UPDATE: nocturnal YL has pointed out numerous Japanese errors in my original post. They have been fixed. He has also provided a great explanation on the Fire Emblem titles, which everyone should read. Thanks again nocturnal YL!

Also, some contexts on the Fire Emblem titles (in particular, in-series versus Smash), since you said you don’t know much about them. Marth: “Hero-King” is actually his in-series title. Its equivalent in Japanese is “英雄王” (mentioned in Robin and Lucina’s reveal trailer). He’s called “紋章の王子” here because the Fire Emblem (in-game artifact that changes depending on the particular story) is alternatively called the 炎の紋章 (see also Melee’s Event 46). Ike: Likewise, Ike’s title is “Radiant Hero”. In this case, the NA/EU names did accurately reflect localization changes, as “蒼炎の勇者” is his title in Japan. Whether or not these two are legendary depends on who’s speaking. Lucina would definitely say yes. The titles of Lucina (“未来を知る者” / “Foreseer”) and Robin (“High Deliverer” / “聖王の軍師”) have little bearings on Smash (except the loose reference in Lucina’s case in Japanese).

Today, I will be looking at the literal Japanese meaning of the Boxing Ring nicknames for Smash 4 Wii U. For those of you who are unaware, the Boxing Ring stage displays a character card — with a nickname. It looks like this:

The North American Release (henceforth referred to as “America”…sorry Canada) and the European release saw different interpretations of these nicknames. Some of these localizations took a radical departure from the original Japanese meaning in an effort to make these nicknames appeal to their audience. Other times, we saw a literal translation of the Japanese name.

The America and European names come from SSBWiki. I copied the text from this Japanese blog, but I confirmed it with the video/ my own game. Translations originated on this blog.

Please note, that Iggy, Larry, Lemmy, Ludwig, Morton, Roy and Wendy share the same nickname as Bowser Jr in Japanese (More about that later).

I figured it would be more interesting if I kept score. Here’s the criteria for earning a “point” :

1. An amazing, true to the character, nickname

2. If not #1, then kept the original Japanese meaning.

3. If neither, then whatever one is better, or no points.

Of course, everything is my own opinion. Feel free to let me know just how much you disagree with me.

Since we are keeping score, let’s get the non-points out of the way first (Cases where the translation is the same between versions).

Donkey Kong, Meta Knight, Olimar and Pikmin, Palutena use literal translations that are shared between all versions (Four characters):

Character: America and Europe Japanese: Literal Japanese:

Donkey Kong King of the Jungle ジャングルの王者 King of the Jungle

Meta Knight The Masked Swordsman 仮面の剣士 The Masked Swordsman

Olimar Veteran Astronaut ベテラン宇宙飛行士 Veteran Astronaut

Palutena Goddess of Light 光の女神 Goddess of the Light

Here are the rest of the characters that share translations between the America and European releases– Nine characters (Link, Mii Fighters,Ness, Samus, Villager, Wario and Zelda):

Link Hero of Hyrule 勇気のトライフォース Triforce of Courage

I would have changed it to, “Bearer of the Triforce of Courage” as Link is not always the Hero of Hyrule. In fact, the Hero of Hyrule refers to the Link in Legend of Zelda for the NES and The Adventure of Link, while the design depicted in Smash closely resembles Twilight Princess (Who I think is technically the Hero of the Twilight Realm).

Mii Brawler The Brawler of Many Faces 千の顔を持つ格闘家 The Thousand Face Fist Fighter Mii Gunner The Gunner of Many Faces 千の顔を持つ射撃手 The Thousand Face Gunner Mii Swordfighter The Swordfighter of Many Faces 千の顔を持つ剣士 The Thousand Face Sword Fighter

All the these translations are perfect.

Ness The PSI Powerhouse PSIを持つ少年 Boy Weider of PSI

The English nickname is perfect.

Samus Bounty Hunter Extraordinaire 凄腕バウンティハンター Skilled Bounty Hunter

The English nickname is perfect.

Villager Mayor of Smashville スローライフの伝道師 Evangelist of the Slow Life

His English version references New Leaf for the 3DS, which was released a year before Smash 4. I think his Japanese name is more future-proof, and therefore better.

Wario Scoundrel with a Fart of Gold 圧巻の悪漢 The highlight rascal**

Wario’s translation is awful. I might eventually go into greater detail but I was extremely disappointed that (mainly) Nintendo of America reduced Wario to a bunch of lame fart jokes. I get the title, and if it was just the title I would’ve liked it; but coupled together with his trophy entry really reduced Wario as a character. I know that was one of his main hooks in the original Brawl premier video; but the Japanese version really doesn’t make that many references to Wario’s fart attack. The Japanese nickname is actually a homophone of sorts. Highlight and Rascal are pronounced the same way in Japanese. Therefore, I believe that, “Money-grubbing Menace” would have been an ideal localization for Wario’s nickname as alteration could be an alternative.

Zelda Hyrule’s Wise Princess ハイラルの王女 Hyrule’s Princess

Zelda’s translation is slightly different. The English release saw her becoming “wise”. Not that big of a change.

Okay, here are the entries that slightly differ from the literal meaning:

Bowser King of the Koopas カメ族の大魔王 Big Demon King of the Koopas

Charizard Blazing Fury 新たなる進化 New Evolutions

Dark Pit Dark-Winged Doppelgänger 黒き翼 Black Wings

Falco Proud Space Ace 宇宙のエースパイロッ Ace Space Pilot

Mr. Game & Watch Master of Two Dimensions 平面世界の住人 Resident of Flat Zone

I like all of these localizations. Especially Charizard who received the best upgrade. Mr. Game & Watch’s English title sounds bad ass, and Falco’s is more true to his personality.

Okay, now we can start keeping score.

Now, there are some cases where one region used the literal translation and not the other. They are identified as the “Winner” in the last column; six characters (Captain Falcon, Mario, Mega Man, Pit, Peach, and Rosalina and Luma).

Character: North America: Europe: Japanese: Literal Japanese: Winner?

Captain Falcon The Supersonic Slugger Supersonic F-Zero Pilot 音速のF-ZEROパイロット Supersonic F-Zero Pilot Europe

Mario Mr. Video GameHimself Smashes Bricks with His Fists ミスタービデオゲーム Mr. Video Game America

Mega Man Blue Metal Hero The Blue Bomber 青きメタルヒーロー Blue Metal Hero TIE

Europe’s translation makes so much more sense in terms of localization. The literal Japanese sounds terrible in English.

Peach Princess of Toadstools Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom キノコ王国のお姫様 Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom Europe

I’m pretty sure that Toadstools are suppose to refer to the Toads. However, since Peach’s original name was Princess Toadstool, and the kingdom has always been Mushroom Kingdom — the European version wins for being correct and literal.

Pit Captain of Lady Palutena’s Guard Lady Palutena’s Captain of the Guard パルテナ軍親衛隊隊長 Captain of Lady Palutena’s Guard TIE

Rosalina & Luma The Cosmic Travelers Cosmic Travellers 星の旅人 Traveler of the Stars TIE

I like Europe for not having “The”

Here’s the rest:

Character: North America: Europe: Japanese: Literal Japanese: Winner?

Alph Astronaut in Training Novice Explorer, Engineering Pro 若き宇宙整備士 Young Space Mechanic Europe

Bowser Jr. Prince of the Koopas Like Father, Like Son 万能のチャリオット All Purpose Chariot America

I think the American translation of Bowser Jr’s nickname is better. I see Bowser Jr. as a spoiled prince who attempts to please his daddy. As noted before, the Koopalings share Bowser Jr.’s title in Japanese. Therefore the generic title “All Purpose Chariot” makes sense as it’s the common thread between the eight characters.

Diddy Kong The Acrobat Trigger Happy with His Peanut Popgun 南国軽業師 Acrobat of the Southern Countries America

I can understand why the US dropped the “Southern Countries” or didn’t localize it to “The Tropic”. I don’t hate the European release though.

Dr. Mario The Prescriber Fists Full of Medicine カプセルの弾幕 Capsule Barrage Europe

European wins for the pun.

Duck Hunt Bark, Quack, Boom! The Most Unlikely of Partnerships 異色の共演 An Unlikely Group America

Okay, I have a sizable rant about Duck Hunt and Europe. For those of you who are unaware, the European version of Smash 4 has renamed the character Duck Hunt to Duck Hunt Duo, probably in an effort to distant the character name and the game title. This makes sense. However, the localization team in Europe failed to understand Duck Hunt as a character. Duck Hunt is a team of three — the duck, the dog and the hunter (the guy with the NES Zapper). It’s mentioned in the game in both Japanese and English versions, shown in reveal trailer and even said by Sakurai in an interview. To me- there is no contest, the European team messed up. I believe that the origin of the this confusion could be this title. 共演 means “to perform together, appearing together, co-starring”. However, Japanese does not have plurals. Therefore it could easily mean “two or more [actors] performing together,etc”. In fact, the Japanese definition for the word says that it’s two or more. Don’t worry Europe — America invented a character in Majora’s Mask that didn’t exist.

Fox Leader of Star Fox Never Gives Up! Trusts His Instincts! 雇われ遊撃隊長 Leader of a Mercenary Group America

Ganondorf The King of Darkness The King of Evil 蘇る魔王 The Resurrected Devil King NEITHER

I think the Resurrected King of Evil would have been an amazing title. So no points.

Greninja Master of Stealth The Unpredictable Ninja Pokémon 神出鬼没のしのびポケモン Ninja Pokemon who appears in Unexecpted Places Europe

The American translation isn’t bad; the European one is just closer.

Ike The Radiant Hero of Legend The Radiant Hero 蒼炎の勇者 Hero of the Blue Flame Europe

Honestly, I don’t know much about Fire Emblem. I’m giving it to Europe just because it’s closer.

Jigglypuff The Sleepy Singer The Delightful Balloon Pokémon 魅惑のふうせんポケモン Charming Balloon Pokemon Europe

King Dedede The King of Dream Land Says He’s King, and That’s That 自称大王 Self Proclaimed King TIE

Europe is closer but I like the American version better.

Kirby The Pink Puffball Gritty in Pink ピンクの悪魔 Pink Demon America

Kirby’s Japanese title is amazing. It’s funny because usually in America, Kirby appears stronger/ more angry than the Japanese box arts yet the titles are reversed. I’m assuming that NoA just didn’t want to include “Demon” and Kirby.

EDIT: a12223344556677 has informed me the Japanese title is actually a reference: The Japanese title of Kirby “Pink Demon” is actually a reference to the description of The Arena from Kirby Super Star. In the Japanese description Kirby was referred to as the Pink Demon. In the US versions it was changed to the Pink Wonder (SNES) and the Pink Terror (DS).

The US title makes a lot more sense now.

Little Mac Bruiser from the Bronx The Only Numbers He Knows Are “One-Two 不屈の闘魂 Undaunted Fighting Spirit America

I appreciate America’s title as it’s a tidbit from Little Mac’s history.

Lucario Master of Aura Exudes Power 波導の勇者 Hero of the Aura America

The Japanese is actually referring to the Pokemon Movie: Lucario and the Mystery of Mew.

Lucina Warrior from a Doomed Future Defiant of Destiny 未来を知る王女 Princess Who Knows the Future TIE

Luigi The Eternal Understudy Lean, Green Fighting Machine 緑の人気もの Green Popular Person TIE

All three versions are great.

Marth The Hero-King The Legendary Hero-King 紋章の王子 The Legendary Prince Europe

紋章 means Coat of Arms, so I’m going to go with Europe. Again; I don’t know much about Fire Emblem. Sorry.

Pac-Man The Yellow Bane of Ghosts Ghost-Gobbler 黄色い伝説 The Yellow Legend Europe

America’s title references the original nickname but Europe’s take is just better.

Pikachu Pika Pika! The Electric Mouse Pokémon 雷撃のねずみポケモン Lightning Mouse Pokemon Europe

R.O.B. The Last of His Kind Robotic Obliteration Buddy 灼熱のロボビーム Red Hot Robo beam America

America wins just for the Brawl reference. Through, I like Europe’s take on the meaning of R.O.B.

Robin The Tactician Magician Tome-Toting Strategist 自警団の名軍師 Famous Tactician of the Army Europe

Sheik The Illusive Sheikah A Sheikah Shrouded In Mystery 闇に舞う旋風 Dancer in the Whirlwind of Darkness TIE

I like the American version slightly more.

Shulk The Visionary Has Visions of Victory 穏やかさを秘めた力 Power hidden in calmness/ kindess/ gentleness Europe

I don’t know Xenoblades, but I enjoy Europe’s title slightly more. The Japanese blog I copied the Japanese nicknames from states that Shulk is not calm/kind/gentle, so it’s suppose to be ironic. Again, sorry I don’t know Xenoblades.

EDIT: a12223344556677 has informed me the Japanese title is actually a reference:

The Japanese title of Shulk is actually a reference to one of his meme-status quotes in Japan. When starting quests he is known to speak (in text) “穏やかじゃないですね”, roughly meaning “you don’t look calm”. In Japan, this quote was referenced multiple times, from the reveal trailer (the first time this quote was voiced), to his up taunt, and in Palutena’s guidance. The English versions appropriately changed most of the references to this quote to poke fun on “It’s Reyn time”, which is more famous in the English community.

Thanks for the information!

Sonic The Blue Blur Speed is His Game 世界最速のハリネズミ Fastest Hedgehog in the World America

Toon Link Wind-Waking Warrior Wave-Riding, Wind-Waking Warrior 大海原をゆく戦士 Warrior who Goes out into the Ocean Europe

“Hero of the Wind” would have been perfect. Europe is closer to the Japanese.

Wii Fit Trainer ♀ Yoga Warrior She’ll Make You Feel the Burn! 今日も一緒にダイエット Let’s Continue our Diet Today America Wii Fit Trainer ♂ The BMI Bandit He’ll Blast Your Core! 今日も元気に肉体美 Lets Continue to Work Towards Physical Beauty America

The Japanese is suppose to be something that a coach would say to you. Both versions of the translation lose that. I can understand why Europe/ America didn’t want the female Wii Fit Trainer to say, “let’s continue our diets today” though.

Yoshi Omnivore of the Year He’s Not Yolking Aroun ヨースター島のくいしんぼう Glutton of Yo’ster Island America

Zero Suit Samus The Warrior Within Low Armour, High Agility 美しき銀河の戦士 Beautiful Warrior of the Galaxy America

I think Zero Suit Samus’ different localizations show how’s she depicted in each region, or at least what attribute Nintendo highlights. Japan sees Zero Suit Samus as a beautiful warrior, whereas America sees her as a warrior. These differences in expectations explain why Other M’s story was so heavily criticized in the West but not as much in Japan.

C̶o̶n̶g̶r̶a̶t̶u̶l̶a̶t̶i̶o̶n̶s̶ ̶E̶u̶r̶o̶p̶e̶!̶ ̶E̶v̶e̶n̶ ̶a̶f̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶c̶o̶m̶p̶l̶e̶t̶e̶l̶y̶ ̶m̶e̶s̶s̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶u̶p̶ ̶D̶u̶c̶k̶ ̶H̶u̶n̶t̶,̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶s̶t̶i̶l̶l̶ ̶p̶u̶l̶l̶e̶d̶ ̶a̶h̶e̶a̶d̶ ̶i̶n̶ ̶m̶y̶ ̶o̶p̶i̶n̶i̶o̶n̶.̶

EDIT: Because of Kirby, it’s a tie now!

Europe – 18

America – 18

Full List below: