With camp about to start, and precious little real news other than the daily roll call of coronavirus infections, so let’s get cracking on slogans, starting today with the Central League:
Yakult Swallows
熱燕 －NEXT STAGE－
Reads as: “netsu tsubame”
It appears to mean: “Passionate swallows” as opposed to feverish or hot swallows.
The team’s explanation: Manager Shingo Takatsu wants Yakult to compete so passionately that it will be engraved on people’s hearts.
Hanshin Tigers
イチにカケル！
Reads as: “ichinikakeru”
It appears to mean: “It all comes down to one”
The team’s explanation: Manager Akihiro Yano wants to emphasize one thing at a time: one pitch, one hit, one instant, and that they will think as one team, striving for one more win and to finish in the No. 1 spot, while being one with the fans. Anyone have just one question?
Yomiuri Giants
不屈～GIANTS EVOLUTION～
Reads as: “fukutsu” which can be translated as “persistence, fortitude, or indomitability#
According to the team it stands for “Reclaim the pennant with an indomitable will and aim to be Japan champions.”
Hiroshima Carp
ガツガツGUTS！
Reads as: “Guts, Guts… and you guessed it, Guts.”
The Carp have a thing about threes, perhaps because of their regional history and the apocryphal tale of Mori Motonari, whose clan lorded over the westernmost part of Honshu Island where Hiroshima is located, during Japan’s warring states period, and the three arrows. Last year’s slogan was “bari bari bari” and in 2018 it was ” ℃℃℃ dododoh!”, perhaps an appeal to fans of “The Simpsons.”
The expression apparently comes from ace pitcher Daichi Osera and means to compete avariciously each and every day and each and every game. I think I liked the Simpsons reference better.
Chunichi Dragons
“All for Victory ～すべては勝利のために～”
Reads as: “All for Victory ~subete wa shori no tame ni~” which is the same phrase, once in Engish and once in Japanese.
The team explains that it was suggested by new manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami.
DeNA BayStars
“横浜反撃”
Reads as: “Yokohama hangeki” which translates as Yokohama counterattack.
It means that in manager Daisuke Miura’s second year in charge, the team will get payback (after finishing last in 2021.)
Give the BayStars and Tigers credit for choosing one language and sticking with it, although going full bilingual like the Dragons, also has its appeal.
