Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will focus on the life and death of your favorite characters. With all of the crazy things happening in all of your favorite Weekly Shonen Jump series, I thought now would be a good time to learn this stuff. Professor Jump is busy on a Jump-filled adventure, so I, the new TEAM JUMP girl, will be taking over this page for the week!

SHINU (しぬ)

SHINU is the verb for “to die.” In manga where characters fight for their lives, every now and then someone is going to kick the bucket. Seeing your favorite character die in a manga is never fun, but it does happen. In both Toriko and One Piece, characters have come and gone. Toriko’s beloved Ichiryu passed away during his fight with Midora, while One Piece’s Ace was taken from us at the cruel hands of Akainu. Trafalgar Law, arguably one of the best and most popular characters in One Piece, is now also (potentially) dead. It’s a sad time for Weekly Shonen Jump. 

IKIRU (いきる) 

IKIRU is the verb for “to live.” One of the best parts about One Piece is that Oda Sensei doesn’t kill his characters too often. I remember crying my eyes out when Sabo supposedly died way back when. I also remember crying wonderful tears of happiness when he came back! It’s always a great feeling to see your favorite characters come back from the dead or survive an arc where you were sure they wouldn’t make it through to the end. 

NAKU (なく) 

NAKU is the verb for “to cry.” Everyone seems to be crying their eyes out nowadays, including myself. Just look at Nisekoi’s Paula McCoy or World Trigger’s Akane Hiura. Their tears were going plip, plip, plip out of their eyes in a messy stream of emotions. Remember, its okay to cry when you’re sad, happy or anything in between. Even Luffy cries when he is filled with strong emotions, so bring on the waterworks!

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