Call to arms!

[djdeastva]

Almost everyone that reads this journal is an Anime fan, so I figure this is the place to put this!

Click here!Read that then click on the "Customer Feedback Form" and request The Anime Network! Granted it's dub, but it's quality stuff. Among the stuff they show: Eva, Rah Xephon, Chobits, Angelic Layer, Abenobashi... tons others I cant remember

Comments

Osaka-ben

[brakusjs]

Abenobashi is set in the city of Osaka, NOT Tokyo. If you have the first DVD, the explanation of the accent is spelled out in the booklet. If you don't, here's a quick summary:

Osaka is an international port and financial center, and for the longest time, was considered a backwater town by other Japanese. Osakans had been known to be concerned over money and financial issues, which is considered somewhat crude to traditionalist Japanese citizens.

Folks from Osaka have a certain accent (Kansai or Osaka-ben). The Kansai dialect differs in pronunciation than traditional/standard Japanese, and for the longest time reflected a lack of education or culture. However, the increased popularity of Kansai comedy routines has caused the Kansai/Osaka-ben accent to be much more accepted in Japanese society. (Think of Arumi as Abbott and Sasshi as Costello.)

The English dub HAD to reflect the Osaka dialect in combination with the standard Japanese. The Osaka dialect served not just in characterization, but also the basis for the show's humor, such as the characterizations of Mr. Kouhei in each of the episodes. The presence of an accent could NOT be ignored in this particular show.

After much discussion, ADV went with a slight Texas accent to portray the Osaka-ben dialect. Apparently Osaka shares a lot of traits with the city of Houston: both cities are international ports, both cities are financially cultured, and both cities are in the midst of downtown revitalization. And considering Sasshi and Arumi's tendency to be laid-back and the suburban feel of Abenobashi -- not to mention that Sasshi wears a cowboy hat in almost every episode -- I think the Texas accent fits the series perfectly.

There's an article on animenewsnetwork.com that explains how Osaka-ben was handled in two particular series: Mao-chan and Abenobashi.

Re: Osaka-ben

[djdeastva]

see, I didnt have that. That makes sense.

I'll still be watching the sub.

Re: Osaka-ben

[brakusjs]

Bleah. Figures.

At least it will motivate you to get the DVD so you can hear the Osaka-ben correctly....