photo by author, 27 Feb 2009
Interview 1: Emiri
The first of my two interviewees decided after the interview that she didn't want me to post her voice online. Here's a transcription, with some annotations in [] and translations in ().
Me: ええ (Ehh)
Emiri: 何を 何を 。。 何を喋ったらいい？ (What should I say?)
Me: The.. I’ll just ask questions.
Emiri: お お わかった。 (Okay.)
Me: The decoration on your cellphone, what is it called?
Emiri: Ehh... Ninja. Ninja Cupie.
Me: Ninja Cupie. What kind of decoration is it?
Emiri: It’s the Cupie. Which is from... Which is [a] Japanese mascot. Which is from [the] mayonnaise [called] Ajinomoto. Ajinomoto is a brand name of the food. And this disguise, disguise?
Me: Clothing.
Emiri: Uh yeah, clothing is dress[ed] like [a] Ninja. It’s like a Japanese traditional costume.
Me: Why do people have decoration on their cellphones?
Emiri: I don’t know. I think Japanese [people] has... Ehh... I think Japanese want their own cellphone [to be] outstanding. That’s... I think that’s the reason why.
Me: What kind of things do you think are important about this. What does it mean to you?
Emiri: (to her sister) Ehh? こせいで英語、何と言うなの？ (What is "kosei" in English?)
Sister: Personality.
Emiri: Ah oh... Personality. It describes my personality.
Me: You’re a ninja?
Emiri: Yeah, my ninja. ‘cause my nickname is ninja. [laughs] That’s why I bought it.
Me: ありがとう。 (Thanks!)
Emiri: はい。 (Yes.) You’re welcome.
Interview 2: Daisuke
My second interview was interrupted halfway through - because I had forgot to start the audio recording. This is the second half, where he talks about the character hanging from his cellphone. Please press the play button (black triangle) to start the recording.
Here is the character he talks about:
photo by author, 27 Feb 2009
Daisuke had a little trouble with which words to use here, but I'm grateful to him and the other interviewee, Emiri. Thanks guys!
Unfortunately, my friends didn't really dig as deep as I had hoped they would. They both explained that the cellphone decorations are a method of personal expression without words. I had hoped they would mention the reasons for the need of this form of expression. Sometimes cellphone straps aren't small and convenient, but people use them anyway. Maybe next time somebody will explain why they are willing to inconvenience themselves to keep several bulky decorations hanging from their cellphone.
I remember when you were kids, especially your sister, had several items dangling from her backpack. It gives others insights into what you like and your personality. I think people like to think they are unique, especially when they are young. When you're my age, you realize we are more alike than different. We all have needs, want and basically just want to live in peace.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cool idea! I have often noted the funky (and sometimes bulky) cell phone decorations that many of the asian students studying at my school have on their phones. American students will also "bling" out their phones, but usually with rhinestones or patterned cases that are sold by cell phone companies. I don't notice these decorations on older people's phones--Do you think this trend is also generational?
ReplyDeleteInteresting aspect of Japanese culture. Is it just youth or all cell phone owners?
ReplyDeleteThe reasons both gave were clear. Daisuke said it was a personal expression.
I wonder if it will catch on here in the States?
This is a great idea for a post on Japanese popular culture. I have long wanted to do such a study of cell phone straps and why people choose the ones they have. Lots of potential for interesting pictures. I like the interviews - nice to hear emic voices in your post.
ReplyDelete