#debunking!

For years, english Given fandom used unofficial translations as the only reference since official english translations were not available till early 2020.

Given is an ongoing series since 2013 with its first Japanese volume released in November 2014.

Misinformation was heavy due to unofficial translations. Translations done by unofficial translation teams are inherently harmful as it can easily be influenced by bias in comparison to official translations which work with the author in order to portray meaning exactly or as close to the authors intentions.

Debunking Takes: 1.) Akihiko wanted to harm Ugetsu because he was jealous of him

 Akihiko wanted Ugetsu’s extreme connection with his emotions to lessen (dull) in hopes to ease the pain and heavy burden Ugetsu felt.

2.) Haruki was aggressively assaulted due to the strong dialogue

- ‘Wait’ and ‘Stop’

うそうそ (uso uso) = "Lie" or "No way this is happening” is not equivalent to "No"

"待った” (matta) = "Wait" or "hold on a second” is not equivalent to "Stop"

"やめてよ" yameteyo=“stop” was said once and it was to ask Aki to stop looking like he was in pain.

3.) Akihiko never apologized for his actions or was never remorseful

- ‘Apology’

マジで 俺が 全面的に わるい (Majide ore ga zenmen-teki ni warui) = seriously bad, disgraceful, morally bad, strong sense of criticism

Akihiko did apologize but unofficial translation has watered the degree of sincerity.

4.) It was rape/ sexual assault. Akihiko is a rapist.

- ‘Consent’

"和姦" (wakan) = sex with consent

translation teams will always translate in a way that westerners/ english readers will understand. Similar to how suffixes like “-kun”, “-san”, “-chan”, and alike are removed

It’s not rape, they didnt have sex. The accurate term would be sexual assault, but, since Haruki has expressed consent then we cannot by legal terms call it sexual assault either. (Doesnt mean Akihiko was in the right for doing such actions)

It’s a gray area; neither entirely good nor entirely bad.