Lost In Translation!

Japan is an interesting place. And for a Westerner, things can appear a little odd! I'm convinced that things really do get lost in translation. But I consider myself a pretty smart guy so I like to think I can figure most things out. Sometimes, I just need a little help. As I travel around here, I'm so thankful to run into people who speak English. That way I feel like there's not much guessing going on. When they say something to me I want to be sure to understand the meaning. I'm so inadequate. I can only speak a few words of Japanese - Hello, thank you, good bye, and good afternoon. So In a pinch, when things really get complicated, I need a translator or I need some who can speak some good ole fashioned 'Merican. I can even do alright with some Spanish, French, or German! Somethin'. But not Japanese.

Today I got lucky. I ran into an Aussie. He looked about as excited as I was to find someone to chat with. We hammed it up a bit and then went our respective ways. I felt better for having succeeded in the communication game.

But things really are quite different here.

It looks different from the air!

Even the Golf Courses look different! A bunch of brown spots for fairways. Not what I'm used to.

And It looks different on the ground! I can't read any of those street signs.

Well maybe a few!

The magazines even look different! And they open from left to right!

And the Limo driver sits on the wrong side of the car!

Surely the sports must be the same- right? But no, the Sports look a little bit different too!

I'm guessing the goals and objectives must be the same. Two really big guys. They must be going after a ball right? I'm kind of curious -why they are wearing diapers though.

Let's see... Slap your stomach - Throw Water - and Try to intimidate the other player! Sound familiar? - Yep! Sounds like most of the sports I'm familiar with!

Wait a second. There's no ball in sight.....

Oh, now I get it.... The goal is to go after the other guy's balls!

Give the other guy a "wedgie" or something!

Guy in the Blue Diaper -

Dude! You totally lost!

And Your testicles are So Smashed! Ouch! You'll be singing soprano for a while!

I think I understand Japanese!

See - I told you I was smart!

Sayonara

Sayōnara is Japanese for 'goodbye'.



Sayonara is also a 1957 film which tells the story of an American Air Force flier who was a fighter "Ace" during the Korean War. In this version, Major "Ace" Gruver, played by Marlon Brando falls in love with a Japanese entertainer. Their relationship is strained by what I call "Characteristic racism" of the time. Several tragedies ensue. There is passion, action, good acting plus a whole lot more. And in the end, Marlon Brando closes with a classic "Brandoesque" line that virtually trumps all the prior dialog....... When asked by a Stars and Stripes reporter -what should he say to the Japanese government and United States senior military personnel? Brando replies:


"Tell them I said 'Sayonara."


I'm sure my brief summary of this movie did not do it justice. This movie by the way, was nominated for several academy awards. Brando, while nominated, did not take one home. Red Buttons and Miyoshi Umeki, however, each walked away with a respective Best Actor/Actress in a Supporting Role. There were also awards for Art Direction and Sound. How about that? Probably worth a look if you're into classic movies and have got a few hours to kill.

Trying not to bore you with mindless trivia and to segue into my own experiences.......... After an exhaustive Christmas holiday, I traveled to Japan on a quick trip. My goal was to get there and get home. And somewhere in the process- catch up on some rest. My plan went like clockwork. I caught a good nap on the way over. And found some time to relax during my downtime in Japan. Fortunately for me it rained. So I didn't feel guilty for hanging out in the hotel. I did manage to get a few good workouts in and dine at one of my favorite Japanese noodle bars. I had the chili-pepper noodles. They were delicious! I also got a chance to chill and watch the epic movie Casino (for the third time) - it was playing on television. Furthermore, I discovered that this could be my last trip to Japan for the foreseeable future. So when asked "what should we say to your associates in Japan?" I said:

"Tell them Sayonara for me!"

And like MacArthur, "I'm sure I will return."

For more on the movie, click here: to see additional reviews by movie critic Christopher Null.