Useful Japanese Phrases

Sure, I can think of a lot of Japanese sentences and phrases. Would you be making the animation for the video? For example, in your sentence, we would need to have an animation (or actual video?) of a train platform in Japan. If I explain how to teach the phrase, and what kind of animation to have, would you be able to create it?

You can put the scripts of the manzai up too. It might help for people who want to read them.

Shot of Infection Translation

I still think "I'm gonna make a donation" is good. I can't really think of another expression that fits in the short time available for subtitles. By the way, I really like the way you added the subtitles for the first episode.

Maybe instead of adding key words, we can add cultural notes, because the subtitles themselves are pretty self-explanatory. So for the first episode:
河童 (かっぱ) - A Kappa is an imp-like mythological creature who supposedly dwell in the sewers and rivers of Japan

Maybe we can think of one note per episode.

English Translations

1) All right, then let's try Shot of Infection. I'm glad you like it.

2) I think "Let's Have A Taste For Manzai!" should be "A Taste of Manzai". This is much more natural and connotes the same meaning.

For the description:
a) Before Green Tea, Kabuki, Karate, Geisha, Karaoke, and Harakiri, Ninja need their entertainment!
or
b) Before Green Tea, Kabuki, Karate, Geisha, Karaoke, and Harakiri, Ninja like to enjoy a laugh with some traditional Japanese-style comedy!

3) Actually, Read the Air! is interesting. Slightly tongue in cheek, in that it's so obviously a direct translation, but it goes well with the description.

How about:
Japan: a mysterious country where legend has it that ninjas can actually read letters out of the air. The question is, can you read what's written in the air too? You will need to in order to become a full ninja.

When do you think you want to upload the first Japanese language and Tea episodes?

Utsurun desu.

I've been trying to think of a suitable title for this manga series in English, but it's quite difficult, seeing as it's a play on words in Japanese. The only things I can think of our:

1) 伝染るんです。（It infects you.）
Ie, writing the title both in English and Japanese, but keeping it simple and to the point.

2) Something like "Shot of Infection", using shot to mean both カメラの写真 and 注射。

If I think of anything better, I'll let you know.

Site Material

Ok, send me the reedited script and I'll perform a final check by the 16th.

By the way, I actually really liked Utsurundesu. I'm really looking forward to helping you translate it for the site. If you want me to translate any episodes that are on the DVD you burned for me myself, let me know. I like the names you chose for the sections. It's be great if we could put South Park on the site too at some point.

Translating Manzai 2

I like the manzai you chose. I think it will be a good one to start with. I am going to revise the translation you sent with some of my own phrases.

I also had an idea where we can teach them some key words before watching, for example:

Key words used in this skit are: 痛い (ouch), 霊媒師 (Spirit Channeler), etc.

Then when these words are said, we can highlight them a different color than the other subtitles to make it easier for the learners to pick them up.

Also, if we eventually get a fan base, it might be a good idea to let users request manzai they want us to subtitle next. That way not only can we please the fans more, but also it's less work that we have to spend looking for good skits.

Translating Manzai

OK, I'll think of some manzai which would be good to start with. Making the subtitles for these should be fun =D

About How to Learn Japanese 2

Yes, I think the most important thing is to start from the basic steps, which includes a-i-u-e-o, and beginning with the katakana. I'll try to think of ways to incorporate this into 5-10 minute lessons.

I think Francesco will be interested in participating too.

About Tea Time 2

That's a good idea. There's plenty of good combinations with each type of tea.

to "About languages for us to use and 'Tea Time'"

Thanks for making the blog!

Actually, I'm still in the process of doing my research into tea. It may be a little time before I can mentally prepare all the material I want to record.

to "About how to learn Japanese"

All right.

I can think of lots of ideas for teaching Japanese to foreigners. Do you want it to be just like spoken lessons? Or do you want to use some activities or games in the teaching process?

I can definitely help with the pronunciation videos ;-)