How Does Mario Sound in Japanese?
Despite being a character created by a Japanese video game company, Mario’s voices debut in Mario 64, and even in Japan, Mario is voiced by Charles Martinet, an American voice actor. This article will delve into the fascinating world of Mario’s Japanese voice and explore interesting facts about his pronunciation, ethnicity, and even the age of his arch-nemesis, Bowser.
Direct Answer: How Does Mario Sound in Japanese?
Mario’s Japanese voice is surprisingly different from his English counterpart. According to various sources, including the creator of Mario, Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario’s Japanese voice is pronounced as "Itsumi Mario" (), with the first syllable emphasized on "Itsumi" and the second syllable softened to "Mari-o". This subtle difference in pronunciation gives Mario’s Japanese voice a distinct tone that sets it apart from his English counterpart.
Pronunciation of Mario in Japanese
| Syllable | Japanese Pronunciation | English Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| First Syllable | Itsumi () | "ee-too-mee" |
| Second Syllable | Mario () | "mah-ree-oh" |
Interesting Facts About Mario’s Japanese Voice
• Charles Martinet: Mario’s English voice is provided by Charles Martinet, an American voice actor who has been voicing Mario since Mario 64.
• Itsumi Mario: Mario’s Japanese voice is pronounced as "Itsumi Mario", with the first syllable emphasized on "Itsumi" and the second syllable softened to "Mari-o".
• Korean Inspiration: Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, has revealed that he took inspiration for Mario’s design from a Korean dish called Gukbap, which is a type of rice bowl.
• Wario’s Ethnicity: Initially, Nintendo considered making Wario a German character before he developed into an Italian-like Mario.
Age of Mario and Bowser
• Mario: There is no official age listed for Mario, but he is often depicted as being ageless, like a perpetual young adult.
• Bowser: Nintendo recently revealed that Bowser, Mario’s arch-nemesis, is 34 years old, as per the official Mario calendar.
Wario’s Ethnicity
Initially, Nintendo considered making Wario a German character before he developed into an Italian-like Mario. However, Wario’s exact ethnicity remains unclear, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.
Interesting Facts About Mario’s Japanese Design
• Korean Dish Inspiration: Shigeru Miyamoto drew inspiration for Mario’s design from a Korean dish called Gukbap, which is a type of rice bowl.
• Italian Heritage: Mario and Wario both have Italian heritage, with Wario being a more exaggerated Italian stereotype.
• German Origins: Initially, Nintendo considered making Wario a German character before he developed into an Italian-like Mario.
In conclusion, Mario’s Japanese voice is pronounced as "Itsumi Mario" (), with the first syllable emphasized on "Itsumi" and the second syllable softened to "Mari-o". The article has also touched upon interesting facts about Mario’s design, ethnicity, and the age of his arch-nemesis, Bowser. While there may be some mystery surrounding Wario’s ethnicity, the Italian heritage of Mario and Wario remains clear.