Post by cratesofhippos on Oct 11, 2017 15:07:16 GMT -4
So, while I was away, I spent a reasonable amount of time in Japan. And like any self-respecting dodger, whenever I had a chance to get to a Pokémon Center, I grasped that chance with both hands and an empty wallet. That time is almost a year ago now, but I have come away with many important things.
This Rocket Pikachu (they had Pikachu of all the different villain groups, including one that was randomly dressed as a JR train driver. I don't know if that was meant to be a tribute, or Nintendo are just putting train drivers on blast).
This very sad Pikachu:
Why are you sideways, Pikachu?
Memories of a gaggle of Japanese 8 year olds following me around the shop, bringing me different Pokémon toys and asking what that Pokémon was called in English, then, without fail, laughing at the answer.
And harsh memories of the time that I stepped backwards without looking and came very close to knocking over an almost 2m tall Chansey that was there to entertain the children. Luckily an agile shop assistant saved mine (and Chansey's) blushes.
But the thing I wanted to tell you guys about is the music that they play in those shops. They are all different genres, but are all parodies based on a particular Pokémon. I particularly enjoyed them for the way they seem to poke fun at their own game mechanics and characters. It's a beautiful bit of self-awareness. There are a few that have been translated into English, which I'm sure you've all seen before. Like the famous Reggae Slowpoke jam: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOqy8cC72wA. And this incredibly inspiring Magikarp ballad: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3x3-22Gi3g
But there was one, which has not yet been translated - that was the one that really stuck in my head. (I haven't seen anyone post about these, so apologies if this is old news - but unless you follow the Japanese Pokémon Youtube channel, you mightn't have seen it). This song became the official soundtrack of our journeys. I sang it with my sister so much that we began to hate it, then broke through the wall of hate, back to loving again. I want this playing at my funeral. This is my life.
I present to you, for your consideration, "Ditto's Song". (There are some pretty spot-on English captions, btw)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gKiKpZ_Rio
This Rocket Pikachu (they had Pikachu of all the different villain groups, including one that was randomly dressed as a JR train driver. I don't know if that was meant to be a tribute, or Nintendo are just putting train drivers on blast).
This very sad Pikachu:
Memories of a gaggle of Japanese 8 year olds following me around the shop, bringing me different Pokémon toys and asking what that Pokémon was called in English, then, without fail, laughing at the answer.
And harsh memories of the time that I stepped backwards without looking and came very close to knocking over an almost 2m tall Chansey that was there to entertain the children. Luckily an agile shop assistant saved mine (and Chansey's) blushes.
But the thing I wanted to tell you guys about is the music that they play in those shops. They are all different genres, but are all parodies based on a particular Pokémon. I particularly enjoyed them for the way they seem to poke fun at their own game mechanics and characters. It's a beautiful bit of self-awareness. There are a few that have been translated into English, which I'm sure you've all seen before. Like the famous Reggae Slowpoke jam: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOqy8cC72wA. And this incredibly inspiring Magikarp ballad: www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3x3-22Gi3g
But there was one, which has not yet been translated - that was the one that really stuck in my head. (I haven't seen anyone post about these, so apologies if this is old news - but unless you follow the Japanese Pokémon Youtube channel, you mightn't have seen it). This song became the official soundtrack of our journeys. I sang it with my sister so much that we began to hate it, then broke through the wall of hate, back to loving again. I want this playing at my funeral. This is my life.
I present to you, for your consideration, "Ditto's Song". (There are some pretty spot-on English captions, btw)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gKiKpZ_Rio
