Sometimes, some members ask me, "Are you really Japanese?". You probably understand that it's a foolish question. I have prepared some tests to distinguish real Japanese people. It's not a perfect method, but I pride myself on it being quite a systematic one.
You ask the model the following questions.
１What is the sound of donburako(=どんぶらこ)?
２What is the sound of silence?
３What animal did Urashima Taro save?
４What is a "kairo"(=かいろ)?
Can you answer these questions? If so, let's the answers and explanations.
１What is the sound of donburako(=どんぶらこ)?
Answer, the sound of big peaches flowing down the river.
This is an expression used in Japan's most famous folktale, Momotaro. In real life in Japan, a big peach never appears, nor do Japanese people ever say "Domburakko" in their daily lives.
But we all know the word.
２What is the sound of silence?
Answer, Shiin (₌しーん)
Shiin is an onomatopoeia meaning silence, and also a very strange word used as a sound without sound. I was not sure how to alphabetize this expression.Some model might describe it as shhi or seen; it is preferable to ask the question in public and listen to its pronunciation, not by PM.
３What animal did Urashima Taro save?
Answre, Turtles.
Urashima Taro is the second most famous folktale after Momotaro. Early in the story he rescues a sea turtle that was being abused by a child.
４What is a "kairo"?
Answer, Hand warmer.
It is by no means a misspelling of the capital of Egypt.
Kairo(₌懐炉) means "furnace that warms the bosom" in Japanese. In Japan around 1600-1868, heated stones were placed in the pocket. Around 1950, American soldiers put iron powder and salt in a canteen and used oxidation heat, which the Japanese saw and commercialized it. Today, the term "Kairo" has come to refer to this disposable hand warmer.
How was that?
These should be noted if the model is Japanese who grew up abroad. They may not know these cultures. However, a person born and raised in Japan would be able to answer at least three questions correctly.
And if you want to become Japanese, you should definitely know Momotaro and Urashima Taro.
Thank you!😉
