Learning Engrish in Japan…
I worked at home today, looking at hundreds of websites for ideas on some new user interfaces ideas [No, really! I was working, honest!] and I stumbled upon a funny (albeit not exactly politically correct) website that focuses on the atrociously misspelled and grammatically off-target English phrases displayed in Japanese advertising, all backed up by actual photos of the products or signs.
- “For indoor and outdoor use only” — on a string of Christmas lights
- “Our clothes makes healthy and sexy impression to us. It transforms yourself completely, and giving you happy times” — on a clothing label
“Do you like bowling? Let’s play bowling. Breaking down the pins and get hot communication. Winning or losing is not a problem” — on a boxed game (sexy, naked female sadly not included)- “Tahitian Noni Juice: Everyone, Everywhore” — no explanation required!
- “Pumpkin Poo Home Made Cake & Pie” — Excuse me, sir, are the napkins supposed to be this color?
- “Come On My House Hotel” — actual name of a hotel
- “It’s burned to a crisp with all our heart.” — on a loaf of bread
- “For Restrooms, Go back toward your behind.” — in a train or bus station
- “DANGER! A dangerous toy. This toy is being made for the extreme priority the good looks. The little part which suffocates when the sharp part gets hurt is swallowed is contained generously.” — no idea what the toy is, but I’m not sure I want one
- “No Smorking in the Building”
- “For the car enthusiast who want to feel the beat of life in his own life” — an ad for the Nissan Terrano SUV
- Whenever and everywhere, we can meet our best friend - nature. Take a grip of steering!” — another ad for the same vehicle
- “Have a smell of Panda droppings. This one is very fragrant.” — on a day planner
I think certain marketing departments should hire more qualified Japanese to Engrish… errr… English translators.
While I quickly discovered that there was nothing of value in terms of an interface, I ended up in hysterics at some of its content. If only all days at work were this fun.
