Summary
When games are localized from Japanese, translators often have to make changes to suit their target audience’s expectations. While some names are transliterated straight from one version to another and change very little, others contain interesting cultural references that may not make it past the process, depending on where they are being exported to.
Due to these considerations, character names in English are sometimes totally removed from the originals. In the original Japanese, as in English,manyAnimal Crossingcharacters’names are animal puns, but others involve Japanese history or are simply words that would have sounded awkward if directly translated for English speakers.
10Clay (Dogurou)
The Goggle-Eyed Historical Hamster
For those who wonder about Clay’s unique design, his Japanese name, Dogurou, holds the secret. Dogu are ancient clay figures, often depicting humans or animals, from Japan’s Jōmon period. These historical artifacts were usually painted with vermilion and inspired the character’s appearance.
Players might recognize these figures fromAnimal Crossingitself, particularly if they’ve collected the “Ancient Statue,” which is modeled after a Shakōkidogū, a goggle-eyed clay figurine. Clay’s design, with its earthy color and ancient aesthetic, pays homage to this aspect of Japanese history.
9Coco (Yayoi)
Friend Of The Gyroids
Coco’s design draws inspiration from Japan’s Yayoi period, specifically the haniwa— which are clay figures that were placed on the tombs of elite individuals. Haniwa were often shaped like animals or humans and directly inspired Coco’s appearance, particularly her hollow eyes which resemble the faces of these ancient statues. Her Japanese name reflects this historical influence.
Meanwhile, her English name, “Coco,” references the humble coconut, which has a similarly hollowed-out look and is often depicted with three holes. Her statuesque appearance and minimal facial expressions make her one of the moreunique characters in the game.Fun fact:haniwa were also the inspiration for gyroids.
8Cyrano (Sakurajima)
An Explosive Anteater
Cyrano’s English name references his large nose, similar to the famous literary character Cyrano de Bergerac. In Japanese, however, his name is Sakurajima, a double reference to a famous active volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture, and a round, bulbous radish of the same name.
Both references suit Cyrano’s design—a character with a fiery temperament and a long snout. While these references are obscure for Western audiences, they make perfect sense in the Japanese cultural context, where Sakurajima is well-known and often learned about by school children.
7Deena (Marimo)
A Nature-Inspired Duck Villager
In Japanese, Deena is named Marimo, which is a type of spherical algae commonly found in lakes. Marimo are popular in Japan, and particularly large ones can be found in Lake Akan, where they grow in abundance. Her catchphrase, “maru,” which means “circle” in Japanese, further reinforces this connection.
While her English name might not convey the same connection to nature, the Japanese name adds depth to her character. Marimo are often kept as “pets” and given as gifts, and symbolize longevity in love, which is fitting for Deena’s endearing personality.
6Dom (Chachamaru)
A Sparkling Debutante
Dom, the lovable, boisterous sheep and fan favorite villager who was introduced in “New Horizons,” goes by Chachamaru in the Japanese version. The name is both fun to say and reflects his lively personality. “Chacha” means disruptive, and is a fitting description for a character who embodies the fitness-loving, high-energy archetype.
The “maru” suffix, which means circle, can refer to his round appearance, but is also a common suffix used in boys’ names. Dom’s Japanese catchphrase, which translates to “sniff sniff,” highlights his large, tearful eyes—a stark contrast to his exuberant demeanor.
5Camofrog (Full Metal)
The Invisible Frog Man
Camofrog’smilitary-inspired appearanceis complemented even further by his Japanese name, Full Metal. This refers not to the anime, but to the 1987 filmFull Metal Jacket, or possibly to the full metal ammunition that gave the film its name.
The catchphrase he uses further points to his military aesthetic, as “ten-hut” is an army term used to command attention. His cranky personality, tough exterior, and camouflage design all align with this military theme, giving his name a deeper connection to his character that may not be as obvious in English.
4Cephalobot (Giga)
Extraterrestrial Automaton
Cephalobot, the robotic octopus villager and resident alien, has a name in English that clearly points to his cephalopod nature. His Japanese name, however, is Gigaa, which references the famousSwiss artist H.R. Giger, known for his biomechanical art style, which blends machine and organic elements.
This fits perfectly with Cephalobot’s design, which seems to blur the line between creature and machine. Additionally, the Japanese word “giga” is a loanword from English, often used in computing terms and as a shorthand for the word gigabyte, further emphasizing his futuristic, mechanical nature.
3Chai (Fika)
A Sweet Crossover
In the Japanese version, Chai’s name refers to the Swedish custom of “fika,” a coffee or tea break enjoyed with something sweet, such as cookies, cakes, or even cinnamon rolls. This is fitting given her adorable teacup-topped designinspired by Sanrio’s Cinnamoroll, and her association with all things sweet and cozy.
While her English name refers to the spiced tea drink, her Japanese name adds an extra layer of cultural reference, making her character all the more charming. Interestingly, she is the only Sanrio character who has a name change between games.
2Cyd (Punks)
Rebel Without A Cause
Cyd’s Japanese name, Punks, is a direct reference to the punk movement, and possibly even to Sid Vicious, the iconic punk rock musician. Punks have garnered a lot of interest within Japan, and this naming convention is notunusual in Japanese media,where foreign-origin names are often adopted for characters to evoke certain traits or subcultures.
However, a character named Punks would not have been likely to play well with Western audiences. In English, his name is a more straightforward reflection of this punk aesthetic, but in both versions, his tough exterior and rebellious personality shine through.
1Ione (Spica)
A Squirrel Who’s Out Of This World
Ione, the glowing blue squirrel, has an otherworldly, celestial design that reflects her Japanese name, “Spica.” In Japanese culture, Spica refers to the brightest star in the Virgo constellation, and it has been historically significant in astrology. Ione’s sparkling tail and starry appearance reinforce this connection to the cosmos, giving her an ethereal, mysterious vibe.
Her glow-in-the-dark features make herstand out from other villagers, making it seem as if she is quite literally a creature of the stars. While her English name retains a mythological sound by referencing a nymph and the ancient Greek word for violet, her Japanese name ties her to the mythic and astronomical origins that inspired her appearance.
