MaruMA:Vol01:Translator's Notes

Chapter 1

1. Shibuya and Harajuku are places in Japan that are relatively close to each other. You can look up information about both of these places easily. (Return to Text)
2. Yuuri can be spelled with many different kanji that have different meanings. The way it is spelled means "advantageous" or "profitable", which is connected to banking. "Furi" means "Disadvantegous" or the opposite. The other spellings mean various things or may not have a direct meaning. (Return to Text)
3. See Note #1. (Return to Text)
4. Mukokuseki, means to be 'stateless'. In other words, to have a mixed or blended look that doesn't adhere to any nationality. (Return to Text)
5. Called a 'day pack', it's pretty much the same thing. But I've never heard anyone call it a 'day pack' in English. (Return to Text)
6. Souseki-sensei - He was a prominent writer in the Meiji Era. His face is on the 1,000 yen bill, so he pulled out a pair of 1,000 yen bills (about $20 total). It would be like us saying "He pulled out a pair of Hamilton's". (Return to Text)
7. Kashishiburi - "Unwillingness to lend", referring to banks. (Return to Text)
8. Approximately $5. (Return to Text)
9. "Blue bills". The 1,000 yen bills are blue. So he's referring to those again. (Return to Text)
10. In Japan, you have to take an entrance exam to be accepted into a public high school. (Return to Text)
11. Yuuri talks about it being like accidentally stapling yourself with a stapler. (Return to Text)
12. By tourists, Yuuri means Japanese tourists. He believes that they're still in Japan, and that they're foreigner who have set up a tourist attraction. (Return to Text)
13. After this, Yuuri starts to speak as if he is talking slowly or simply so that they can understand. (Return to Text)
14. Black magic. (Return to Text)
15. A type of watch. (Return to Text)
16. A chestnut horse. In the original, Yuuri uses a word that is more specific to horse-racing that the average Japanese person wouldn't understand. (Return to Text)
17. Japan Racing Association. (Return to Text)
18. Yuuri says implies something to the effect of "brawns over brains". (Return to Text)