I've been riding the train and there's something that's been on my mind.
It's the phenomenon where, even though it's a Japanese station name, the English announcement suddenly uses native-level pronunciation.
For example, in a normal Japanese announcement, they say:
"Next is Higashi-Kishiwada."
They say it naturally. But when it gets to the English announcement, it suddenly becomes:
"Next station is Higashi-Kishiwada."
And it sounds incredibly English-like, doesn't it? lol
I find that a little funny and mysterious every time.
Because Higashi-Kishiwada is a Japanese station name and a Japanese word, yet the moment it enters "English mode," it suddenly feels like it's from overseas.
Of course, I think it's to make it easier for foreigners to hear.
If it stayed with Japanese pronunciation, English speakers might find it hard to catch or wouldn't know where the words break.
But for Japanese people, there are times when you think:
"Wow, they went full native with it lol"
And it starts to get to you.
Moreover, once you start noticing this, it's over.
"Kansai Airport"
"Tennoji"
"Kyobashi"
"Shin-Imamiya"
They all start sounding like something out of a Western movie.
Especially the "R" sounds and the way they draw out the vowels—the way they suddenly put in so much effort is hilarious.
But looking at it from another perspective, Japanese announcements must be difficult for people from overseas, so I guess this is the result of trying to make it as clear as possible.
Maybe it's a unique sense of incongruity that only Japanese people who hear it every day feel.
I just almost laugh every time.
From "Next is Higashi-Kishiwada."
to
"Higashi-Kishiwada."
That switch is just so addictive.
I wrote this thinking there might be quite a few people who have noticed the same thing lol
