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Best Quote by Ken Watanabe

“Musicals are written in English, and then we import them to Japan. When we translate them into Japanese, the sounds of the language are completely different. The Japanese language is not the best for singing, in terms of sound.” quote by Ken Watanabe
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“Musicals are written in English, and then we import them to Japan. When we translate them into Japanese, the sounds of the language are completely different. The Japanese language is not the best for singing, in terms of sound.”

Ken Watanabe

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Japan Times, 2014

Translating English musicals to Japanese alters sound, making Japanese less ideal for singing due to linguistic differences.

In simple terms: Language affects musical translation.

Key Takeaway

Adapt music to language.

Themes

language music translation

Mood

analytical curious

Type

observational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • theater productions
  • language learning
  • songwriting

Key Concepts

phonetics cultural adaptation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can music bridge language gaps?
  • What challenges arise in translating lyrics?
A Different Perspective

Adaptation may overlook artistic innovation.

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