The relationship of the Japanese and radiation is a unique one, as they’re the only people in the history of the world to experience the effects of an intentional atomic attack. Sometimes it can be a challenge understanding how the Japanese feel about this touchy subject, as it’s obviously not something that’s discussed with foreigners very often, if it’s discussed openly at all (it’s not). One thing I’ve always wondered about was Japan’s embracing of atomic imagery in its popular culture, in such characters as Astro Boy (whose name is Tetsuwan Atom in Japanese, “Iron Arm Atom”), and Astro Girl (whose original name is Uran, Japanese for Uranium). I recently realized that the classic Japanese movie monster Rodan’s Japanese name is Radon, as in the radioactive chemical element, and was puzzled by this ironic twist. Incidentally, although there’s still concern with the cleanup in Fukushima, 200 km north of J-List, things are normal down herein Gunma (the radiation level is actually higher in Rome, Italy than it is here). And just in case you were concerned, there are no issues with the products J-List sells, and everything is safe.
Astroy Boy’s sister is named…Uranium? What?
