!
"Hey, kids! Unhand that turtle!" is yet another reference to the legend of Urashima Taro. In the legend, Taro finds a sea turtle that had washed up on a beach, and was being tormented by some cruel children. He rescued the turtle, and in return, the turtle took him to Dragon Palace, where he was wined and dined by the Princess of the Palace. When Taro decided to leave, the Princess gave him a box as a going-away present, with a warning that he must never open it. After returning to the land, Taro discovered that over 100 years had passed, even though he had only been away a few days. He finds that all his friends have aged and died, and that his village has changed so much as to be unrecognizable. Finally, Taro opens the box, and the gas that was contained within released him from the magic that had retarded his aging, swiftly turning him into an extremely old man.
Dominance and Submission: "Shiyuu" can mean 2 things in different context: 1) male & female 2) victory. Tobimaro is talking about the latter, but while trying to make sure that he's not talking about the former, he himself gets it mixed up. Needless to say, this is an Excedrin headache for translators, but we think our version comes close to preserving the puns.
Mizonokouji Tobimaro's family name is a play on "Mizuno", a famous sporting-goods company.
Buke & Kuge: During the Kamakura Era, there were two opposing groups of people. Buke were the soldiers, and the Kuge were mostly 'bureaucrats'. Mendou's family are Buke, and Mizunokouji's are Kuge, and the rivalry is still going strong!
Tobimaro's training: This is all a parody of "Kyojin no Hoshi", a serious anime/manga drama from the early 70's or late 60's, whose main character, Hoshi Hyuuma, is a boy who trains hard, thanks to his No-Mercy father, to become the pitcher for Yomiuri Giants [the most popular team in Japanese Baseball]. Hyuuma's father was perhaps the least lenient man in the entire universe, as well a semi-alcoholic, who'd beat his son into training hard for baseball. Tobimaro is portrayed as a Hoshi Hyuuma-like character here. The "in" drawing-style of that era made the eyes 'sparkle' to dramatize many characters, although it eventually became so passe that newer non-serious anime/manga made mockery out of it. Thus the outrageous sparkles in Tobimaro's eyes.
The entire baseball game is a parody of every sports-related Anime show ever done, past, present and future.
The burly sportscaster is a caricature of Nagashima Shigeo, "Mr. Baseball," one of the most popular Japanese baseball stars of all time.
Episode 71, Story 94: Shinobu's Cinderella Story
Inspector Torii and his coat: The inspector is based upon a character from "Taiyou ni Hoero", a classic 70's TV show about a police department in Tokyo. This character was most often seen wearing a long coat, Columbo-style --- so often that it was very rare to see him without the coat --- hence the inseparable association (and the "Damn, it's hot!" joke - because he rarely took it off).
Episode 72, Story 95: Lum: Rebel Without A Clue
Utagoe Cafe: Before karaoke machines were invented and spread locust-like across the Land of the Rising Sun, those who wished to down a few belts and belt out a few tunes went to "Utagoe" sing-along bars, where they could sing, accompanied by live musicians.
Watching movies is bad enough: The joke here is that Ryuunosuke's father, who has been teaching (and forcing) her to be a male, has also been instilling many bizarre (and almost always wrong) ideas into her head. For example, in one instance, young Ryuunosuke was shown a Matsutake Mushroom (an expensive delicacy), but told by her father that it was an "Evil Mushroom". He told her to duck and to look away while he chased it away; this was his excuse to enjoy it all by himself, of course. Ryuunosuke finally gets to taste Matsutake at Tomobiki High, in an act of rebellion against her father's teachings.
A... A An Electronic Acceleration Device!: A reference to the classic manga and TV anime series, "Cyborg 009". The device allowed teleportation.
"Let us get rid of our old clothes and head for that mountain together!" This phrase (and the song that accompanies it) is based on an old, classic movie series called "Aoi Sanmyaku", which portrayed the lives of youths and their struggles before getting married.
"Who the hell gave me the geese?!" This sequence starts out with Unbaba calling the Tomobiki students "'fraidycat losers" or more literally "goosebumped-losers". A pun is completed when geese come flying out, bumping into Unbaba.
Episode 73, Story 96: The Ultimate Match: Sakura vs. Cherry!
"The gods will be upset if you waste your food!" The idea behind this old saying is that one should respect the food and its makers; wasting food is thus an act of disrespect.
The Goldfish Man: Like ice-cream trucks, goldfish dealers roam about the town streets in the summertime selling the bagged pets. They are not as common today as they were decades ago. Other seasonal pet-dealers of this sort sell fireflies and crickets.
Temples: Before their spirits were called upon, Cherry and Sakura recite names of temples (which also include shrines and cemetaries). They are among the oldest in a region that is collectively known as Musashino, which now covers pretty much the entire Tokyo area.
Nakano. Kouenji. Asagaya. Ogikubo. Nishiogi. Kichijouji. Mitaka. Musashi-sakai. Higashi-koganei. Musashi-koganei. Kokubunji. Nishi-kokubunji. Kunitachi. Tachikawa. Hino. Toyoda. Hachiouji.
Or Maybe Train Stations
The names that Cherry and Sakura intone also happen to be the names of stations on one of the more heavily travelled JR mass-transit commuter lines.
Tentoji-Udon is Tempura Udon, consisting of thick buckwheat noodles with Egg-Batter-Fried goodies in an Eggdrop-in-broth soup.
Episode 74, Story 97: The Old Man of The Willow Tree
This episode is based on a chapter from the UY manga, "Ryouseiou no Kyoufu" (The Terror of The Old Willow Tree Fairy).
Willow trees have long been a favorite subject in ghost stories. Many classic tales associate these trees with ghosts and other creatures.
Ataru's graffiti on the willow tree: The image is an octopus face, and captioned "idiot/jerk". Mendou keeps octopi as pets; they are in fact emblazoned on his family crest. In the comic version, the familiar "Waaan, semaiyo! Kuraiyo! Kowaiyo!" (Arrrgh! It's cramped! It's dark! I'm scared!) is also captioned in large letters surrounding the face of the octopus.
Waidan vs. Kaidan: "Waidan" are stories that are sensational in nature, e.g. "smut". "Kaidan" include "ghost" and other frightening stories. The closest we could come in English is "gross" and "ghost" stories.
Tomobiki High's 7 Legends: As Ataru mentions, legends like these do indeed exist in virtually every school. Many times they are used by upperclassmen to frighten younger students. Several of the seven legends have been mentioned before in the series.
The Solingen Knife: Solingen is a city in Germany that is famous for producing cutlery of high quality (and price).
"After being moused around... it was only a cat!" - Onsen-Mark actually says "Taizan meidou shite neko ippiki". This line is based on a proverb, "taizan meidou shite nezumi ippiki", which literally means, "after all the commotion, only a mouse", somewhat similar to an English expression, "much ado about nothing". Here, Onsen improvised a pun by substituting "neko" (cat) for "nezumi" (mouse).
Tsukune University's Professor Kusaya: The jokes here are: "Kusaya" sounds like "Kusaiya", which means "it stinks". Tsukune-Age and Tsukune-Yaki are ground fish meat, which are mixed with other ingredients (such as egg) before made into little balls. These are then fried (-Age) or baked (-Yaki). They look like, well, little turds, though we are told they taste much better than they look!
"The Holy Wine, with which to bless the sword": In the days of samurai, the warriors used to spit out wine to cleanse and to bless their swords.
"A drop of wine... is like a sacred grain of rice... One must not commit such a sin.": It is said that a grain of rice takes an entire year to grow, and thus the wasting of rice is a sinful act. Rice is also the key component in Sake (rice-wine), hence the equation.
Personal-belongings inspections: It may seem awfully strange, but many grade- and high-schools hold these inspections regularly, the idea being that no "illicit" items be brought to school. Other common regulations and restrictions include dress and personal-appearance codes.
"It's Educational" Alibi Establishment Notes
Episode 75, Story 98: "And Then There Were None."
"How does the rest of the rhyme go?" - Ataru
"Two parts have been skipped, so there are four remaining. But the last line doesn't apply, so only three are really left." - Onsen
Onsen is referring to a variation of the famous Mother Goose rhyme.
Who saw him die?
"I," said the Fly,
"With my little eye, I saw him die."
Who caught his blood?
"I," said the Fish,
"With my little dish, I caught his blood."
Who'll make his shroud?
"I," said the Beetle,
"With my thread and needle, I'll make his shroud."
Who'll dig his grave?
"I," said the Owl,
"With my spade and trowel, I'll dig his grave."
Who'll be the parson?
"I," said the Rook,
"With my little book. I'll be the parson."
Who'll be the clerk?
"I," said the Lark,
"I'll say Amen in the dark; I'll be the clerk."
Who'll be chief mourner?
"I," said the Dove,
"I mourn for my love; I'll be chief mourner."
Who'll bear the torch?
"I," said the Linnet,
"I'll come in a minute, I'll bear the torch."
Who'll sing his dirge?
"I," said the thrush,
"As I sing in the bush I'll sing his dirge."
Who'll bear the pall?
"We," said the Wren,
"Both the cock and the hen; We'll bear the pall."
Who'll carry his coffin?
"I," said the Kite,
"If it be in the night, I'll carry his coffin."
Who'll toll the bell?
"I," said the Bull,
"Because I can pull, I'll toll the bell."
All the birds of the air fell to sighing and sobbing
When they heard the bell toll for poor Cock Robin.
Episode 76, Story 99: "The Fire-Fightin' Mama Arrives!"
"Carrying her fire target in one hand, Ten's mother has travelled a long way..." - Lum
Ten's mother's "fire target," or "matoi," is what the firefighters during the Edo Period used to carry around to identify themselves. In the decades prior to that, it functioned as a kind of status symbol used by warlords, especially during combat.
"Ma'am! Melon-bread for me! The melon-bread, I said!"
The so-called "melon-bread" ("Meron-pan") often pops up in anime because it is such a common snack-food. It is a kind of a pastry, about 5 inches in diameter, a pale citron in color. The name comes from the fact that the original recipe called for melon extract. As everyone knows, melons are painfully expensive in Japan, so generally there's no melon in melon-bread these days!
Episode 77, Story 100: Darling's Gonna Die?!
"Elohim essaim!" - Ran
Ran's chant is based on passages from Black Magic books and Hebrew texts, some of which were made popular in Japan through such manga titles as "Akuma-kun" ("Li'l Devil") whose main character often used the phrase.
"Darling, here... Your mother asked me to give them to you." - Lum "For me?! I see... even she can act like a mother!" - Ataru
Lum flashes two 1000-yen bills (each roughly equivalent to ten US dollars.)
"Poison?! Can you save him?!" - Lum
"Don't worry, miss. We're completely prepared." - Doctor
Here, the joke is that Cherry has made a typical Buddhist funeral arrangement.
"New Year's Cards should be mailed by December 20th!" - Mr. Postbox
The postbox, as seen here, is the traditional type found throughout Japan.
The New Year's phrase comes from the Japanese postal service, which runs massive ad campaigns each year to make sure that the New Year's Cards (called "nengajou") are mailed on time. There is another reason for this - the Cards bought at post offices are also lottery tickets, which is a huge money spinner.
"P...Pardon me... Have you seen a girl who looks like this?" - Lum "I am looking upon one right now." - Man
"No! I said, have you seen a girl who looks like THIS!" - Lum
This sequence is a twisted parody of the samurai-movie classic, "Lone Wolf and Cub," (available through our Samurai Cinema label, of course!) whose main character, Ogami Itto, along with his son, Daigoro, are presented here UY-style!
"We're leaving, Kyodaigoro." - Ogami
Here "Kyodaigoro" works as an in-joke. It's based on "Daigoro", the name of Ogami Itto's son, and "Kyodai," or "gigantic," as in Kyodaigoro's large head!
"If you play a round of golf with me and win, then I won't mind telling you!" - The Queen
In this "Alice in Wonderland" parody, the Queen is drawn like a sumo wrestler in drag!
Episode 78, Story 101: Miserable! A Loving and Roving Mother!
"Good day, Ma'am... I'm with the Diefast Life Insurance..." - Salesman
The salesman is a representative of "Hayajini Seimei Co." whose name can be rendered as "Quickdeath" or "Diefast"!
"...a turtle and a crane slipped... in the eve before this sunset... Who's facing behind you?"
These lines come from "Kagome Kagome," a song from a children's game that is a few centuries old. It is partly nonsense, although there are scholars who believe that the song was actually created as a secret coded message during the Edo Period! Whatever the case, the game is still played by Japanese children to this day.
"I am a psychoanalyst, specializing in middle-aged women. My name is Jigolo. Have you forgotten?"
Yet another very subtle pun. While conventions suggest that the name be spelled out "Jigoro",we changed "r" to "l" for obvious reasons!
"Tis a pool of laughter!" - Mrs.Moroboshi
This is a pun on "Ooara Kaisuiyokujo," a name of a maritime park, and "oowarai," which means a "big laugh!"
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Japanese Production Staff
Complete Production Staff Credits for
Urusei Yatsura TV Episodes 39-78.
(not available online - it's on our list of things to do)
AnimEigo Production Staff
Complete AnimEigo Production Staff Credits for
Urusei Yatsura TV Episodes 39-78.
Executive Producer: Robert J. Woodhead
Producers: Robert J. Woodhead
Janice Hindle
Director of Subtitling: Michael House
Dialogue Editor: Roe R. Adams, III, KTJ
Production Managers (USA): Janice Hindle
Peter R. Haswell
Production Coordinator: Ueki Natsumi
Cultural & Literary Consutants: Watanabe Masae
Watanabe Yuuji
Production Assistant/Title Timer: Nancy Powell
Production Manager (Japan): George Arriola
Translators: Vincent Winiarski
Shin Kurokawa
Nishiyama Mariko
Eriko Takai
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Japanese Voice Actors
Complete Cast Credits for
Urusei Yatsura TV Episodes 39-78.
"All" means the person is credited in All episodes.
"SP" is the 1 Hour Special. Numbers indicate the
episode number, not the story number.
(not available online - it's on our list of things to do)
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Theme: "Lum no Love Song"
(Lum's Love Song)
Lyrics by Itoo Akira and Kobayashi Izumi
Music and Arrangement by Kobayashi Izumi
Performed by Matsutani Yuuko
Ammari sowasowa shinaide.
Anata wa itsudemo kyorokyoro.
Yosomi o suru no wa yamete yo!
Watashi ga dare yori ichiban
Suki yo... suki yo... suki yo!
suki yo... suki yo... suki yo...
suki yo... suki yo... suki yo...
suki yo... suki yo... suki yo!
Hoshitachi ga kagayaku yofuke
Yumemiru no anata no subete.
Aishite mo anata wa shiramburi de.
Imagoro wa dare ka ni muchuu.
Aa otoko no hitotte
Ikutsu mo ai o motteiru no ne.
Aa achikochi ni baramaite
Watashi o nayamaseru wa.
Ammari sowasowa shinaide.
Anata wa itsudemo kyorokyoro.
Yosomi o suru no wa yamete yo!
Watashi ga
dare yori ichiban.
Aa otoko no hitotte
nannin suki na hito ga hoshii no.
Aa watashi dake aishite yo
Itsudemo hitori dake o.
Ammari sowasowa shinaide.
Anata wa itsudemo kyorokyoro.
Yosomi o suru no wa yamete yo!
Watashi ga
dare yori ichiban.
Watashi ga itsudemo ichiban.
Anata no subete ga
Suki yo... suki yo... suki yo...
suki yo... suki yo... suki yo...
Ichiban suki yo!
|
Don't get so fidgety!
You're always looking all over the place!
Stop looking away from me!
More than anyone else, I
love you, love you, love you the best!
love you, love you, love you!
love you, love you, love you!
love you, love you, love you!
On nights when the stars are twinkling,
I dream all about you.
I love you, but you act like you don't know.
I bet you're crazy for someone else by now!
Ah! Men all have
so many loves.
Ah! You're spreading them all over,
and making me worry!
Don't get so fidgety!
You're always looking all over the place!
Stop looking away from me!
More than anyone else, I
love you the best!
Ah! How many lovers
does a man want?
Ah! Love only me,
and me alone, always.
Don't get so fidgety!
You're always looking all over the place!
Stop looking away from me!
More than anyone else, I
love you the best!
Always the best!
Everything about you, I
love, love, love,
love, love, love,
I love you the best!
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Ending Theme: "Kokorobosoina"
(Forlorn, Aren't You)
Lyrics by Chieko Schrader and Jitsukawa Shoo
Music by Kobayashi Izumi * Arranged by Hoshi Katsu
Performed by Helen Sasano
Kireina hito to surechigau tabi ni
totan ni genki ni naru no.
Komatta hito ne my darling.
Uchuu de ichiban no uwaki no otoko no ko.
suki ni sureba ii wa bye-bye shichau kara.
#1:
Sagashi mawattemite mo--
kokorobosoina kokorobosoina--
Ai wa mitsukarazu--
kokorobosoina kokorobosoina--
Mi ga chijimarisoo--
kokorobosoina kokorobosoina--
Itsumo furafura kyorokyoro;
Ai wa ai wa doko e yara?
Anata no hitomi maru de radar ne
itsudemo migi ni hidari ni
kireina hito o sagashiteru.
Sugu ni furareru kuse ni
sukoshi mo mege mo sezu
hijitetsu no present
mata mata moratteru.
KURIKAESHI #1.
Amaeta koe de watashi ni motion
kaketeru saichuu demo
sugu ni meutsuri my darling.
Uchuu de ichiban no uwaki no otoko no ko.
suki ni sureba ii wa bye-bye shichau kara.
KURIKAESHI #1.
Itsumo furafura kyorokyoro
Ai wa ai wa doko e yara?
|
The instant you pass by a pretty girl
you get all energetic.
You're a troublesome one, my Darling.
You're the most fickle boy in all of space.
Do what you like; I'm saying bye-bye.
#1:
Though you search all over--
forlorn, aren't you, forlorn, aren't you--
You can't find love--
forlorn, aren't you, forlorn, aren't you--
You look like you're shrinking away--
forlorn, aren't you, forlorn, aren't you--
Always reeling every which-way;
where can love be?
Your eyes are like radar,
always turning this way and that
looking for pretty girls.
Even though you typically
get dumped right away,
not even giving up a little,
you keep getting presents of rejection
over and over again.
REPEAT REFRAIN #1.
Even when you're in the middle
of making a move
on me in a sweet tone of voice,
you get distracted in no time, my Darling.
You're the most fickle boy in all of space.
Do what you like; I'm saying bye-bye.
REPEAT REFRAIN #1.
Always reeling every which-way;
where can love be?
|
"Hoshizora Cycling"
(Cycling in the Starry Sky)
Music, Lyrics and Arrangement by Virgin VS
Performed by Virgin VS
Sora no nai heya kara
hoshi no furu yoru e
Nukedashita mado kara
jitensha ni notte.
#1:
Cosmic Cycler
Hoshizora Cycling
Run Run Run Run
Runaway Home.
Cosmic Cycler
Hoshizora Wheeling
Run Run Run Run
Runaway Home.
Yozora no Freeway
futari de faraway.
Konya koso hitorijime
nemuranaide yo
my Darling
Yumemiru ginga o kakenukete
rendezvous.
Nagareboshi oikake
hashiritsuzukete asa made.
KURIKAESHI #1
Yozora no Freeway
futari de faraway.
Konya koso hitorijime
yakusokushitene
my Darling.
KURIKAESHI #1
KURIKAESHI #1
Cosmic Cycler...
Cosmic Cycler...
Cosmic Cycler...
|
From a room with no sky,
we go to a night of stars falling,
slipping out through the window,
riding a bicycle.
#1:
Cosmic Cycler,
cycling in the starry sky,
Run Run Run Run
Runaway Home.
Cosmic Cycler,
wheeling in the starry sky,
Run Run Run Run
Runaway Home.
The two of us, faraway,
on the freeway of the night sky.
Don't sleep,
you're mine tonight,
my Darling.
Dashing through the dreaming galaxy
to our rendezvous.
Chase a shooting star,
and keep running until morning.
REPEAT REFRAIN #1
The two of us, faraway,
on the freeway of the night sky.
Promise that tonight,
you'll be mine,
my Darling.
REPEAT REFRAIN #1
REPEAT REFRAIN #1
Cosmic Cycler...
Cosmic Cycler...
Cosmic Cycler...
|
"Hoshizora Cycling" Additional Variant Lyrics
Music, Lyrics and Arrangement by Virgin VS
Performed by Virgin VS
Magoro ie de wa boku no inai koto o
dare ka kizuku daroo
dakedo moo kaeranai.
Cosmic Cycler hoshizora cycling
Run Run Run Run... Runaway Home!
Cosmic Cycler hoshizora wheeling
Run Run Run Run... Runaway Home!
Nemurenai yoru wa.
dare ka ga yonderu
Tokubetsu sa konya wa
dare ka ga yonderu.
Cosmic Cycler
Yeah, Cosmic Cycler
|
By now, someone will likely have noticed
that I'm not at home;
but I'm not going back anymore.
Cosmic Cycler, cycling in the starry sky...
Run Run Run Run... Runaway Home!
Cosmic Cycler, wheeling in the starry sky...
Run Run Run Run... Runaway Home!
On sleepless nights,
someone is calling.
Tonight is special.
Someone is calling.
Cosmic Cycler...
Yeah, Cosmic Cycler...
|
"Moonlight Coaster"
Music, Lyrics and Arrangement by Virgin VS
Performed by Virgin VS
Moonlight Coaster mezase crater.
Yamiya o tobashite.
Moonlight Coaster egake spaceloop
Into the Darkness.
Guzuguzu shiteru to oitekareru ze.
Qten chokka no paradise.
Dokidoki daisuki Moonlight Coaster
fushigi ga ippai Start.
Toki no nagare tomete
yozora o dakishimete
mabayui hoshi no kage utau yo.
KURIKAESHI #1.
Te o furu ano ko ga
tooi mukashi no yoo sa.
Mabayui hoshi no kage
mawaru yo.
KURIKAESHI #1.
Byunbyun tobasu to hikari ga hashiri
ikki ni jooshoo paradise.
Dekodekobokoboko Moonlight Coaster
fushigi ga ippai Go-A-Round.
Hoshi no nagare somete
yozora o dakishimete
mabayui hoshi no kage utau yo.
|
Moonlight Coaster, go for the crater.
Fly through the dark of night.
Moonlight Coaster, make a spaceloop
Into the Darkness.
If you dawdle, you'll get left behind.
Paradise of straight-down Q spins.
Pitter-patter beloved Moonlight Coaster,
mystery everywhere, Start.
I stop the flow of time,
embrace the night sky,
and sing the shadow of dazzling stars.
REPEAT REFRAIN #1.
That girl waving her hand
is like the distant past.
She circles around the shadow
of dazzling stars.
REPEAT REFRAIN #1.
The light runs on, sending off gleams,
going straight on up to paradise.
Bumpy, bumpy, Moonlight Coaster,
mystery everywhere, go-a-round.
I color the fall of stars,
embrace the night sky,
and sing the shadow of dazzling stars.
|
"Margarita"
Lyrics by Andoo Yoshihiko
Music by Kobayashi Izumi
Arranged by Hoshi Katsu
Performed by Helen Sasano
Dare demo sugu koi ni ochiru...
Sore ga fushigina cocktail margarita.
Hieta kokoro sameta futari
tameshite mite doozo kono cocktail.
Hitokuchime de me ga urundekite...
Futakuchime de jitto shiterarenai...
Yumemiru kokoro de hoho o yoseatta
ano koro no yoo ni futari wa hageshii
koi no toriko.
Doozo futari de onominasai
mahoo no cocktail
joonetsu no margarita.
Sore wa tooi minami no kuni
koi no miyako no cocktail margarita.
Kataomoi ni shizunda yoru
tameshite mite doozo kono cocktail.
Hitokuchime de wasuresoo.
Futakuchime de kokoro yomigaeru.
Dare ka ni koekake odoridashisoo yo.
Kitto asa made ni suteki na koibito
mitsukaru deshoo.
Dakara anata mo onominasai na
fushigi na cocktail
shakunetsu no margarita.
Fushigi na cocktai
shakunetsu no margarita.
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Anybody will quickly fall in love...
That's the mysterious cocktail, margarita.
Cold hearts, cooled couples,
please try this cocktail.
With your first sip, your eyes will water...
With your second sip, you can't sit still...
Just like before, you'll get closer
cheek to cheek, dreaming hearts
becoming prisoners of passionate love.
Please drink this, both of you together,
the magical cocktail,
passionate margarita.
That's a far Southern country
cocktail of the capital of love, Margarita.
When you feel down at night with unrequited
love, please try this cocktail.
With the first sip you feel like you can forget.
With the second sip your heart will recover.
It makes you feel like asking someone to dance.
Surely, you'll find someone nice
before morning.
So you, too, drink
this mysterious cocktail,
the passionate Margarita.
This mysterious cocktail,
the passionate Margarita.
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Ending Theme: "I, I, You & Ai"
(I, I, You & Love)
Lyrics by Endoo Yoshihiko
Music and Arrangement by Kobayashi Izumi
Performed by Kobayashi Izumi
I, I, I, I, Aishiteite mo naze ka
You, You, You, You,
Yuutsu itsumo anata.
I, I, I, I, Aitai kimochi totemo.
You, You, You, You,
Yuuwaku shichau kitto.
Watashi to anata de sekai ga hajimaru.
Machikutabireteru onna ja dame na no.
Love me uwakina Darling.
Hold me uchikina Darling.
Kiss me sutekina Darling.
Itsudemo koi wa jumbi OK yo.
I, I, I, I, Aishiteite mo naze ka
You, You, You, You,
Yuutsu itsumo anata.
I, I, I, I, Aimai na no wa dame yo.
You, You, You, You, Yuuki ga iru no koi wa.
Watashi to anata de subete ga umareru.
Tsuyogari bakari no otoko wa iranai.
Love me tsuyokina Darling.
Hold me yowakina Darling.
Kiss me sutekina Darling.
Itsudemo koi wa jumbi OK yo.
I, I, I, I, Aisaretaino watashi.
I, I, I, I, Aishiteiru wa anata.
I, I, I, I, Aisaretaino watashi.
I, I, I, I, Aishiteiru wa anata.
|
Even though I, I, I, I love you,
why are you, you, you, you
always gloomy?
I, I, I, I, have strong feelings of missing you.
You, You, You, You,
I will seduce, for sure.
The world begins with you and I.
A woman is no good if she's tired of waiting.
Love me, flirtatious Darling.
Hold me, bashful Darling.
Kiss me, wonderful Darling.
I'll always be ready to be in love with you.
Even though I, I, I, I love you,
why are you, you, you, you
always gloomy?
I, I, I, I won't put up with wishi-washiness.
You, You, You, You, need courage for love.
Everything is born from you and I.
I don't want a man who
just puts on a tough act.
Love me, strong-willed Darling.
Hold me, weak-willed Darling.
Kiss me, wonderful Darling.
I'll always be ready to be in love with you.
I, I, I, I, want to be loved.
I, I, I, I, love you.
I, I, I, I, want to be loved.
I, I, I, I, love you.
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Opening Theme : "Dancing Star"
Lyrics by Itoo Akira
Music: Kobayashi Izumi
Arrangement: Anzai Fumitaka
Performed by Kobayashi Izumi
Tokai ga neshizumaru koro,
otoko wa sasoriza ni kawaru.
Onna wa otomeza ni naru.
Odore! "Dancing, Dancing Night!"
Kokoro wo kusuguru yubi wo, futari wa
takumi ni suberase fushigi na uchuu no
hate de, odore "Dancing, dancing star!"
Omoikiri dakishimete
kaeshitakunai nante itteyo,
Konya koso futarikiri kuchizuke
dake ni yoitai.
Hora? Watashi no me ni anata ga utsutte.
Hora? Anata no me ni watashi ga utsukushii.
Mijikaku moetsukiru yoru otoko wa
hoshikuzu ni kawaru; Onna wa
ryuusei ni naru
Odore! "Dancing, Dancing Star."
Odore! "Dancing, Dancing Star."
Odore! "Dancing, Dancing Star."
|
He becomes Scorpio, as the city
falls fast asleep tonight.
She becomes Virgo.
Dance! "Dancing, Dancing Night!"
When the two cleverly get out of an uneasy
situation, there at the mysterious edge of the
universe, dance! "Dancing, dancing star!"
Hold me, so tightly, and say
"I won't let you go!" or something,
'Cause for tonight, I just wanna
get tipsy, kissing.
See? You're reflected in my eyes,
do you see...? See? I'm reflected in
your eyes so beautifully.
He'll become stardust, as the night
burns out shortly;
She'll become a shooting star.
Dance! "Dancing, Dancing Star."
Dance! "Dancing, Dancing Star."
Dance! "Dancing, Dancing Star."
|
"Yume wa Love Me More"
(My Dream is Love Me More)
Music & Lyrics: Kobayashi Izumi
Arrangement: Kawashima Yuuji
Performed by Kobayashi Izumi
Higure no machi wa usuku kirameki.
Donna otoko mo yasashiku mieru.
Tomadou mune wo sasoi ni nosete.
Koi ni ochitemo sore wa hitotoki.
Sukinanowa anata hitori yo.
Itsudatte daiteiinoni.
Furimukeba anata wa inai.
Yarusenai kokoro ga nokoru.
Koi wa itsumo futari no mono.
Yume wa hitotsu; Love me more.
Soo yo! Koi wa futari no mono,
Owari no nai Love me more.
Lalala lalala lalala lalala lalala lalala...
Love me, love me, more!
Love me, love me, more!
|
The town at twilight is shining faintly.
That makes every man look gentle.
They can lead me on, as I'm lost in emotions...
But if I fall in love then, it's only for a moment.
The only one that I'm in love with is you.
You can hold me in your arms anytime,
but when I turn around, I don't see you.
You leave me baffled, I don't know what to do.
Love will always belong to the two of us.
Our dreams are one; Love me more.
Yes, love belongs to the two of us.
Love me more, endlessly.
Lalala lalala lalala lalala lalala lalala...
Love me, love me, more!
Love me, love me, more!
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Urusei Yatsura © Kitty Films. Translation, Subtitling & Dubbing © AnimEigo. All Rights Reserved.
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