Our Voyage - Japan - Japenglish

'Japenglish'

This page is by no means designed to insult or make fun of the way English is used in Japan.
In most cases, English is just another form of artistic expression and the meaning
is not required. However, during our travels it was most interesting to see how
it is used. In 90 percent of cases we were unable to photograph it
due to circumstances or lack of equipment. Nonetheless,
here are some interesting examples we managed to capture:

Throughout Japan there seems to be this fascination with everything to do with "Goo" (in English is means 1. A sticky wet substance.
2. Sentimental drivel). Above from left: "Goo Day" (with the welcoming slogan 'Do It Yourself'
-is that what they tell their customers?) and Goo World, Goo Parts and a Goo Bike!

Above from left: "Beard Papa's Pipin' Hot Cream Puffs" -These were absolutely delicious, once you understood that
none of Papa's Beard was used in the making, even if it sounds like it...; "Cow Beauty Soap" (so women can obtain
that desirable cow look); and a variation on a traditional sandwich -how about a "Raisin Wich"?

Often the trains contain some classic examples of interesting English, including this one advertising Fujitsu mobile phones.
Somehow their phones don't seem so appealing if you are constantly shouting "F F F!" into it -which in English
would strongly indicate something was really wrong!

Above from left: This theatre is not open on "Horidays" . Maybe a "Horror Day" is what happens if you visit "Zoo Hair"
("Can I have the latest chimpanzee look please?)

Hair salons seem to love English in all its forms, as shown in this example advertisment in which you can get a "parm";
and this classic sent to me by Corrina in Kagoshima... the title hints at the purpose for these rolls of paper.

Classic English Quotes

English is a difficult and stupid language. Being an English teacher for nearly two
years now has reinforced that! Below are interesting quotes from some of my
Japanese English students, as evidence:

"I'm an orange." (It's an orange)
"I'm a part-time woman." (I'm a part-time saleswoman)
"Thank you for inventing me." (Thank you for inviting me)
"The bath is this way. I'll shower you." (The bath is this way. I'll show you.)
"Let's have a baby!" (You should have a baby!)
"My husband is a post office." (My husband works for a post office)

Look out for more coming soon...

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