Good evening! This is my commentary about the globally popular Netflix show, Terrace House. I observe how the six strangers living together interact, and I analyze the impression they make on Japanese viewers. This blog represents my unhealthy obsession for the show and my first-hand understanding of Japanese culture as someone who was born and raised in Japan. There is no bias at all in my analysis…or at least, I try!
In this episode, two pairs (Ruka & Risako, Kaori & Shohei) went out on their first dates! Date episodes are always fun because you can see a different side of the members.
Leaving aside some of the obvious discoveries (like Ruka’s childish choice of movies and his lack of extremely basic English vocabulary), I will focus on Risako and Kaori, as some of their actions seemed to have slipped under the radar among non-Japanese viewers.
Cutie Patootie
Risako, the fitness instructor and parkour enthusiast has had nothing but positive comments so far on the Internet. People commented that she seems to be a kind, energetic, and fun girl to hang out with. This very episode, however, is when Japanese viewers began to find something a bit off with her personality.
When describing her date with Ruka to Kaori, Risako mentioned that he was very kind by “lending [her] his coat.” The exact words she uses are:
服与えてくれて（fuku ataete kurete)
Ataeru means ‘to give’ in Japanese but it has a very specific nuance. It’s used when giving something to someone of a lower status. For instance, a mother would ataeru (give) her child some candy, or a person would ataeru (give) his dog a treat.
I’m not entirely sure why she uses this verb. At first, I thought she was strategically using the verb to appear as a cute little girl that needs extra love and protection.
But then she used the same word when talking about taking care of Ruka, who was sick in bed.
りんご与えてあげようかな (Ringo ataete ageyō kana)
My translation: Maybe I’ll give him some apples.
This causes Haruka to chuckle uncomfortably at Risako’s weird choice of words. Perhaps Risako wants people to think of her as a quirky individual?
Another weird manner of speech that Japanese viewers noticed was her numerous use of the adverb, とっても (tottemo).
とても (totemo) equivalent to “very” in English, is used in slightly formal situations to add emphasis. Tottemo (kicked “t” for added emphasis) however, sounds childish and immature. It also sounds a bit fake, as most young people would use the following adverbs for emphasis:
- 超 (chō)
- 相当 (sōtō)
- かなり(kanari)
- めちゃくちゃ (mechakucha)
- めっちゃ (meccha)
Some Japanese viewers also commented on her lisp and a nasally voice, which are considered babyish and adorable among some Japanese men — to the extent that some girls actually fake a lisp. It’s a thing.
While Risako may appear as a bubbly individual, this episode raised suspicion among Japanese women, who tend to dislike fake cutesy personalities. You can even see a bit of this during the episode when both Haruka and Kaori are caught off-guard by her liberal use of ataeru.
Risako will be one to watch in the following episodes; is it real or will the facade crumble?
Upper-class Background
Ah, Kaori. She has so far impressed us with her astonishing educational background, career, and mature personality.
Many Japanese people wondered about her family background, as her profile states that she attended Seijo Gakuen, a private educational institute, from 6 to15, and even went to a high school in Canada. Known as the school for rich people and celebrities, the annual tuition at Seijo Gakuen is almost 10 times more than any regular public school.
When Kaori confessed that she’s never had tamago kake gohan, many Japanese viewers were shocked but also used this piece of information to confirm that she is indeed from a wealthy family.
Tamago kake gohan, or TKG, is a dish that consists of a raw egg and a dash of soy sauce on a bowl of white rice.
It’s one of the most popular dishes among Japanese people, as it is quick, cheap, and tasty. To say that you’ve never eaten TKG in Japan is like saying that you’ve never had PB&J.
Kaori explains that she’s been reluctant to pouring soy sauce over rice, as she didn’t want to stain the white rice. While this may sound a little OCD to non-Japanese viewers, this actually is a legit table manner. Soiling white rice with other foods is not only aesthetically unappealing but is also considered to be unsophisticated.
Nowadays, this etiquette is almost completely ignored/forgotten. Most people only think about it when eating at a high-class Japanese restaurant. For someone to mention they’ve never stained white rice gives the impression that they grew up in a rich and respectable family.
Despite her seemingly upper-class background, Kaori appears to be grounded and extremely humble. She never brags and always listens to what other people have to say. Unlike other members so far, Kaori’s impression among viewers seems to improve each week!
How will her background affect her relationship with others, who might not come from the same environment? I can’t wait to see!
What did you guys think? Does this change your impression on the members?
See you next week!
