Okaeri - Ayaka

Just a short update now. I am currently watching a new drama airing in Japan called ‘Zettai Kareshi’ (絶対彼氏) - ‘Absolute Boyfriend’ and, as is usual with these sorts of dramas, the theme song caught my attention. It recently got released in Japan and I was able to download it, so I thought I’d stick it up here for everyone to sample. It has some interesting Irish sounds to it too…

The song’s title is ‘Okaeri’ which takes me way back to beginner’s Japanese. It basically means ‘Welcome home’, said to a family member who is returning home and entering the house. These greetings usually come as a set of 4. Let take a brief blast down memory lane to Japanese 101:

Ittekimasu! (行ってきます) - I’m off! (literally: I’ll go and return - said by the person leaving the house)
Itterasshai! (いってらっしゃい) - Take care! (literally: Go and come back - said to the person leaving)

Tadaima (ただいま) - I’m back (said by the person returning home)
Okaeri! (おかえり) - Welcome home! (said to the person returning home)

Personally, I’m a big fan of these greetings. Sure, they are arguably just ingrained in Japanese culture rather than said with any deep, affectionate meaning. But even so, there’s something nice about having a spritely ‘Itterasshai’ shouted to you as you leave. Of course, I’ve done these things in Britain since I was younger too, but normally just a humble ‘bye’ followed by a ’see you later’. Maybe I should liven up when I say them next time…

Anyway, without further ado:

Download Ayaka - Okaeri

Go on, read more related posts!

• Friday July 16th

Filed under: English, Japan by Mike on Thursday, May 15th 2008 @ 1:09 am |