I’ve liked anime since before I even knew what anime actually was, but it wasn’t much of a factor in my decision to learn Japanese. While it is true that the ending song to Cowboy Bebop really got me thinking about learning (due in large part to reading the various translations of the lyrics), the main driving factor for me has always been the fact that I’m part Japanese.

Since I live in an area with a decent Japanese-American population (nothing like areas on the east or west coast mind you), I quite often am able to get stuff (mostly food) at a locally run shop. When I can’t get something there however, I quite often go to jlist.com for things. If you prefer not to see the *ahem* ecchi side of Japanese things, you might prefer the sister site jbox.com for what you are trying to find.

I’ve also had “that’s not what they said” moments, except that they have been from translated visual novels. (Mind you, I’m talking about ones officially licensed for the English speaking world, not the sometimes iffy fan translated ones.) Strangely, both cases that stand out in my mind immediately have to do with food.

Audio: ええと、ええと、あの、たこ焼きサンドと、もんじゃ焼きサンドと、それとお好み焼きサンド。。。
Text: Err, so, that’s one salmon, one beef and….. one ham sandwich?

As you can see, all the food items have been grossly mistranslated. However, I can understand why. They wanted the English speaking audience to be able to relate to the story and not get sidetracked by Japanese food they may not have heard of before. The next example, however, makes no sense at all.

Audio: 海老フライだろう。
Text: It’s fried eel.

The text might not be exactly right, but it was something along those lines. They turned fried shrimp/prawns in to something less familiar. In my book, that’s plain and simple a mistake.