ruggie (the crowd cheers)

It's been noted frequently that JPN!Tsubaki has a very floaty, playful manner of speech that was entirely cut out of the English localization for a more stronger, bravado approach.

In written dialogue, the quirk is depicted through the following:

(1) はーい！この俺が完璧に説得してみせるよー！(2) 完璧、完璧ー (3) じゃ、行こっかー。

Most writers who try to translate this quirk over use '~' in replacement to the elongated vowels.

Vocally, you can compare the difference in deliveries the following videos:

My Room (General): Subaki (English)

My Room (General): Tsubaki [Japanese]

Tsubaki speaks to non-royal units using 仏形 (casual/familial speech). This is on par with the original Japanese description of him explicitly saying that he has an (outwardly) lighthearted and gentle demeanor. He speaks to the royals formally, however though he still maintains his same vocal quirks despite doing so.

(credit: kantopia wordpress, the literal official fe:if website)

(translation: kantopia on wordpress, source: the official 4koma)

001. Freestyled Introduction for Kazahana + Tsubaki in the localization.

Fire Emblem: Birthright Chapter 7: Fort Jinya

The conversation's been split into three parts to show where the dialogue specifically starts going astray and freestyling, sorry if that breaks up the flow!

Introduction Part I (LOCALIZATION)

Kazahana introduces herself as Sakura's lead retainer, which is loosely on par with the original script. Kazahana and Tsubaki do bicker about semantics, but less about fictitious titles and individual capabilities but more about the conduct befitting of a royal retainer.

JPN ORIGINAL SCRIPT (acquired via pegasusknight)

note: although i've double-checked the translations with one of my friends whose fluent in Japanese, a light level of machine translation was used upon an initial briefing to double-check grammar/文法 (specifically verbs/動詞) that i'm unfamiliar with.

[カザハナ] [Hana] 当たり前だよ！ このカザハナ、サクラ様に最も信頼されている臣下として、 御身をお守りするのは当然のことだわ！ [ツバキ] [Tsubaki] はい。そういうことですのでー。 ただ… カザハナが一番信頼されている、って点だけは 少し疑問ですけどねー。 [カザハナ] な、なんですって！？

[Rough Translation, English]

Kazahana: Obviously! As Sakura-sama's most trusted retainer, protecting you is the natural thing to do! Tsubaki: Right. That would be the case~ Except.... The part about Hana being most trusted one is a little dubious~ Kazahana: Wh-What did you say?!

Introduction Part II (LOCALIZATION)

JPN ORIGINAL SCRIPT

[ツバキ] だってどう見ても君より俺の方が 完璧に優秀じゃないー？ [カザハナ] で、でもあたしとサクラは小さい頃から ずーっと一緒の、大親友なんだよ！？ どう考えてもあなたなんかより 信頼されてるでしょう！？

[Rough Translation, English]

Tsubaki: (in reference to why Hana being Sakura's most trusted retainer is dubious) Because, no matter how you look at it, aren't I perfectly more trustworthy than you? Kazahana: B-But Sakura and I've aaaalways been best friends since we were little! No matter how you look at it, that means she trusts me more than you!

The lack of honorifics that Kazahana uses (or in this case, doesn't use) for Sakura is extremely important here; she does not refer to Sakura as Lady Sakura in the original source. this is a point of contention in Kazahana's conduct brought up in her and Tsubaki's supports.

Introduction Part III (LOCALIZATION)

This is where the localization goes entirely off the rails, because this conversation is non-existent in the original script. Naturally, because Kazahana calling Tsubaki a slacker and alluding to scenarios where Tsubaki neglecting his duties is antithetical to his character; it's explicitly stated and shown in his supports with Sakura (even in the localization) that Tsubaki overworks himself to meet impossible standards, often to his own detriment, and Tsubaki even alludes to this behavior [having to be perfect to please everyone around him] is quite literally suffocating in his final A-support with his daughter, Matoi (JPN script).

Never once in the JPN source game-- and, ironically, ever again in the localization after this incident-- is it ever mentioned that Tsubaki is neglectful towards his duty.

JPN ORIGINAL SCRIPT

img 3 jpn original script

[ツバキ] んー、 そーいう公私混同がだめなんだよ。 今もサクラ様を呼び捨てにしたし… 主君は主君として完璧にお仕えしないと、 いつまでも中途半端なままだよー？ [カザハナ] ええっ！？ ツバキ、あなたねえ…！ [ カムイ] …えっと…

ROUGH TRANSLATION:

[TSUBAKI] Mmm... This is why it's bad to blur the lines between your personal and professional life. Right now you referred to Sakura-sama without proper honorifics again... If you can't serve your lord to perfection, then won't you always be half-hearted~? [KAZAHANA] Eh?! Tsubaki, you...! [KAMUI] Umm.....

In the original source, Tsubaki is the one chastising Hana for her unprofessionalism. In the previous screenshot, Hana wouldn't have referred to Sakura as Lady Sakura when she drops the honorific, but rather solely by Sakura, which Tsubaki is critizing in the original context. This a common reoccurrence for Hana, as Tsubaki even chastises her again for it in their supports and she corrects herself about it even in her supports with Sakura.

002. TSUBAKI'S CONFESSION

this one throws me into a loop because, like the introduction with Kazahana, the changes that the localization made are completely antithetical to his character.

[English Localization] (source)

Subaki: I'm not surprised at your shock. Not to be arrogant, but I hid my emotions perfectly. But now, there is no way for me to hide them. I needed to tell you. Avatar: I don't know what to say... Subaki: I've often been admired for my tireless pursuit of perfection. But you were the first person to ever really try and know me. With you, I can actually show my whole self. Not just the parts that are perfect. It makes me feel stronger, not having to hide my weaknesses. Avatar: I have to admit something... I like you too. Subaki: R-really?! You mean it? Avatar: Yes. I truly believe we can make each other stronger by being together. Subaki: Lady Avatar... Thank you! I've never felt so lucky in all my life! Avatar: Hehe. Me neither. (Confession Scene) Subaki: Darling, you're the very picture of perfection. And we're so perfect together...

lol :sob: this fucking sucks, there's literally nothing else to say about this.

[Japanese Original Script] (source)

[ツバキ] 驚くのも無理はないですよね… 俺はこの想いを完璧に隠していましたから。 でも、もう隠すことはしません。やっぱりあなたに伝えたいと思ったんです。 [カムイ] ツバキ…！ [ツバキ] 今まで、俺の完璧なところが好きだと 言ってくれた人はたくさんいました。 でも、一緒にその問題に向き合ってくれた人はカムイ様が初めてだったんです… そんなあなたになら、俺は全てをさらけ出せる。 完璧じゃない俺でいられるんです。 弱みを見せても親身になって共にいてくれる… そんなあなたこそ、俺には必要なんですよ。 [カムイ] ツバキ…そんな風に 想ってくれていたなんて嬉しいわ。 あたしも、ツバキの力になれていることが嬉しかったの。だから… [ツバキ] ほ、本当ですか…！？ なら、俺との結婚も承諾していただけますか？ [カムイ] ええ。これからもツバキを支えさせてね。 [ツバキ] カムイ様… ありがとうございますー！ それでは、これから二人で…素敵な夫婦を目指していきましょうねー！ [カムイ] ふふっ、わかったわ。 一緒に頑張りましょう！

[ツバキ] 俺は…あなたみたいな人をずっと探してたのかもしれません。大好きです！　完璧じゃない俺を好きになってくれて…ありがとう。

(Rough translation)

Tsubaki: I understand that you're shocked. I hid my feelings perfectly. But I won't hide them anymore, I realized that I really wanted to tell you this. Tsubaki: Up until now, everyone admired me for my perfection. You, however, were the first person to confront its problems with me. With you, I can bear my soul completely. I can be my imperfect self around you. You're there for me and stay by my side, even when I show my weaknesses. You're exactly the kind of person that I needed. Kamui: Tsubaki… I’m so happy to hear you feel that way about me. I’ve been happy to be able to support you, too. So… Tsubaki: R-really…!? Then, will you agree to marry me? Kamui: Yes. Let me continue to support you, Tsubaki. Tsubaki: Kamui-sama…Thank you so much! Well then, from now on, the two of us… let’s aim to be a wonderful couple! Kamui: Hehe, I understand. Let’s do our best together! [Tsubaki's voiced confession] I... I may have always been searching for someone like you. I love you! For loving even my imperfect self... Thank you.

In the JPN original source, Tsubaki doesn't mention having to be stronger. Why would he? The entire point of this confession isn't Tsubaki whetting away his weaknesses, it's the fact that he's bearing them to Kamui in the first place. He doesn't have to to be strong or feel strong with Kamui, he doesn't have to be anything more than his true self.

Tsubaki is speaking entirely from the heart in the Japanese source: He talks about his vulnerabilities, why he needs Kamui, how Kamui was the only one who confronted him about the problems of his perfectionist persona and loved him despite his imperfections, because Avatar sees him for himself.

I also notice that the localization has a heinous habit of shaving off any instance that Tsubaki speaks from his feelings directly, even at his heartfelt moments. They never allow Tsubaki to directly express himself, his thoughts/feelings/emotions unless its about how he's benefiting or improving from something, even though the point of Tsubaki coming this far with the Avatar is that he finally feels safe enough to do so? Something something the localization never truly lets a character be weak, they always have to be strong or get stronger #girlboss, they always have to be some sort of admirable figure even though this type of mentality is literally suffocating Tsubaki.

The Japanese confession and Tsubaki's heartfelt conversation amidst it doesn't allude to any benefit or improvement that'll be made when they get together as per the English localization. They are simply two individuals that love and accept each other-- and for Tsubaki, whose entire character is about meeting impossible expectations and finetuning his personality for everyone else's benefit, this is extremely important. This fact that this confession isn't about how someone may benefit from that said admiration is extremely important to Tsubaki's A-support with his daughter, Matoi.

003. TSUBAKI AND MATOI'S A-SUPPORT.

This is the last discrepancy I will point out because I genuinely hate it so much AND THIS IS, AGAIN, ANTHITHETICAL TO TSUBAKI'S CHARACTER. This time, its with his daughter, Matoi, and their final support chain with each other.

Subaki: ...Caeldori, why are you so obsessed with being perfect? Caeldori: What? Subaki: Answer me. What is it that's driving you? Caeldori: I—er... It's you, Father. I want to be a fighter you can be proud of. Subaki: Well, if that's the case, don't sweat it. I am already proud of you. And your fighting skills truly are remarkable. I'm not just saying that. I think whatever idiosyncrasies and flaws you might have only add to your power. There's value in having a unique style. You can surprise your enemies, for one thing. Well, as long as there aren't any amateur mistakes. Those will get you killed. But you're no amateur, Caeldori. I promise. Caeldori: But I— Subaki: You shouldn't be so concerned with perfection. It's a dream. A myth. You're fine just the way you are. More than fine. You are an outstanding young woman. Caeldori: Father... Subaki: Don't get me wrong. You shouldn't stop training so hard on my account. But you shouldn't continue to do it simply to impress me—or anyone else. If you try to be perfect for everyone else, it will destroy you inside. That's not something I want for you. Caeldori: ...Do you find it difficult to appear perfect sometimes, Father? Subaki: Haha! Very perceptive of you. I suppose it might get trying from time to time, sure. Caeldori: Well, whatever the case may be, know you don't have to put up a front around me. You're my father. My esteem for you will not diminish so easily. Subaki: Caeldori... Thank you. But don't worry about me too much. Just take care of yourself, OK? Caeldori: I see... Very well, then. Thank you, Father. Well, let's call it a day. Would you like to get something to eat with me? I know of a particularly good place in a town not far from here. Subaki: That sounds great. Let's go!

JPN ORIGINAL SCRIPT. SOURCE.

[ツバキ] ………… ねえ、マトイは誰のために完璧になりたいの？ [マトイ] え…？ [ツバキ] 闘い方が完璧になったら、誰に見てもらいたいのかなー？ [マトイ] それは…… …やっぱり、父さんかな。 あたし、父さんに喜んで欲しくて練習してたから。 [ツバキ] それなら、やっぱり今のままでいいよー。 俺はマトイの闘い方が好きだよー。 その構え方、視線の鋭さ、たまに髪を気にしちゃうところも… マトイのありのままの姿を とても愛しく思う。 俺にとっては、どんな完璧な闘い方よりも価値があるんだー。 [マトイ] で、でも…あたし… [ツバキ] マトイはいつも完璧になりたいって、そう言ってくれるけど… マトイは完璧じゃなくたって、色んな欠点があったって、そのままでいいんだよー。 [マトイ] 父さん… [ツバキ] もし、父さん以外の誰かに認めてもらいたくなった時は… その時は、その人に喜んでもらえるようになればいいよー。 いつでも、誰に対しても完璧でいたら、きっと息が詰まっちゃう…俺はマトイに、そんな思いはさせたくないんだー。 [マトイ] …………父さんは… 完璧でいることが辛い時があるの…？ [ツバキ] さあ、どうかなー。そんな時も、あるかもしれないねー。 [マトイ] …だったら、あたしの前では完璧でいなくていいわ。あたしは、父さんが完璧でも…例えそうじゃなくても…全部…大好きだもの。 [ツバキ] マトイ… …うん、ありがとー。 でも俺も、マトイに対して…そう思ってるんだよ。 [マトイ] そう… …ありがとう、父さん。 じゃあ、今日はもう 訓練は終わりにしちゃおうっかな。 父さん、一緒に食事でも行かない？ 店構えはいまいちだけど…とっても美味しいご飯を出すお店があるの。 [ツバキ] いいね、行こう行こう―。 たとえどんなお店でも、俺たちは完璧に楽しんじゃうからねー！ [マトイ] もう、父さんったら…！今日は完璧はお休みよ！ [ツバキ] えへへ… はーい。

(Rough Translation)

Tsubaki: ……… Hey, Matoi, who are you trying to be perfect for? Matoi: Huh...? Tsubaki: When your fighting style becomes perfect, who would you want to see it~? Matoi: That... Of course, it's you, Father. I've been practicing to make you happy. Tsubaki: If that's the case, then you're fine just the way you are~ I love your fighting style. Your stance, your sharp gaze, even the way you sometimes fuss about your hair... I find your true self endearing, Matoi. To me, that's worth more than any fighting style~ Matoi: B-but, I.... Tsubaki: You always say you want to be perfect but... Matoi, it's okay to just be how you are. Even if you're imperfect or have all kinds of flaws~ Matoi: Father... Tsubaki: When there comes a time where you want someone other than Father to acknowledge you... Well, in that case, just do what makes that person happy~ If you're always perfect for everyone, you'll end up suffocating... I don't ever want you to feel that way, Matoi~ Matoi:... Father, is it hard for you to be perfect sometimes? Tsubaki: Well, who knows~? Maybe there's times like that~ Matoi: ...If that's the case, you don't have to be perfect in front of me either. Whether you're perfect or not-- I love everything about you, Father. Tsubaki: Matoi... Thank you~ I feel the same about you. Matoi: Is that so... Thank you, Father. Well then, I think I’ll call it a day with training for today. Dad, do you want to grab a bite to eat? The place doesn’t look like much, but… there’s a restaurant that serves really delicious food. Tsubaki: That sounds good! Let's go, let's go~ No matter what kind of place it is, let's enjoy ourselves to perfection~! Matoi: Oh, Father, you're so...! We're taking a break from being perfect today! Tsubaki: Ehehe... Okaaaa~y

The parts in bold being what I have criticism about, and alluding back to the Corrin Japanese S-Support: the point of Tsubaki's love (romantic and now familial, to his daughter) is the fact it isn't tied to expectations, improvement, or how beneficial someone is. I hate how Tsubaki praises Matoi in the English localization because Tsubaki's love for Matoi isn't centric on how well of a soldier she is, his praise for her isn't for how well her skills are in benefit to someone else or the war-- He praises her for her personal quirks, her true self. He explicitly says that her true self is worth more than any fighting style; he also doesn't say random shit like 'well as long as you don't make any amateur mistakes its fine' because that's not what matters to him when his daughter is seeking his approval! She always had his from the beginning simply for being herself; hence why he's SO doting towards her and why Matoi thinks he's so soft when he doesn't critique her.

Tsubaki's unconditional love is a direct reaction to how he was raised: (in his JPN support with Niles) he was taught that if he wasn't perfect, then he was nothing; in his confession with Kamui, he points out how the admiration he received was only for his perfection but nobody was willing to see how much damage it did to him until Kamui appeared. He was always searching for someone like Kamui-- Someone who could love him, even in the worst of his imperfections. This is also why he cherishes Sakura (S-Support and also his FEH lines regarding her), because she steadily accepts him even in his worst imperfections.

Naturally, now that Tsubaki has a child of his own, he raises her with what he desperately yearned for growing up: Love. Acknowledgement. Someone to accept her true self; a parent whose affection isn't transactional to how perfect he is or whether or not he's a perfect soldier. This is why I hate that Tsubaki only commends Matoi for being a soldier in the English localization-- She's more than that to him; she's his daughter. Simply by existing, simply by being his daughter, she's more than enough for him-- He's truly happy that he's here with him, as she is.

I also think it's pretty bullshit the English localization also cuts off Matoi telling Tsubaki that she loves him for who he is as well, and will continue to love him no matter his imperfections. Because that's what Tsubaki wants to hear from family, too.