Approving of westernized names for Pokémon, but not for other franchises?

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Forgive the title for sounding awkward, I wasn't sure how to phrase it.

Alright, so it occured to me while driving home from the local air force base's commercary that it might be a double standard for those that don't mind the Pokémon characters being given westernized names (for example Hikozaru becomes Chimchar) but they do when characters from other Anime are give them (for example, I HATE how Viz uses the 4Kids names for Jūdai and the gang from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX). Is it a double standard? Not so much, for me (yes Dogasu, I remember that email you sent to DaizenshuuEX, this thread was inspired by it) because:


Nintendo is the one changing its out character names (it's not like Tajiri names ALL the Pokémon, right?).
Most Pokémon names are puns, right? What two year old is going to understand a Japanese pun?


Call it a double standard, call it hypocritical, call it stupid. I'll call 'em what I'm cursed to call 'em (there's 493 of them!).

[Master Moron]

What makes you think we like the Westernized names in Pokemon? I sure as hell don't.

[Ashton Anchors]

What makes you think we like the Westernized names in Pokemon? I sure as hell don't.

Agreed. Satoshi -> Ash?

[Gokou Ruri]

I prefer them (due to puns) though a few of them rub me the wrong way (Abomasnow... wow, that's original.. but it's better than Freezer or Booster, I guess.

I also don't mind the "Americanized" (technically Pokemon have different names in different Western countries too, so Americanized is more accurate) human names since I find that they fit better.

So yeah, double standard I guess, though we already had a double-standard thread :sweat:

[RomanMack]

Maybe not the Pokemon, since alot of their names are sopposed to be puns, and the japanese names wouldn't make sense here (even though they leave some with their Japanese names, which kinda ruins that theory). But the human characters? Defenantly.

People make a big deal about "Zolo", yet, overlook things like "Snap" (or Todd, whatever it is now)? Of course, that's because One Piece (and Naruto and the like) have a big fan sub community, while Pokemon doesn't.

And that seems to make the difference, somehow.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Well, yeah, I meant the names of the creatures, not the humans.

[Yash]

One thing that one would have to consider is that Pokémon is aimed towards younger audiences. Which isn't to say that young audiences are stupid or wouldn't get it, but it's just easier to connect, especially for a 500+ episode series where new characters and places are introduced frequently.

As for the creatures, it's even more understandable because most of the Pokemon names mean the same thing when broken down in English and Japanese. Like how Girafarig is called Kirinriki in Japan, "kirin" meaning "giraffe."

Name changes in One Piece are strange if only for the fact that "Sanji" and "Tashigi" are American enough for 4Kids' audience, but "Cobra" and "Ace" aren't.

[Tash]

Calling a legendary flaming bird Pokemon "Fire" just sounds lame in English.

[Gokou Ruri]

Calling a legendary flaming bird Pokemon "Fire" just sounds lame in English. Like calling a guy who smokes "Smoker". Engrish always sounds bad to a native speaker.

[Dudley]

I like it when they Americanize the names of the Pokemon when they see it fit to do so. For me that makes they're names easier to remember and feature puns people can understand.
However, when the Pokemon talk, they sound a lot better when they say their Japanese names instead of their English names. It just sounds less stupid.

[Duke]

People make a big deal about "Zolo", yet, overlook things like "Snap" (or Todd, whatever it is now)? Of course, that's because One Piece (and Naruto and the like) have a big fan sub community, while Pokemon doesn't.
Most people don't really know that Todd was named Snap since the "Snap" episodes were only on CN and DVD and when he came back in Johto League Champions, 4Kids decided to just use "Todd" and not even bother with a "Snap" version.

[Andrew T. Hingson]

Name changes are the least of any problem most westernized dubs have.

I find it humorous that 4kids changes names to be so incredibly generic though sometimes the Japanese name was generic as well.

Nintendo is the main name changer of Pokemon and for character names they tend to go by the same policy. Shinji is pretty common as is Paul.

I also don't mind the name changes in Zatch Bell as there aren't too many and they're not terribly noticible.

Names changed for censorship reasons are understandable. So I never much had a problem with Smoker being Chaser.

I also didn't mind the name changes in Case Closed.

I don't know what it is but some name changes just seem lamer than others. The one I can think of on the top of my head is Trace. Really now... there was no reason for the change and I pitty the child that ended up with that name.

And anyone who has ever watched YGO GX could tell you that no 4kids employee should EVER be allowed to name their own kids.

[Antiyonder]

Names changed for censorship reasons are understandable. So I never much had a problem with Smoker being Chaser.

Considering that censorship lacks consistentcy, I'd almost disagree. They couldn't call the exploding black orbs bombs, but they could name a Charmander Zippo?


I don't know what it is but some name changes just seem lamer than others. The one I can think of on the top of my head is Trace. Really now... there was no reason for the change and I pitty the child that ended up with that name.

Grasping at straws here, but there is Dick Tracy.

[Andrew T. Hingson]

Well Tracy kinda works and the Pokemon character of the same name didn't much bother me. Though it suits a last name better. But Trace doesn't have much of a ring to it and Tracy somewhat does.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I hate the americanized Pokemon names just as much as the names in any other hackdub, and I always use the Japanese names.

And yes, doing otherwise is a double standard.

[Scythemantis]

This kind of thing is why I can never be a part of the Otaku world. I not only COMPLETELY don't care what they call a character or what kind of voice they give him/her, I prefer a familiar-sounding name.


What makes you think we like the Westernized names in Pokemon? I sure as hell don't.

But their Japanese names are exactly the same. Plays on everyday words. They only sound "cooler" when it isn't your first language.

[Tay the Cat]

I don't personally care about name changes in anime.

English is my native language, so guess what names I'm gonna use?

Yep. English. They're a hell of a lot easier to pronounce, plus most of the Japanese names are really stupid, to be honest.

I have used Japanese names when it comes to things like Yuugiou, but even then, only the easier to remember names.

That's it, however. Perhaps when I learn Japanese, but until then, English it is.

[Antiyonder]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I hate the americanized Pokemon names just as much as the names in any other hackdub, and I always use the Japanese names.

And yes, doing otherwise is a double standard.

And there are other countries which change the name for any given reason as well. So why is it different when our country does it? I hear in Japan that The Hunchback Of Notre Dame is titled "The Bells Of Notre Dame", because Hunchback is considered an demeaning term there.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I don't personally care about name changes in anime.

English is my native language, so guess what names I'm gonna use?

Yep. English. They're a hell of a lot easier to pronounce, plus most of the Japanese names are really stupid, to be honest.

I have used Japanese names when it comes to things like Yuugiou, but even then, only the easier to remember names.

That's it, however. Perhaps when I learn Japanese, but until then, English it is.

So when you watch an anime that keeps the Japanese names do you make up your own English names to call them?


And there are other countries which change the name for any given reason as well. So why is it different when our country does it? I hear in Japan that The Hunchback Of Notre Dame is titled "The Bells Of Notre Dame", because Hunchback is considered an demeaning term there.

...Where did I say it's different when our country does it? I think changing the names is wrong, no matter which country is doing it.

I believe in preserving the artist's original intent, in all cases.

[Luna]

While I'd rather they keep the original names,I also don't mind name changes for stuff like Pokemon,where it's aimed more at young children,and the name changes are probably easier for them to remember.....Come to think of it,I also liked some of the Sailor Moon name changes (especially Serena/Bunny instead of Usagi)...

[Antiyonder]

So when you watch an anime that keeps the Japanese names do you make up your own English names to call them?

Not really, I can enjoy an anime either way, as long as the stories are entertaining. Ever heard of respecting an opposing opinion?


...Where did I say it's different when our country does it? I think changing the names is wrong, no matter which country is doing it.

Cause I've only seen you comment on the anime situations so far.


I believe in preserving the artist's original intent, in all cases.

True, but it's not worth flamming toon zoners or anyone online over.

[Scythemantis]

...Where did I say it's different when our country does it? I think changing the names is wrong, no matter which country is doing it.

I believe in preserving the artist's original intent, in all cases.And I believe you're more serious about japanimation (tee hee!) than anybody ought to be. Even artists don't get angry over these trivial changes. They're not insulting, they're interesting.

It's ESPECIALLY ridiculous to be like this over Pokemon names. We aren't talking about Shakespeare here. Their names are just catchy jokes thrown together so people can easily remember them. That you live in an English-speaking country but take the time to memorize and use only the Japanese names of several hundred cartoon animals is pointless, insane and frankly a little creepy. Sometimes I think anime fans almost universally suffer from some form of OCD. Nobody in their right mind should be offended that a monster named "stinky flower" is named "Gloom" in the states or "that's right" was changed to "Wobbuffet".

[Tay the Cat]

So when you watch an anime that keeps the Japanese names do you make up your own English names to call them?
No, because then I know how to pronounce them.




...Where did I say it's different when our country does it? I think changing the names is wrong, no matter which country is doing it.

I believe in preserving the artist's original intent, in all cases.
Thing is, the artist would call you a crazy man. They don't give two craps about things like this. And in some cases, they like the changes better.

[GWOtaku]

While I agree with the thread's point in principle I think the lack of outrage is simply pragmatic, not hypocritical. We expect this from 4Kids, it's simply old news. It'd be one thing to protest if the behavior seemed likely to change, but it doesn't.

Also, like it or not continuity is a big issue at this point. Pokemon is over 10 years old now, it wouldn't work very well to suddenly call Ash "Satoshi" and change all these different names your audience is familiar with in the name of serving original intent. I'm indifferent to Pokemon so I wouldn't care, but there are plenty of kids/American fans that would care and feel confused, if not downright annoyed.

[Scythemantis]

I think the lack of outrage is simply pragmatic, not hypocriticalNo, lack of outrage is just healthy. There is not one single logical reason for one single person on the entire face of the Earth to get angry over what an animated character is named in a translation, period. It shouldn't matter if their name is Sephiroth or Anusface Von Butterwobbles. It's the same damn character and it's only a cartoon created to entertain and earn money. A new name for a character does not normally change anything about the storyline or entertainment value. Complaining about it is why the rest of the world looks down on us fans, including the artists and writers behind our favorite franchises.

And "Ash" is a far cooler name than Satoshi. Satoshi is an everyday name. It's also the creator's name, yes, but he doesn't mind the change to "Ash" and neither should you.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Not really, I can enjoy an anime either way, as long as the stories are entertaining. Ever heard of respecting an opposing opinion?

I respect opposing opinions, it was an honest question. I have a large amount of respect for Top Cat, despite the fact we seem to disagree 95% of the time.


Cause I've only seen you comment on the anime situations so far.Being a citizen of the US, the only 'name change' situation that would affect me is foreign products being adapted into English. It would bug me just as much if it was a French property(if we got some dub of Asterix where he was called 'Aaron', I'd be raising hell, believe you me), or a German property, or what not.

US based properties getting name changes in foreign markets like Japan is just as big as a problem, but it simply doesn't affect me. I find it silly, but there's no reason for me to really rant about an adaption that I'll never be exposed to. If it comes up, I might comment that it's stupid, but that's about it.


True, but it's not worth flamming toon zoners or anyone online over.No, it isn't. And so far I haven't seen anyone flaming on this thread.


And I believe you're more serious about japanimation (tee hee!) than anybody ought to be. Even artists don't get angry over these trivial changes. They're not insulting, they're interesting.

Some artists do, actually. And many of them simply are never aware of foreign adaptions. Yes, some might just find it interesting, but there's no reason to make a blanket statement about all artists.

I don't think I'm being that serious about anything, either. I'm simply expressing my viewpoint on something that I'm interested in.


It's ESPECIALLY ridiculous to be like this over Pokemon names. We aren't talking about Shakespeare here. Their names are just catchy jokes thrown together so people can easily remember them. That you live in an English-speaking country but take the time to memorize and use only the Japanese names of several hundred cartoon animals is pointless, insane and frankly a little creepy. Sometimes I think anime fans almost universally suffer from some form of OCD. Nobody in their right mind should be offended that a monster named "stinky flower" is named "Gloom" in the states or "that's right" was changed to "Wobbuffet".I'm not offended, I simply prefer to use the Japanese names, and I feel that name changes are not a good idea. Where have I shown any anger in this thread?

As far as the fact that I know the Japanese names of Pokemon...I'm a fan of the franchise. I have been for 8 years. I watch the anime in Japanese, so of course I'm going to know the Japanese names. I've also got a great memory for random, pointless facts.

I don't see why you need to get so upset about this.


No, because then I know how to pronounce them.

And just watching one episode of an anime in Japanese and you know how to pronounce the Japanese names, too.


Thing is, the artist would call you a crazy man. They don't give two craps about things like this. And in some cases, they like the changes better.

Once again, there's no need for blanket statements. Especially considering there have been cases of artists being outraged at changes being made to a product of theirs in a foreign market.

And if some artists don't care what happens outside of their home country, does that mean we shouldn't? They might not care just because it's out of their world, but it's in ours. Should we be deprived of seeing the artist's vision?

[GWOtaku]

posted by Scythemantis:

No, lack of outrage is healthy. There is not one reason for a single person on the entire face of the Earth to get angry over what an animated character is named in a translation, ever. It shouldn't matter if their name is Satoshi or Anusface Von Butterwobbles. It's the same damn character and it's JUST a cartoon. This kind of petty complaining is why the rest of the world looks down on us fans, including the artists and writers behind our favorite franchises.

I don't disagree with you, I think there are much bigger fish to fry.

[J'onn J'onzz]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I hate the americanized Pokemon names just as much as the names in any other hackdub, and I always use the Japanese names.

And yes, doing otherwise is a double standard.
No one else is outraged because no one else is an elitist fanboy for the Japanese version of Pokemon.

No, lack of outrage is healthy. There is not one reason for a single person on the entire face of the Earth to get angry over what an animated character is named in a translation, ever. It shouldn't matter if their name is Satoshi or Anusface Von Butterwobbles. It's the same damn character and it's JUST a cartoon. This kind of petty complaining is why the rest of the world looks down on us fans, including the artists and writers behind our favorite franchises.
Actually, I'd be pretty angry if his name was Anusface Von Butterwobbles because that's a really stupid name, and I'd be angry that someone was stupid enough to think that was a good name to call the character.

[Antiyonder]

No, it isn't. And so far I haven't seen anyone flaming on this thread.

You do provide the sparks though, and we all know a spark can start a fire. What I mean is that the tone in which you state your opinion lacks civility, and that part of the reason animation fans are frowned upon by others as Scythemantis mentioned. Like with your posts concerning the upcoming Digimon dub, one would get the feeling you're trying to make US fans feel guilty for wanting to see it.

Had I answered your question differently and said I prefered the name changes without question, how would you have responded.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Had I answered your question differently and said I prefered the name changes without question, how would you have responded.

If you like name changes better, that's not my concern. We live in a free country, and everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.

If you claimed that 'name changes make the show better, and Japanese names suck' I'd have challenged you on that note, but I have no desire to challenge someone on their personal preferences about names. Although it seems others don't feel that way, as they're enjoying challenging me on my own naming preferences, and going as far as to claim that it makes me 'creepy'.

[Antiyonder]

If you claimed that 'name changes make the show better, and Japanese names suck' I'd have challenged you on that note, but I have no desire to challenge someone on their personal preferences about names. Although it seems others don't feel that way, as they're enjoying challenging me on my own naming preferences, and going as far as to claim that it makes me 'creepy'.

That's because of the tone in which you state your opinion.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

That's because of the tone in which you state your opinion.

The tone? I said that I prefer the Japanese names to the Americanized ones, and I commented that if you prefer the US names for Pokemon, but the Japanese names for all other anime (as many people do), that's a double standard. That's pretty much the definition of a double standard, so I don't see the issue there.

I don't see any hostile tone in there.


Anyways, I don't want to turn this thread into yet another "Everyone jump all over KuwabaraTheMan for not worshiping the mainstream opinion and daring to have his own opinions", so if anyone else has a beef with me or my posts, PM me. I want to get this thread back on track before the mods have to do that, or close it.

[Scythemantis]

No, you really did sound hostile and too serious even if that wasn't your intention and you continue to do so. Example:


"Everyone jump all over KuwabaraTheMan for not worshiping the mainstream opinion and daring to have his own opinions"Everything about your wording here just screams "elitist". You may not think it does, but it sounds exactly the way I would expect someone to sound if they're taking this issue too far. You even accuse me of being upset, and I'm not upset at all, I just think this level of fandom is entirely silly.

[Antiyonder]

I'd have to say one change that would qualify for amusement, despite it being out of censorship would be Dragonball Z's term HFIL. I mean it does in my opinion, suit the goofier aspects of the show than Hell.

[Rolling Cloud]

And anyone who has ever watched YGO GX could tell you that no 4kids employee should EVER be allowed to name their own kids.

I feel bad for the parents in that group. >_> Those poor kids.

Hassleberry, Jesse, Adrian. My god! >.<


Yu-Gi-Oh GX too, Atticus Rhodes is just an awesome name compared to Fubuki Tenjouin, and it fits the whole "British" setting better than a Japanese name.

But, but, Fubuki's not british!

[Gokou Ruri]

I don't personally care about name changes in anime.

English is my native language, so guess what names I'm gonna use?

Yep. English. They're a hell of a lot easier to pronounce, plus most of the Japanese names are really stupid, to be honest. I'm a bit similar. For Japanese animation, Japanese names don't really fit for me, because none of the characters look Asian. They look pretty Western-ized (which was the point of their animation in the first place) So Dawn looks more like a Dawn than a Hikari, to me. Same with Lucian looking more like a Lucian than a Goyo. Short of series like Lone Wolf and Club that actually take place in Feudal Japan, Japanese names always sounded weird to non-Japanese looking characters), so I think the Americanized names sound much better.

Yu-Gi-Oh GX too, Atticus Rhodes is just an awesome name compared to Fubuki Tenjouin, and it fits the whole "British" setting better than a Japanese name.


While I agree with the thread's point in principle I think the lack of outrage is simply pragmatic, not hypocritical. We expect this from 4Kids, its simply old news. It'd be one thing to protest if the behavior seemed likely to change, but it doesn't. 4Kids wasn't in charge of the name changes, Nintendo is and always will be. Same with Yu-Gi-Oh!, Konami was the one changing the names and 4Kids had to dub according to what Konami said (I remember 4Kids called Elven Swordsman "Elven Swordsmans, before the card game came out over here. When it did, Konami changed it to Celtic Guardian so 4Kids had to change it accordingly)

[Jave]

It would bug me just as much if it was a French property(if we got some dub of Asterix where he was called 'Aaron', I'd be raising hell, believe you me), or a German property, or what not.Ehh... you're aware that nearly EVERY name in the English version of the Asterix comic and movies is changed from the original?

[Kaiser0120]

I feel that the name changes of the Pokemon themselves is completely fine, in my book. Mostly because each name change retains the spirit of each Pokemon and is only made so that American children can understand and grow attached to them like the Japanese. It would not work as well if Infernape was called Goukazaru, but the name is basically the same.

This is also coming from a guy who despises name changes. Every name change in One Piece besides Zolo, I don't approve of. Why? Because Smoker, as redundant as the name sounds, if that character's original name, as interpreted by the manga-ka. Same with Ace. But, here's the deal. The Pokemon in the games are given a westernized name and a Japanese name respectively because of marketing. It isn't a case of some American company licensing the game and then deciding the change all the names. These names are brainstormed within Nintendo, to preserve the original name's meaning and nature, and are usually extremely well picked.

As far as the names of the human characters go, that's a little bit of a different story, however I ultimately feel like it was a good decision to change their names. Why?

Even as a kid, I knew what anime was. I knew it was from Japan and that it was brought to America, then dubbed. However, I can say that as a kid, I'd never of felt that the show was as open and enjoyable if it had been Satoshi, Kasumi and Takeshi all ganging together, before Kenji would enter, there Haruka, and of couse Shigeru being the ever cocky rival. To further illustrate my last point, I don't know if, as a kid, I'd of dug Fushigidane over Bulbasaur.

It's also funny because Kasumi means Mist, so Misty isn't too far off. Takeshi means brave of strong, so Brock isn't all that bad. And Sa-to-sh is Ash, and Shigeru is Gary. But ultimately, the name changes are just a matter of localizing these names to bee connect with western children just like their Japanese counterparts did with Japanese children. This show is aimed at little kids, about 5-9, unlike shows like One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and others, of which are aimed at the 9-14 crowd. Does that ALWAYS make name changes ok? Not really, but in this case? It doesn't detract from the enjoyment from the show, it doesn't detract from the meaning of the show or the characters, and it doesn't undermine American audiences or the original creators intentions. Especially considering the fact that Pokemon is nothing more than a giant commercial for the Pokemon games with a bunch of kooky stories and some good ol' moral fiber here and there.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

I feel that the name changes of the Pokemon themselves is completely fine, in my book. Mostly because each name change retains the spirit of each Pokemon and is only made so that American children can understand and grow attached to them like the Japanese. It would not work as well if Infernape was called Goukazaru, but the name is basically the same.

This is also coming from a guy who despises name changes. Every name change in One Piece besides Zolo, I don't approve of. Why? Because Smoker, as redundant as the name sounds, if that character's original name, as interpreted by the manga-ka. Same with Ace. But, here's the deal. The Pokemon in the games are given a westernized name and a Japanese name respectively because of marketing. It isn't a case of some American company licensing the game and then deciding the change all the names. These names are brainstormed within Nintendo, to preserve the original name's meaning and nature, and are usually extremely well picked.

That's pretty much what I was originally trying to convey in my opening post. Outside of the 'Zolo' thing, that is.

[RomanMack]

See, and that I don't agree with.

Basically, what people here seems to think is with Pokemon name-changes don't matter since it's a "marketing" type of anime, and is aimed at a younger demographic.

Yet the instance a show like One Piece does it, bloody mary is called forth.

I mean, seriously... In this dub we have people complaning about how the names are PRONOUNCED. >_<

[Kaiser0120]

See, and that I don't agree with.

Basically, what people here seems to think is with Pokemon name-changes don't matter since it's a "marketing" type of anime, and is aimed at a younger demographic.

Yet the instance a show like One Piece does it, bloody mary is called forth.

I mean, seriously... In this dub we have people complaning about how the names are PRONOUNCED. >_<


One Piece is only a marketing product for Toei animation. For Eiichiro Oda and his fans, it's one of the absolute best shounen anime of all time as well as an all around great series. Every character is actually important and a creation of Oda. Pokemon characters are made for the soul purpose of selling them to children. I feel the same about any language.

As far as pronunciation of the character's names go, it's all of matter of feeling insulted over the fact that the actors couldn't be directed well enough to pronounce a name like Naruto, Nah-Ru-Toh, and not Nuh-roo-do. It's because that's how the name is pronounced in Japanese. Personally, I feel that if you're going to say a Japanese word, even if it's a name, you should say it right, or atleast try.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Ehh... you're aware that nearly EVERY name in the English version of the Asterix comic and movies is changed from the original?

There's an English version of Asterix? o.O

I never knew that. Guess you learn something new every day. I've never even seen it, so I can't really be outraged by it, but if I ever did, I'd raise a fuss.


One Piece is only a marketing product for Toei animation. For Eiichiro Oda and his fans, it's one of the absolute best shounen anime of all time as well as an all around great series. Every character is actually important and a creation of Oda. Pokemon characters are made for the soul purpose of selling them to children. I feel the same about any language.

As far as pronunciation of the character's names go, it's all of matter of feeling insulted over the fact that the actors couldn't be directed well enough to pronounce a name like Naruto, Nah-Ru-Toh, and not Nuh-roo-do. It's because that's how the name is pronounced in Japanese. Personally, I feel that if you're going to say a Japanese word, even if it's a name, you should say it right, or atleast try.

And you think that Satoshi Tajiri as well as the staff for the Pocket Monsters anime don't put a lot of heart and soul into their work. I mean, they travel to exotic locations each year to get more flavor for the movies. Still seems like a double standard to me.

[RomanMack]

As much as it's my favorite series, you're over-glorifying One Piece.

It shouldn't "deserve" to keep it's names anymore than Pokemon should. And vice-versa.

The series was loved by many in america before it actually arrived here. That's basically why people get mad on the changes of One Piece (well, name-wise), but not on Pokemon since it wasn't known before it came here. There's also the fact that most people here grew up watching the Pokemon dub.

It is a double-standard.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Exactly how much with the Anime does Tajiri have to do???

[Jave]

There's an English version of Asterix? o.O

I never knew that. Guess you learn something new every day. I've never even seen it, so I can't really be outraged by it, but if I ever did, I'd raise a fuss.The comics have been printed and reprinted in nearly every language for decades. Plus, Goscinny and Uderzo approved all of the name changes (on every translated version) because in the original French version, the names were all puns, which simply don't make any sense when translated. It's an official, authorized change, so there's really nothing to fuss about.

The only condition is that Asterix and Obelix retain their original names in every version (which is kept, AFAIK), and all male names end in a suffix that indicates their nationality (Gaul names end in "ix", Roman names end in "us", British names end in "ax", German names end in "ic", Egyptian names end in "is", etc.)

BTW, the last Asterix movie exists with English audio. It was done by the original studio in France and has all the name changes.

[Kaiser0120]

As much as it's my favorite series, you're over-glorifying One Piece.

It shouldn't "deserve" to keep it's names anymore than Pokemon should. And vice-versa.

The series was loved by many in america before it actually arrived here. That's basically why people get mad on the changes of One Piece (well, name-wise), but not on Pokemon since it wasn't known before it came here. There's also the fact that most people here grew up watching the Pokemon dub.

It is a double-standard.

I'm actually NOT over-glorifying One Piece. It has been one of the most popular and critically well received shounen anime ever. That's just a fact.


And you think that Satoshi Tajiri as well as the staff for the Pocket Monsters anime don't put a lot of heart and soul into their work. I mean, they travel to exotic locations each year to get more flavor for the movies. Still seems like a double standard to me.

The Pokemon anime is nothing more than a way to glorify the Pokemon franchise. Sure, as you said, they travel to many exotic locations every year for each movie, but that's because the movies have got to make a lasting impression with the visuals at this point for them to make any money. They're spending money to make money, that's all it is.

If there were some real creative spirit and this franchise actually meant something to the creators, don't you think they'd actually create compelling stories? Wouldn't there be some sort of character development or plot development? It's the same Pokemon trainer going to each different place in the games, meeting all of the Pokemon in them along the way, all to further flesh the games out. I mean, how about some background on Satoshi/Ash's father? How about they stop switching the female character in and out in a ploy to connect the games? I mean, first Haruka from Ruby and Sapphire, then Hikari from Diamond and Pearl. These characters don't mean squat to the people who are making the show. They're just there to look pretty, drawn in the female viewers and connect to the games!

I'm not trying to say that the show is not without redeeming value or that the staff behind the show doesn't care about it. They just care about it making money and gaining a larger audience. That's all there is to it. Why do you think they caved when 4Kids or WB, can't remember which, told them to keep from introducing Satoshi's father and to refrain from the characters to grow up? It's because that would have been too radical a change and too much development, therefore endangering the franchise by possibly alienating long-time fans, as well as mixing it up too much for newer fans. They don't care about story, they care about ratings, about annual income. That's why names are changed. There's no double standard going on here because the name changes are what the company wants.

[RomanMack]

So basically, since you feel the Pokemon anime isn't as "deep" as One Piece, it's name changes shouldn't be a big deal, yet they should for One Piece? No matter which way you roll that, it's a double-standard.

And yes, it has been one of the most popular shounen series around. However, don't forget Pokemon was huge too, the anime being a BIG reason for that. It also holds the record for being the most popular anime in the states. Ever. 5 movies (3 fully release) in theaters? And it's an anime? That's a feat.

In one note, I recall reading somewhere that Oda finds the names changes for some of his characters interesting. It was talking about One Piece in different countries, I'll try to drudge it up.

[Gokou Ruri]

I'm actually NOT over-glorifying One Piece. It has been one of the most popular and critically well received shounen anime ever. That's just a fact. So is Spongebob. Would you get just as mad if they changed Spongebob Squarepants's name to Kaimaru Houkeikoromo? Probably not, I'm guessing.

And Pokemon is just as big as One Piece is. Heck, Pokemon is more popular all over the world than One Piece is, so going by your logic, Pokemon has more importance in "keeping names the same" than One Piece does.


The Pokemon anime is nothing more than a way to glorify the Pokemon franchise. Sure, as you said, they travel to many exotic locations every year for each movie, but that's because the movies have got to make a lasting impression with the visuals at this point for them to make any money. They're spending money to make money, that's all it is. You mean just like the One Piece movies? I mean, maybe I'm just imagining all the video games, action figures, and other merchandise One Piece has. Clearly One Piece isn't about ratings or making money at all. I'm sure that if no one watched it and it was losing money, the creators would pull money out of their own pocket to fund it in order to ensure the show goes on. Right? Apparently, Toei, Oda, and Shueisha don't care one bit about money.

[Kaiser0120]

So basically, since you feel the Pokemon anime isn't as "deep" as One Piece, it's name changes shouldn't be a big deal, yet they should for One Piece? No matter which way you roll that, it's a double-standard.

In one note, I recall reading somewhere that Oda finds the names changes for some of his characters interesting. It was talking about One Piece in different countries, I'll try to drudge it up.

That isn't exactly what I said, or at least not everything. I'm saying that the character's names are more personal and important to the original creator and the fans. I suppose this would just be my opinion, but I'm going to stick to it because that's what I've seen.


So is Spongebob. Would you get just as mad if they changed Spongebob Squarepants's name to Kaimaru Houkeikoromo? Probably not, I'm guessing.

Is that supposed to be a Japanese interpretation of Spongebob Squarepants? I suppose if the original creators approved of the name and that's what they'd want him to be called, why the heck not?


And Pokemon is just as big as One Piece is. Heck, Pokemon is more popular all over the world than One Piece is, so going by your logic, Pokemon has more importance in "keeping names the same" than One Piece does.

Well, that's not right, actually. Not that Pokemon is bigger than One Piece, but implying that I believe the name changes are more offensive because of it's popularity. Japan is the ONLY country that I know of that keeps the original names. Every other country in the world uses the westernized names for marketing purposes. I feel that the name changes in One Piece are more frustrating because they don't have to be changed to be marketable, they're pretty creative and work well on their own. That, of course, if my opinion. But honestly, what would be the point? It would only anger fans who support Oda's original idea of the characters.


You mean just like the One Piece movies? I mean, maybe I'm just imagining all the video games, action figures, and other merchandise One Piece has. Clearly One Piece isn't about ratings or making money at all. I'm sure that if no one watched it and it was losing money, the creators would pull money out of their own pocket to fund it in order to ensure the show goes on. Right? Apparently, Toei, Oda, and Shueisha don't care one bit about money.

Oh, c'mon. You have shows, you have merchandise. No matter what. I'm sure Oda loves all the merchandise, himself. Who wouldn't enjoy success? It's evident, however, that the movies don't stack up to the quality of Oda's work, though, and it's obvious it's Toei trying to cater to the fans and make some cash as the same time.

Honestly, I'm sort of lost in exactly where all this is going. XD Ultimately, I suppose my points is... Oda cares about his creation in that, he wants to make something creative, entertaining, and compelling. Satoshi cares about his creation in that, he wants it to make money and entertain children all over the world. In Oda's case, it's his creative value that makes it's original composition more important as opposed to Pokemon, which is pretty much made to be shifted and changed to fit other audiences.

[straw_hat]

There's an English version of Asterix? o.O

I never knew that. Guess you learn something new every day.

I don't blame you. What ever little amount the local book stores carried they're long gone now.

[HellCat]

I'm generally fine with Pokemon's name changes. As said it's trying to find an English substitute for the original Japanese vs say something like Shin-Chan where things are just being flat out changed. No disrespect to Japanese culture but to a non native it can be hard to remember. I love Musha Gundam but I also dread new character introductions because it means complex Japanese names for me to learn. Japanese fans may have no trouble remembering what for them reads as 'Divine Blazing Warrior' but for me it'll take a while to sink in.

[Hordesman]

If a name has specific meaning, name changes based on language make sense. Soundalikes, like going from Yamato to Matt don't. It's part of what makes something translate more fully. Let's face it, Pikachu and Raichu are sorta nonsense words to most non-Japanese speakers. Hikari's just a Japanese girl's name, which makes me wonder how naming significance for untranslated Western names comes across in Japan?

[Kaiser0120]

If a name has specific meaning, name changes based on language make sense. Soundalikes, like going from Yamato to Matt don't. It's part of what makes something translate more fully. Let's face it, Pikachu and Raichu are sorta nonsense words to most non-Japanese speakers. Hikari's just a Japanese girl's name, which makes me wonder how naming significance for untranslated Western names comes across in Japan?

Well that actually still called Matt 'Yamato', it was just his nickname for the dub because they felt like it would be a lot easier for children to connect with. Not really making a point, just sayin', I suppose. :D

[Tash]

Is that supposed to be a Japanese interpretation of Spongebob Squarepants? I suppose if the original creators approved of the name and that's what they'd want him to be called, why the heck not?
Because the original creators probably don't know enough Japanese for their approval to carry any weight. For all they know, it could be a really cool-sounding name in Japan, rather than the somewhat dorky name he's supposed to have.

The same goes for Japanese creators approving dub names. They're not going to reject the names unless they're hell-bent on not localizing it.

[Dudley]

Speaking of which, I found out today that Fairly Oddparents, is called "Oops! Fairyparents" in Japan.
Who knew?

[Ian]

I think changing the names is wrong, no matter which country is doing it.

I believe in preserving the artist's original intent, in all cases.
...because keeping the name Ryuichi Naruhodo (instead of changing it something like, say, "Phoenix Wright") in a country where 90&#37; of the audience won't understand the joke behind the name is so the artist's original intent. Then again, Phoenix Wright is somewhat an anomaly when it comes to name changes, so perhaps it's not the best example. Still, there are times when keeping the original name in a tranlated work goes against author intent--how would Lord Voldemort, with his Tom Marvolo Riddle/"I am Lord Voldemort" anagram work in Spanish, or Italian, or Japanese if they kept his original name the same?

Growing up watching Spanish dubs of American cartoons, I've sort of grown immune to name changes (not that I cared, even then)--to me, Hugo, Paco and Luis were always as valid as "Huey, Dewey, and Louie". The same applies to Japanese, unless the Westernized name is a particularly heinous one, or if the series is supposed to be taking place in actual Japan, and even then, there are exceptions (Phoenix Wright, again).

[Light Lucario]

I don't find changing the names of characters to be that large of an issue. It's what the characters do that is important to me, as well as to the story, not what their names are. Unless their specific original name is key to the series plot, then I don't see a problem with changing the names.

I know that the names in Yu-Gi-Oh! GX can be pretty weird, like Hasselberry, but isn't true that Konami decides on the names, not 4Kids? I thought that it was the same deal as Nintendo creating all of the English names for Pokemon. I just wanted to be clear on that.

[Gokou Ruri]

Speaking of which, I found out today that Fairly Oddparents, is called "Oops! Fairyparents" in Japan.
Who knew? The Suite Life of Zack and Cody is called "Sweet Life" in Japan, and Hannah Monana is "Secret Idol". They change a lot of stuff just like we do. Pretty much every country does it to help it succeed better. :sweat:

[Classic Speedy]

While it would be ideal to get behind the philosophy that unless you hate every single name change, you're a double standard-practicing hypocrite, I believe some (not all) name changes aren't that bad, as long as they stay relatively close to the original. For example, changing Misae Nohara to Mitzi in the FUNi dub of Shin-chan works just fine; it's not a huge change and sounds very similar to the original. It's just Americanized a bit to appeal to the appropriate audience. No harm in that, to me.

I mainly have a problem with it when the changes are so far removed that they're totally different names. For example, the main characters in Tokyo Mew Mew. How did Ichigo Momomiya become Zoey Hanson? Mint Aizawa becomes Corina Bucksworth? Zakuro Fujiwara becomes Renée Roberts? I'm still not sure the reasoning behind those changes. Did the producers think kids would be unable (or unwilling) to say Ichigo or Mint? Odd.

[Master Moron]

No, lack of outrage is just healthy. There is not one single logical reason for one single person on the entire face of the Earth to get angry over what an animated character is named in a translation, period. It shouldn't matter if their name is Sephiroth or Anusface Von Butterwobbles. It's the same damn character and it's only a cartoon created to entertain and earn money. A new name for a character does not normally change anything about the storyline or entertainment value. Complaining about it is why the rest of the world looks down on us fans, including the artists and writers behind our favorite franchises.

And "Ash" is a far cooler name than Satoshi. Satoshi is an everyday name. It's also the creator's name, yes, but he doesn't mind the change to "Ash" and neither should you.

Ash is a girl's name, though. It's short for Ashley.


Growing up watching Spanish dubs of American cartoons, I've sort of grown immune to name changes (not that I cared, even then)--to me, Hugo, Paco and Luis were always as valid as "Huey, Dewey, and Louie".

Ummmm...but, Hugo, Paco, and Luis don't rhyme...


While it would be ideal to get behind the philosophy that unless you hate every single name change, you're a double standard-practicing hypocrite, I believe some (not all) name changes aren't that bad, as long as they stay relatively close to the original. For example, changing Misae Nohara to Mitzi in the FUNi dub of Shin-chan works just fine; it's not a huge change and sounds very similar to the original. It's just Americanized a bit to appeal to the appropriate audience. No harm in that, to me.

I mainly have a problem with it when the changes are so far removed that they're totally different names. For example, the main characters in Tokyo Mew Mew. How did Ichigo Momomiya become Zoey Hanson? Mint Aizawa becomes Corina Bucksworth? Zakuro Fujiwara becomes Ren&#233;e Roberts? I'm still not sure the reasoning behind those changes. Did the producers think kids would be unable (or unwilling) to say Ichigo or Mint? Odd.

I pretty much agree with this. For instance, in Sailor Moon I have no problem with Minako becoming Mina, or Michiru becoming Michelle. It's stuff like Usagi to Serena or Makoto to Lita that pisses me off. Especially Usagi to Serena, since Serena sounds to close to Serenity.

I also never understood why so many people are pissed off about Zoro becoming Zolo.

[Gokou Ruri]

Ash is a girl's name, though. It's short for Ashley. It can be both. Short of Ashley or Ashton (Army of Darkness, for example)

[Yash]

...because keeping the name Ryuichi Naruhodo (instead of changing it something like, say, "Phoenix Wright") in a country where 90% of the audience won't understand the joke behind the name is so the artist's original intent. Then again, Phoenix Wright is somewhat an anomaly when it comes to name changes, so perhaps it's not the best example. Still, there are times when keeping the original name in a tranlated work goes against author intent--how would Lord Voldemort, with his Tom Marvolo Riddle/"I am Lord Voldemort" anagram work in Spanish, or Italian, or Japanese if they kept his original name the same?
Also, sometimes names have to be changed just because languages have certain "snags" that others don't. Like how the Deathly Hallows are changed to "Relics of Death" in Japan. Why? Because there's no Japanese equivalent to "Hallows" as a noun.

[oofadoofa]

Ash is a girl's name, though. It's short for Ashley.

Off topic, but I know a guy named Ash, it's short for Ashan.

[Dogasu]

The idea of putting certain shows in a higher "tier" than other shows is effin' stupid. Shows like Pocket Monsters or Hamtarou have just as much of a right to keep their Japanese names intact as some of the more "high profile" anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Naruto.


Calling a legendary flaming bird Pokemon "Fire" just sounds lame in English.

Just like I'm sure naming a giant alligator "Feraligatr" is equally lame in Japanese.


Like calling a guy who smokes "Smoker". Engrish always sounds bad to a native speaker.

How is that "Engrish?" Smoker is a guy who smokes and has powers that relate to smoke. It makes sense to give him a name that reflects this.

It would be Engrish if his name was something like Smorker.


No one else is outraged because no one else is an elitist fanboy for the Japanese version of Pokemon.

And I also hate how preferring the Japanese names to the English names makes anyone "an elitist fanboy."


And now, to respond to the long post:


The Pokemon anime is nothing more than a way to glorify the Pokemon franchise.

Just like the One Piece anime is nothing more than a way to glorify the One Piece franchise. This is an undeniable fact that isn't changed no matter how much more "high brow" you believe one to be over the other.

One may do it to a greater extent to the other, but the truth of the matter is that both shows exist to make money.


Sure, as you said, they travel to many exotic locations every year for each movie, but that's because the movies have got to make a lasting impression with the visuals at this point for them to make any money.

Or it could be because they want to visit exotic places to satisfy their artistic curiosity.

Just because the show is based on a video games doesn't mean that the artists who work on it aren't real artists.


If there were some real creative spirit and this franchise actually meant something to the creators, don't you think they'd actually create compelling stories? Wouldn't there be some sort of character development or plot development? It's the same Pokemon trainer going to each different place in the games, meeting all of the Pokemon in them along the way, all to further flesh the games out.

Have you even seen the show in the last five years? While it's not as good on character development as a show like One Piece, it's incorrect to claim that there's been no character development at all. Satoshi is a much more mature character than he was back in the days when he used to cry whenever he lost, and some of the strategies he comes up with these days are actually quite brilliant. Haruka is another character who grew exponentially over her tenure in the series.

Again, this whole "anime tier" bullcrap is just that...bullcrap.


I mean, how about some background on Satoshi/Ash's father?

Who cares? Certainly not Satoshi, who hasn't shown any desire to even see his father in the show's ten-year run.


How about they stop switching the female character in and out in a ploy to connect the games? I mean, first Haruka from Ruby and Sapphire, then Hikari from Diamond and Pearl.

So we should keep the team of Satoshi, Takeshi, and Kasumi for 500+ episodes?


These characters don't mean squat to the people who are making the show. They're just there to look pretty, drawn in the female viewers and connect to the games!

You're stating your opinion as if it was a fact. Watch some interviews with the staff and cast of the anime sometime. Everyone who works on the show is very passionate about the work they do and put everything they've got into making a fun, entertaining series that the whole family can enjoy.


I'm not trying to say that the show is not without redeeming value or that the staff behind the show doesn't care about it.


They just care about it making money and gaining a larger audience.

Don't those two statements kind of contradict themselves?


That's all there is to it. Why do you think they caved when 4Kids or WB, can't remember which, told them to keep from introducing Satoshi's father and to refrain from the characters to grow up?

Where did you hear such a ridiculous rumor?


They don't care about story, they care about ratings, about annual income.

Welcome to the world of television.

[Gokou Ruri]

How is that "Engrish?" Smoker is a guy who smokes and has powers that relate to smoke. It makes sense to give him a name that reflects this. Just seems a bit contrived his parents would know he'd smoke and just happen to stumble upon the Smoke-based Devil Fruit, is all. Like naming your kid "Policeman" or something.


It would be Engrish if his name was something like Smorker. Out-of-place English words (such as inserted into songs) can apply as Engrish.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

Just seems a bit contrived his parents would know he'd smoke and just happen to stumble upon the Smoke-based Devil Fruit, is all. Like naming your kid "Policeman" or something.

Out-of-place English words (such as inserted into songs) can apply as Engrish.

For all we know Smoker is his last name, or a nickname. Heck, maybe he comes from a long line of smokers.

Or we could simply pass it off as Oda, you know, not giving a **** 'cause it's a kids comic.

[Tash]

Just like I'm sure naming a giant alligator "Feraligatr" is equally lame in Japanese.
Hence why he isn't named "Feraligatr" in Japan.

[Antiyonder]

It can be both. Short of Ashley or Ashton (Army of Darkness, for example)

Incidently, we named two of our cats Ashton and Ashley a few years ago.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Out-of-place English words (such as inserted into songs) can apply as Engrish.

Only when it's being used improperly. 'Smoker' is used in a completely correct sense.

Yes, it's eyebrow raising that a guy named 'Smoker' just happened to smoke and get a power related to smoke, but as mentioned, it could be a nickname he took later in life.

Besides, it's no different than a guy named 'Octavius' happening to gain extra limbs, or the fact that a guy named 'Victor von Doom' is apparently NOT the best person to put in a position of power.

[Tay the Cat]

I also never understood why so many people are pissed off about Zoro becoming Zolo.
Yeah. I mean, you have to roll the dang 'r' anyway, so it sounds almost like "Zolo" when you pronounce correctly regardless.

[Antiyonder]

Besides, it's no different than a guy named 'Octavius' happening to gain extra limbs, or the fact that a guy named 'Victor von Doom' is apparently NOT the best person to put in a position of power.

You apparently never heard the saying, "to the Victor goes the spoils".

[FightingDreamer]

The only problems I have with name changes are the headaches that come when the English character names are changed so much from the originals that it doesn't make any sense. How, for example, in the world do you go from "Anzu Masaki" to "Tea Gardner"? Truly, the mind boggles.

[Gokou Ruri]

Besides, it's no different than a guy named 'Octavius' happening to gain extra limbs, or the fact that a guy named 'Victor von Doom' is apparently NOT the best person to put in a position of power. Octavius is a real name though, like Brock and Misty are, so it's not as contrived (though I guess in Brock and Misty's cases, they were raised by Rock/Water Pokemon trainers so that would factor in...)

[Master Moron]

Octavius is a real name though, like Brock and Misty are, so it's not as contrived (though I guess in Brock and Misty's cases, they were raised by Rock/Water Pokemon trainers so that would factor in...)

Smoker is a real name, too. A search on yellowpages.com reveals over 300 listings for "Smoker".

[Gokou Ruri]

Smoker is a real name, too. A search on yellowpages.com reveals over 300 listings for "Smoker". For their first name?

[Dogasu]

Who ever said Smoker was the One Piece character's first name?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Especially seeing as they call him 'Smoker-taisa/Captain Smoker'. Given that he's an officer of the military, it makes sense that he'd be addressed by his family name.

[Gokou Ruri]

Who ever said Smoker was the One Piece character's first name? Touché, I suppose. Guess we don't know much about him.


Especially seeing as they call him 'Smoker-taisa/Captain Smoker'. Given that he's an officer of the military, it makes sense that he'd be addressed by his family name. Maybe, but One Piece isn't a series known for using a set of rules. There's still stuff like like non-Japanese characters, like Sanji, having Japanese names, when Japan doesn't even exist in their world.

[Jave]

Maybe, but One Piece isn't a series known for using a set of rules. There's still stuff like like non-Japanese characters, like Sanji, having Japanese names, when Japan doesn't even exist in their world.Doesn't One Piece take place in a fictional world anyway? Wouldn't that make a Japanese name just as out of place as an American one?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

One Piece's world seems to be a melting pot of culture. Just look at names.


Many characters have just one name (Sanji, Usopp, etc)

Others have two names, in the eastern style of family name first. Roronoa Zoro, Nico Robin, etc.

Others have two names, in the western style of family name last. Donquixote Doflamingo (presumably), Benn Beckman, etc.

And then we have the D characters, who have three names, with the family name coming first and the given name coming last.

Not to mention all of the languages. Sanji uses French in his attack names, Robin's are a mix of French and Spanish, Zoro's are Japanese, Luffy uses English and Japanese, etc.

Oda's created his own unique world, where it is normal for all of that culture to exist together.

[Desensitized]

I also never understood why so many people are pissed off about Zoro becoming Zolo.
The only thing that annoyed me about this, is that they changed AFTER the manga already started and I was already settled into the character's name. Then 4Kids came around with their butcher-job and the manga got pointlessly changed.

It doesn't annoy me that much, and if the manga would've STARTED with 'Zolo', I really wouldn't have cared.

[Jacob T. Paschal]

And we still don't know much about that missing period in One Piece. For all we know One Piece could take place in the near future of our own world, or something of the sort...

[John Pannozzi]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I hate the americanized Pokemon names just as much as the names in any other hackdub, and I always use the Japanese names.

Was the 4Kids dub of the first few seasons of Pokemon really that bad?

And if you hate hackdubs, what do you think of FUNImation's dub of Dragon Ball Z? The original Ocean hacked out about 15 episodes' worth of content. Plus FUNimation also added rather mediocure music, and made a few dumb changes (Tao Pai Pai being a general in the Red Ribbion Army, Dr. Gero being the Red Ribbon Army's leader).

Also, the American names for the original 151 Pokemon weren't created by 4Kids, but by Nintendo of America. What, do you Americanized names for video game characters ("Bowser", "Toad", "Dr. Ivo Robotnik", etc.) too?

[Duke]

Was the 4Kids dub of the first few seasons of Pokemon really that bad?
Compared to how the show ended up when it moved to Kids' WB! and when 4Kids became egomaniacs, it wasn't really that bad. Sure, there were a few mistranslated lines (some intentional, some not) and some stupid Japanese censoring, but for the most parts the scripts weren't quite as loose as they eventually became (Macarena references excluded) and they never really messed with the music much. Also, the VAs were at their best here. Ash sounded perfectly before Veronica Taylor started to suck in Season 2 (thankfully getting better once Ash became more mature in Seasons 5/6) and Eric Stuart could still act back then, so his James and Brock were good as well. Rachel Lillis was the exception to the rule, as her Jessie sounded off during the first few episodes and her Misty didn't truly settle until Johto and especially during the Hoenn saga.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

And if you hate hackdubs, what do you think of FUNImation's dub of Dragon Ball Z? The original Ocean hacked out about 15 episodes' worth of content. Plus FUNimation also added rather mediocure music, and made a few dumb changes (Tao Pai Pai being a general in the Red Ribbion Army, Dr. Gero being the Red Ribbon Army's leader).

I prefer the Japanese version, but I find FUNi's version to be okay. It got better starting around Season 4, and the newer version is a lot better, along with the original music.

I'd put it below a 'good dub', but the FUNi version is above hack dubs. The Ocean version was bad.


Also, the American names for the original 151 Pokemon weren't created by 4Kids, but by Nintendo of America. What, do you Americanized names for video game characters ("Bowser", "Toad", "Dr. Ivo Robotnik", etc.) too?

They're still altered names, and I don't approve of those.

'Robotnik' is an extremely stupid name that has thankfully been corrected. I've never referred to the character as anything but Eggman.

With the Mario characters, I'm more used to the American names, but I'll say 'King Koopa' and 'Bowser' interchangeably, typically.

I'm against name changes in localizations. The medium is largely irrelevant to me. If I get introduced to the changed names first, it takes me a little longer, but I always aim to use the correct names.

[John Pannozzi]

'Robotnik' is an extremely stupid name that has thankfully been corrected. I've never referred to the character as anything but Eggman.

You do know that the name Robotnik was retconed into the Japanese Sonic continuity, when in Sonic Adventure 2, it was revealed that Eggman's grandfather was named Prof. Gerald Robotnik?

Even the Japanese strategy guide to Sonic Advance 3 mentioned that Dr. Eggman's real name is Robotnik: http://sonicjam.wikidot.com/sisghzs:gba-sonicadvance3-osg1

[Gokou Ruri]

You do know that the name Robotnik was retconed into the Japanese Sonic continuity, when in Sonic Adventure 2, it was revealed that Eggman's grandfather was named Prof. Gerald Robotnik?

Even the Japanese strategy guide to Sonic Advance 3 mentioned that Dr. Eggman's real name is Robotnik: http://sonicjam.wikidot.com/sisghzs:gba-sonicadvance3-osg1 Not to mention the Koopalings from the Mario series were first named by Nintendo of America since they didn't have names in Japan (which is why they were called different names on the TV show, their actual names weren't invented yet) and Japan adopted those names later on.