Reader’s Question:
Why do characters in manga and anime often sneeze and say, “Someone must be talking about me” when someone mentions them?
Let’s Talk About Sneezing in Manga and Anime
You know, there’s something so charmingly quirky about the way characters in manga and anime sneeze and exclaim, “Someone must be
talking about me!” It’s like a classic trope that never fails to tickle my funny bone. I remember the first time I encountered it—it was in a slice-of-life anime, and the character sneezed right after their crush mentioned them. I laughed so hard! What’s fascinating is that this isn’t just a random gag. As the user pointed out, there’s a long-standing belief in Japan that if someone is thinking about you, you might just sneeze. It’s a whimsical idea, and it’s even mentioned in ancient texts like the “Manyoshu.” The notion that a sneeze could be a sign of someone’s affection or thoughts about you is both sweet and a bit silly, don’t you think? It kind of adds a layer of magic to everyday life. I’ve had my fair share of silly moments that remind me of this. Just the other day, I was chatting with a friend about a particularly funny stand-up comedy show we attended (you know how much I love my comedy!). We were reminiscing about a joke that had us rolling on the floor, and all of a sudden, I sneezed! I couldn’t help but laugh and say, “Maybe someone’s talking about me!” My friend looked at me, chuckled, and said, “Well, if it’s not your allergies acting up!” It’s these little quirks that make life feel a bit more connected and playful. I mean, how often do you get to blame a sneeze on someone’s thoughts about you? It’s like a fun little twist on the everyday experience, and I genuinely appreciate how these kinds of humor add a light-hearted touch to storytelling. Plus, there’s something nostalgic about these tropes. They remind me of the many hours I spent watching anime as a kid, giggling at the characters’ exaggerated reactions. It’s a reminder of those carefree days, and now as a dad, I get to share that joy with my child. We often turn on a classic anime together, and whenever a character sneezes, we share a laugh over the same old saying. So, what about you? Have you encountered any funny or memorable moments like that in your favorite shows? Or maybe you have your own quirky beliefs or superstitions you grew up with? I’d love to hear your stories or tips on finding the humor in everyday situations! Let’s keep this conversation going in the comments!
