Main conclusions
- Our translators select the names of two Animal Crossing characters based on cultural references, which influences their English verses.
- Characters like Clay, Coco, and Cyrano have Japanese names inspired by historical figures, artifacts, and mythology.
- Since Japanese naming conventions reflect deeper cultural meanings within us, we designed two characters, enhancing the gaming experience.
When games are translated from Japanese, translators often need to make adjustments to meet the expectations of the general public. Some include titles that are directly translated from one version to another and a fair number, while others contain interesting cultural references that may not make it through the process, depending on where they are exported.
Because of these considerations, sometimes the names of two English characters are completely removed from their original sources. They are not native Japanese, and they are not English, many Anime Journey People The names are trocadilhos de animais, but others include Japanese history or just words that might sound strange when translated directly to English speakers.
10 Hookah (Dogoro)
Historic hamsters of old
For those wondering about Clay's unique design, his Japanese name is doguro, meaning guardian or secret. Dogu are ancient clay figures, often representing humans or animals, from the Jomon period in Japan. These historical artifacts were generally painted red and inspired the look of the figure.
Players can recreate these characters. Anime Journey Yes, a particular highlight is the “Ancient Statue,” which is modeled after the Shakukidōgu, a small clay figurine with arranged eyes. Clay’s design, with its earthy, ancient aesthetic, pays homage to this aspect of Japanese history.
9 Coco (Yayoi)
dapper two gyros
Koko's design is inspired by the Yayoi period in Japan, specifically the haniwa – clay figurines placed on the burial mounds of elite individuals. The haniwa often appear in the form of animals or humans and are directly evocative of the appearance of the koko, particularly the empty eyes we see on the faces of ancient figurines. Its Japanese name reflects this historical influence.
As it happens, her English name “Coco” refers to the humble coconut, which has an appearance that is also used to represent her with three buraku. Her chiseled appearance and simple facial expressions make her one of the greatest people. Unique characters in any game. curiousity: Haniwa also provides inspiration for the thyroid gland.
8 Serrano (Sakurajima)
Explosive Tamandua Mother
The English name Cyrano refers to its large nose, similar to the famous literary character Cyrano de Bergerac. In Japanese, its name is Sakurajima, a pairing referring to a famous active volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, and a round, bulbous radish of the same name.
Both references combine with Cyrano's design – a character with a reckless temperament and a tight focus. While these references may seem obscure to a Western audience, they make perfect sense in the Japanese cultural context, where Sakurajima is known and often learned by children in school life.
7 Dina (Marimo)
Duck Village Inspired by Nature
In Japanese, it is called Dina Marimo, a type of spherical algae commonly found in lakes. Marigolds are very popular in Japan, and the largest ones can be found in Lake Akan, where they grow abundantly. And this border, “maru,” which means “circle” in Japanese, further reinforces this association.
Embora Your English name cannot convey the same connection to nature, or Japanese names add depth to your personality. Often referred to as the “Anima of Appreciation” and given as a gift, Marimo symbolizes longevity and love, which blends with Dina’s charming personality.
6 Dom (Chachamaru)
brilliant beginner
Dom, the adorable and dashing little boy and girl who was introduced in “New Horizons” and who was played by Chachamaru in the Japanese version. The name is fun to say and reflects your energetic personality. “Chacha” means sabotage, which is an apt description for a character who embodies the high-energy, fitness-loving archetype.
The suffix “maru,” meaning circle, can refer to his round appearance, but is also a common suffix used in baby names. Dom's popular Japanese phrase, which translates to “cheirar, cheirar,” highlights his large, watery eyes—a stark contrast to his lively demeanor.
Oh, Homem, the hidden frog
Camofrog Military inspired look It also goes by its Japanese name, Full Metal. Isso does not refer to the anime, but to the 1987 film. full metal jacketYou may also have an all-metal ammo box bearing the movie name.
The purposeful phrase he uses also speaks to his military aesthetic, as “ten huts” is a military thermos used to draw attention. His eccentric personality, rugged exterior, and camouflage design are in keeping with this military theme, giving his name a deeper connection to his character that may not be apparent in English.
4 Cephalobot (Giga)
Cephalobot, the robotic dust village and resident alien, has an English name that clearly refers to its cephalopod nature. But its Japanese name is Gigaa, which refers to the famous Swiss artist H.R. GigerMade in his biomechanical artistic style that blends mechanical and organic elements.
This is perfectly suited to the design of the Cephalobot, which seems to confuse creature and machine. Unfortunately, the Japanese word “giga” is an English term, frequently used in computing jargon as shorthand for gigabyte, further emphasizing its futuristic, mechanical nature.
3 Cha (Vika)
Or twelve crossings
In the Japanese version, the name chai refers to the Swedish custom of “fika,” a break for coffee or cha accompanied by something delicious, such as cookies, bowls, or cinnamon rolls. This is fitting, given its adorable design with the xícara de chá lid. Inspired by Sanrio's CinnamorollAnd its connection to all twelve influential things.
Empura's English name refers to a spicy cha drink, and his Japanese name adds an extra layer of cultural reference, making his character even more charming. Oddly enough, he's the only Sanrio character to change names between games.
2 Lord of the (evil)
rebel without a cause
Cyd's Japanese name, Punks, is a direct reference to the punk movement, and is likely related to Sid Vicious, the famous punk rock musician. Punks are very interested in Japan, but this naming convention is not. Entered the Japanese media, Foreign names are often used to evoke certain characteristics or subcultures.
However, the character named Punks may not have done well with Western audiences. In English, his name is a direct reflection of his punk aesthetic, but in both versions, his rough exterior and rebellious personality are more apparent.
1 ion (spike)
Umm, this is out of this world.
Ione, a brilliant blue, has an otherworldly celestial design that reflects its Japanese name “Spica.” In Japanese culture, Spica refers to the brightest star in the constellation Virgo and has historical significance in astrology. The brilliant glow of Ione’s starry appearance enhances this connection to the cosmos, giving it an ethereal and mystical vibration.
Its features are not hidden by Brillham. Distinguished from other villagesMaking her look like a literal creature from the stars. Her English name is a mythological reference to a nymph and the ancient Greek word for violet, and her Japanese name is a connection to the mythological and astronomical origins that inspired her look.
