Welcome to the NHK! - читать бесплатно онлайн полную версию книги автора Tatsuhiko Takimoto (ч. notes)

Notes

1

One measure of Japanese room size uses the number of tatami (straw mats) needed to cover the floor.

2

Heated tables used in the winter for warmth, as most apartments do not have central heating.

3

New Year’s celebrations often include o-zouni, a special soup of rice dumplings and vegetables. Although New Year should be happy, the narrator remains depressed.

4

The Japanese Ministry of Health defines hikikomori as individuals who refuse to leave their house and isolate themselves from society and family in a single room for a period exceeding six months; typically, it's a young person or a “nerd” who feels cut off from society.

5

Kyokushin (ultimate truth) karate is a full-contact style of martial arts, founded in 1964 by Masutatsu Ohyama (1923-1994), a Korean-born master reputed to have trained alone for years on Mt. Minoubu and Mt. Kiyosumi.

6

Tatsuhiko Shibusawa (1928-1987) was a scholar, novelist, and essayist.

7

A classic Gainax anime based loosely on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

8

Although otaku is an honorific of the word taku, or home, it has an extremely negative meaning in Japan. It suggests an overzealous anime or video game fan who does nothing but stay at home and pursue his hobbies.

9

The more literal meaning of the Japanese proverb is “the name reveals the body”, but its import is closer to the Latin proverb: Nomen est omen, meaning name is an omen (of that which is named).

10

Japanese Broadcast Association.

11

As is probably evident, Japanese Hikikomori Association.

12

Released in English as Magical DoReMi, it’s a children’s show about magical witch girls.

13

Tower of Druaga is an old NAMCO game for the NES.

14

The name of his apartment, apparently located in the Mita area.

15

Japanese expression for young people, not including students or housewives, who lack full-time employment or are underemployed.

16

Technical, gimmicky school for people who want anime/manga/ game industry jobs. Pretty much anyone can get in.

17

A Japanese Order (decoration) established in 1937. The order has only one class and may be awarded for contributions to Japan’s art, literature, or culture; recipients also receive a lifetime annuity.