Why do the English writers of the Anime use titles based on other titles?

[matt0044]

This may seem a bit personal but I've always hate most of the dub titles of the episodes of the BF and DP arc. The previous seasons had dub titles that seem decent to cringe-worthy and some episode titles were based on the Japanese titles such as "Pokemon! I Choose You!".

So I have to ask why the English writers use these dub titles rather than basing the titles of the Japanese Episode titles? I don't care if it's to appeal to kids and other viewers in Americans, I just like to know why bother and what if they did adapt the Japanese titles by rewording them a bit.

Feel free to reply however you want so long as no one starts anything.

And while we're at it, what do you guys think of dub episode titles and the Japanese episode titles in general and in comparison?

 

[Vernikova]

They do it to appeal to viewers. It's something they do for fun too I guess. There's not much else to it.

Personally, the Japanese titles are boring so I kind of like that they try to use new titles. Many dub titles aren't that good though so it sucks for me.

 

[Erin]

They do it to appeal to viewers.

This.

The dubbers have always seemed to think that some kind of clever socio-cultural pun creates a level of familiarity with English-speaking (particularly American) audiences. They found other ways to do this too, such as when they'd refer to rice balls as doughnuts.

Kind of obnoxious, but it's whatever =\ .

 

[Spinor]

They're going to have to run out of these bright ideas someday, so don't worry. At least that's what we all hope happens.

But right, it's just to appeal while it lasts. We've seen incredibly stupid titles before, no? Meh, I honestly am so used to it I can't acknowledge their stupidity anymore.

 

[Yuoaman]

It's better than having the title be a long-ass sentence.

 

[Thorns]

- Love, Pokemon Style
- Love, Totodile Style
- Love, Petalburg Style

ALL REAL ENGLISH TITLE EPISODE NAMES.

I swear, if I so much as see the word love in any upcoming title, I will throw a fit XD.

 

[Erin]

I swear, if I so much as see the word love in any upcoming title, I will throw a fit XD.

I'll personally be looking forward to "Love, Pokemactually" :D .

 

[Frostik]

They do have some gems when they exercise their creativity.

Anyone who says, "Barry's Busting Out All Over" isn't the most awesome of awesome titles the show has ever had needs a good lesson I will gladly provide. ;3 The layers of awesome, like an onion ogre.


In the beginning, they did so for some straight translating. But the Japanese method of titles just doesn't really suit what we're used to. Two lines for a title? You can only fit so much of those two into one. Sometimes, it's just better to be cute.

 

[matt0044]

Come to think of it, why did the Japanese titles have two sentences? This applies to other Anime though some use original few word titles.

 

[Vernikova]

Not every episode is comprised of two sentences so I don't know why you think it's that way.

 

[donavannj]

They're going to have to run out of these bright ideas someday, so don't worry. At least that's what we all hope happens.

There's so many puns and cultural references to make in English I highly doubt they're going to run out before the Pokemon anime ends.

It's better than having the title be a long-ass sentence.

Agreed.

Anyone who says, "Barry's Busting Out All Over" isn't the most awesome of awesome titles the show has ever had needs a good lesson I will gladly provide. ;3 The layers of awesome, like an onion ogre.

I think I've seen better, but I can't think of any episode titles right now.

 

[PlatinumDude]

I find the English versions of the names more appealing than the Japanese ones. I think the reason why the English writers make up those kinds of titles is because of the appeal they bring, and it makes watching the show more fun.