Reader’s Question:
I recently learned about something called “Sekigan no Zanzou,” an anime film. Is it true that in the northern parts of Tottori and Hiroshima Prefectures, people refer to sharks as “wani”? When I think of sharks, I picture a megalodon, and when I hear “wani,” I usually think of
caimans or crocodiles, which don’t look similar at all. Why do they use the term “wani” specifically in that region?
Sharks and “Wani”: A Quirky Cultural Connection
So, I was chatting with a friend recently who brought up this intriguing bit of trivia about the term “wani” being used for sharks in certain parts of Japan, particularly in Tottori and Hiroshima. I’ve always thought of sharks in a more dramatic light—like megalodons stalking the ocean depths. But to think that in some regions, “wani” could mean shark? It’s a little mind-boggling! What really tickled my curiosity was learning about the folklore surrounding this term. You see, in the tale of “Inaba no Shirousagi,” there’s a moment where a rabbit is up to some mischief, and the creature he gets into trouble with is referred to as a “wani.” This led to some head-scratching for scholars back in the Meiji era who were perplexed about how a crocodile could fit into a Japanese myth. But the plot thickens! One of these scholars took a trip to the Izumo region and discovered that the local folks actually called sharks “wani.” Can you imagine the look on his face when that lightbulb went off? It’s like one of those moments in a comedy show where the punchline suddenly makes sense. Reflecting on this, I can’t help but think about how language and culture can twist our perceptions. Just picture it: you’re in a coastal town, a local is casually talking about “wani,” and you’re picturing a fearsome predator, but they’re actually talking about a shark! It’s like when I was a kid and thought “soda” meant any fizzy drink, only to realize later that it’s a regional thing. Now, I have to admit, I’ve had my own share of funny moments with language. There was this one time I confidently walked into a Japanese restaurant and asked for “sushi” when I meant to say “sashimi.” The waiter’s eyebrow shot up, and I felt like a fish out of water—pun intended! It’s these little quirks in language that make conversations so rich and entertaining, don’t you think? I mean, who would’ve thought that a simple term could open up such an interesting discussion about folklore, language, and even local customs? I’d love to hear what you all think! Have you ever stumbled upon a peculiar term in a different language or culture that made you do a double-take? Or maybe you have a hilarious language mix-up story? Drop your experiences in the comments!
