#parappa thoughts

#1: They both have powers, especially controlling electricity ⚡

Teriyaki Yoko has shown this ability in the game.

Guru Ant has also shown a similar ability in one of the illustrations from the Parappa the Rapper 2 manual.

#2: They both have two different sides to their personality

From the Um Jammer Lammy manual (Page 83), there is a line about Yoko:

"I wanted to incorporate both a slightly tough side and a feminine side in parallel."

I'm not completely sure about the translation, so this could be a mistranslation or my own interpretation, but it seems like Yoko was designed to have both a slightly tough side and a feminine side. 😯

Meanwhile, Guru Ant also has a similar contrast. In Lessons 1 and 3, he acts very wise and cool, but in Lessons 2 and 4, he acts more scared. It's kind of funny because he tries to act confident and deny that he is scared, but it's pretty ironic, isn't it? 😂😂

#3: Religious mentions/themes

In the Japan version of Um Jammer Lammy, Teriyaki Yoko is shown to be in Hell.

For Guru Ant, in the song "BIG", there are some religious references. He refers to himself as "lord" in the original lyrics, but it was changed to "the man" in the US version because of religious reasons. There is also the line "My mind is like a demon." 🤫😈

Teriyaki Yoko also has more references to angels and devils in the original lyrics of "Taste of Teriyaki", which were changed in other versions.

For example:

"Somebody come and rescue me, before an angel comes to take me round and round."

"If I can have another, another dream, the devil would come back to pick me up with you / If I can have another, another dream, somebody would come back to pick me up with you"

"Somebody come and rescue me quick, or I'm gonna be the angel's next pick!"

"You don't wanna see me get hurt, The angel’s been mean to me, that's for sure! / You don't wanna see me get hurt, My friend's been mean to me, that's for sure!"

"If I can have, have another wish, I want the devil to join my next dish! / If I can have, have another wish, I want a man to join my next dish!"

I know these are probably not meant to be taken literally, but I still think it is an interesting connection. ✨

#4: Their introductions are surprisingly similar

I don't think many people have mentioned this before, but Teriyaki Yoko and Guru Ant's introductions have some similarities.

The camera angles are pretty similar, and both of them kind of start by looking down (Literally and metaphorically) on the characters.

For example:

"Who do you think you are, coming in this late? Don't underestimate me just cuz I'm an idol!"

- Teriyaki Yoko

"Small and worthless... that's what you guys are... (...) Do you really understand the meaning of big??"

- Guru Ant

Both of them have this kind of intimidating introduction where they act superior.

#5: They both have antennas

Yeah, this one is pretty self-explanatory. 😅