leotacica

While I was reading chapter 32 spoilers I noticed that this statement by Yashiro might be lost in translation, so I thought about elaborating it for those that are interested. Explaining how second person is used in the context of Japanese conversation is actually pretty damn complicated but hopefully I can explain it in a way that makes sense ^^

In general, Japanese people avoid using the word “you” when conversing with others as it is impolite under most circumstances. If the person has a title, you would use that e.g. Sensei, Kashira, Senpai. If not, you use their names e.g. Yashiro, Yashiro-san etc. to avoid using the word “you”  

So, when is it appropriate to use the word “you”?

Before we get to this, it’s helpful to note that there are several ways of saying the word “you” in Japanese. I’ve listed the most common ones used nowadays (in order of politeness)

Anata (あなた) – most polite way of saying the word “you” (tend to be used more by girls than guys but can be both genders). In general, only used when referring to someone equal or lower than yourself, can be both formal and impolite depending on the context you use it in.

Kimi (君) – used when referring to someone equal or lower than yourself (used more by guys than girls) less polite compared to Anata but much politer than Anta/Omae

Anta (あんた/アンタ) – can be used by both genders, comes from the word “Anata” but way more informal. Impolite way of saying “you” in most context

Omae (お前) – used only by guys and similarly to Anta, impolite in most context  

Teme (てめえ)/Kisama (貴様) – used only by guys and rudest way to say the word “you”. You often hear it in anime/manga to insult/express anger at another person but in real life it is not generally used  

So back to the question about when it is appropriate/okay to use the word “you” without necessary being rude…

1.      When older person is using it to refer to someone younger/less authority (e.g. teacher to student, boss to his subordinates, senpai to kouhai)

Yashiro often refers to his subordinates (Doumeki/Nanahara) as “Omae” and Misumi refers to Yashiro as “Omae”. While older person can refer to someone younger/less authority as “you”, in general, younger person should never be using the word “you” at someone who is older/has more authority unless they want to be disrespectful.

2.      When there is strong desire/need to emphasise the word “You”

e.g. I like you [Kimi/Anata ga suki], I need you, what is your name? etc (but even in this case, it is unusual for someone younger to use the word “you” when conversing with older person and whether it’s rude or not is very context dependent).

3.      Between two people that are intimate/close

Husband can refer to his wife as Omae and wife can refer to husband as Anata and it can be an endearment in certain context (more commonly accepted in western Japan than eastern).

Similarly, close male friends can use the word “Omae” especially in the context where their relationship is solid enough that formalities don’t matter. (e.g. Yashiro and Kageyama)  

So how is Doumeki using the word “you”? From volume 1-3 there is two instances where Doumeki uses the word “Anata (you)” at Yashiro

“I’ll do anything if I can be by your side” (volume 1, chapter 3)

“I can’t ask for it to stop if that’s what you want to do” (volume 3, chapter 15)

We see Doumeki using the word “Anata (you)” during a more intimate scene with Yashiro when there is only two of them together. While he should really be saying “Kashira (boss)” instead of “Anata (you)”, he uses it here to emphasise the word “you” and to make his statement more personal by breaking the boundary between boss/subordinate relationship. While Yashiro is clearly noticing this, he doesn’t comment on it. If it was coming from any of the other subordinates, like Nanahara or Sugimoto I’m pretty sure they’ll be thoroughly beaten up. (He later does mention that he has a soft spot for Doumeki and it shows in this instance too)

From end of volume 4 onwards we start to see Doumeki use “Anata” much more frequently. He says it a total of 5 times at Yashiro during the time they spend together at his apartment.

Some examples: “I have always loved touching your hair”; “No if I hadn’t met you I would be…” (volume 5 chapter 24)

Here the word “Anata” conveys a more possessive tone akin to those exchanged between lovers.

In chapter 32, Doumeki again refers to Yashiro as “Anata”

“I will not leave your side”

Yashiro repeats the word “Anata” back  at Doumeki to make a statement that he is overstepping his boundaries as it is not a term that should be used between a boss and his subordinate. He also states right after that it was a mistake for him to sleep with Doumeki (Just because we’ve slept together, don’t think that you can boss me around is the undertone here)

I read Banana Fish over a decade ago (serialised from 1985-1994) and recently discovered that it’s been adapted into an anime (much to my present surprise!).

To refresh my memory, I went back to read the manga series again and I noticed quite a lot of similarities between Ash (main protagonist of Banana Fish) and Yashiro,

Ash is a leader of street gang

Charismatic, drop dead gorgeous, incredibly smart but genuinely cares for those close to him

Has had an abusive childhood 

Meets pure-hearted cinnamon bun who will eventually help him heal and comes to terms with what happened in the past  

Sounding familiar enough?

The story is plot driven and revolves around solving the mysteries surrounding Banana Fish and conflict between street gangs and mafia.

I don’t think I’ve ever gone through so many different emotions in such a short space of time. It’s been almost 24 hours since I’ve read the chapter but it’s been on auto-play in my mind and I can’t stop thinking about it ;-;

My feeling was so mixed up in the beginning because Yashiro looks so damn scared, uncertain, lost and nothing like the confident, in control, playful boss that we’re so accustomed to seeing...

But through midway, I feel he regains a bit of composure and starts ordering Doumeki, so I feel bit better about the whole situation

and I love that they’re communicating quite well during sex

I also love the disobedient Doumeki going “Nope, not going to hurt you boss”

Here you need more lubrication…

Let me go get you a pillow so you’re not going to be uncomfortable 

And Yashiro in the end is like, “geez I give up” and lets Doumeki do it from the front <3

But just as I was beginning to think it was all working out and this sex was not a bad idea after all...we get the flashbacks and crying Yashiro and I feel so sad again :(

His face at the end of the chapter also worries me immensely

Some people have commented that he looks determined but I’m not so sure…he looks tired, sad and more venerable than I’ve ever seen him...

I’ll just end by pointing out few other things that caught my attention (it would be great if someone can enlighten me because I feel unsure about both of these things...)

1. There seems to be some miss communication happening between Yashiro and Doumeki here

Yashiro doesn’t think Doumeki understands his plea “don’t break me”...

2. We’ve always known that Yashiro’s (sick, paedophile) step dad was at the core of how his personality/sexual orientation developed and in this chapter we get a little more insight into their relationship 

Little Yashiro looks so pure and innocent here it breaks my heart ;-;

To me, it looks like he’s comforting his step dad, telling him “don’t worry about it, I enjoy pain”

Which leads me to question, why would Yashiro tell his step dad that he enjoys pain?? I feel like this is a key moment that leads to him being attached to painful sex…