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Oita mayor says no name change for Charlotte the monkey

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I think it's alright to have the monkey named Charlotte.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

I cant imagine one single British person being remotely upset about this. We have a good sense of humor, bigger fish to fry than this and in any case, the monkey IS kinda cute!

Japanese might get offended if we were to name a zoo animal after one of their royals, but thats just different culture. Be interested to see if any other Brits give a monkeys. (Boom boom!)

21 ( +21 / -0 )

“I think the public gave it the very pretty name Charlotte, and I don’t think there is any problem with it, so we’ll go with Charlotte,”

It's nice to see outbreaks of common sense like this. I hope it's a sign for the future.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

Lighten up Japanese people!

5 ( +8 / -3 )

This was a newly elected mayor here in oita. I'm really starting to like him. He gets it.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

If my friend names his dog after me, I'd be honored.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Who gives a Charlotte?

13 ( +14 / -1 )

When a baby is born to the Japanese imperial family and if any foreign country gives the same name to a newly born monkey in their zoo, many Japanese would feel uncomfortable. This is an inconsiderate and thoughtless thing. If the baby monkey dies in Oita, How do they handle the matter?

-14 ( +3 / -16 )

When a baby is born to the Japanese imperial family and if any foreign country gives the same name to a newly born monkey in their zoo, many Japanese would feel uncomfortable.

But Brits do not feel uncomfortable. If they hear that a monkey has been named after Charlotte, they would think, "nice idea". It would not be deemed disrespectful at all.

16 ( +16 / -0 )

Great exposure for the museum.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

.......off with their heads!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I think this would be fine if Japan itself were not so sensitive (to put it mildly) about these cases if reversed! Japan would be going bananas (pun intended) if a monkey was named after our princess.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

I couldn't imagine a single British person being offended by this. Naming a baby monkey Charlotte is right within our sense of humour.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

I don't actually care about the monkey's name itself, but I can just imagine some 60-year old 'we Japanese don't submit to no foreigners!' Mayor of Oita chiming in and reversing the decision.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

That's great, but when the next monkey is born in a British zoo, can we call it Aiko? I guess that would be rude. Is Aiko-sama any better? You can bet there'd be bullets flying and right-wing protests. agree with SauloJpn. I personally don't care what they name monkeys but hypocrisy and 'shoe on the other foot' are not expressions you'd find often among the Japanese.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

British is a kind of liberal about it, but it would be the biggest controversial issue in Japan if one of Japanese royal family's names were used for the name of the monkey. Prime minister Abe would get very angry about it first. I can imagine it.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Great exposure for the museum.

Yep, I even bet the number of calls supposedly made was a marketing ploy.. Now people might make it a stop during their trip to Kyushu.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

With the Japanese unable to correctly pronounce 99% of foreign names, nobody from the outside will know the monkey's name is actually charlotte.

My first name is Robert. But for some reason japanese call me "Roberto" why 3 syllables? How many unnecessary vowels and syllables will the japanese add to charlotte in Oita Zoo?

Good luck with that name-

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Again, I don't care that the zoo named a monkey after the princess, as I highly doubt it was an attempt to insult -- and hey, why don't we name a few monkeys after the Japanese Royal Family just to show there's nothing wrong with it? -- but I still think they should change it if there are that many people complaining. I mean, I really don't see the purpose in the mayor of the town strongly suggesting the zoo 'stick to its guns'. What purpose does it serve except that the mayor sees opportunity in the controversy. That, too, is a bad reason for keeping a name. Why would you want to keep a name, on something that s supposed to attract people, if it offends even some of them?

-2 ( +10 / -12 )

Am I the only one here thinking this is just a clever play by Oita Zoo hoping that at some point the princess will come to visit the monkey?

It would mean massive publicity for them, and if it doesn't happen then it has cost them nothing but a monkey's name.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The royal family doesn't own the rights to a name. If a zoo in England named their monkey aiko it was be in spite. What a cry baby idea. This zoo just did a contest and people thought it was a cute name. If anything it's to honor the name.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Long live the Queen!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Am I the only one here thinking this is just a clever play by Oita Zoo hoping that at some point the princess will come to visit the monkey?

I don't know if you're the only one, but I imagine you're wrong. Every year the zoo has the public choose a name for the first baby monkey of the year. This year as usual the public (not the zoo) chose the name. Runners-up were apparently Kei (after the tennis player, presumably) and Elsa (from the Disney film).

for some reason japanese call me "Roberto" why 3 syllables?

Because the Japanese language has no syllables ending in a consonant, except -n. Lots of non-native speakers cannot pronounce the English th sound either. Over on the continent the Queen becomes Elizabess or Elizabet.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I don't care what the monkey is called, but to avoid double standards let's call the next one "Akihito", or "Hirohito".

Of course, if they did that there would be outrage and the fascists would be outside in their vans obstructing business whilst the police stood by doing nothing.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Naw really? The point is "who cares" if japanese name it charlotte. It will not sound like "charlotte" to an native English speaker's ear.

Just like when japanese say they just had lunch @ makudonarudo or maku. Its like . . . Wha. . .? Never heard of that place!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I dont see any problem with the name, just a thought, if there was a new Japanese princess born and the same name was used, would the furor be more or less than it is now!?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

A Shinto priest asked me what I thought. He seemed to be in agreement with Schopenhauer above who writes

When a baby is born to the Japanese imperial family and if any foreign country gives the same name to a newly born monkey in their zoo, many Japanese would feel uncomfortable. This is an inconsiderate and thoughtless thing. If the baby monkey dies in Oita, How do they handle the matter?

Westerners above place emphasis on the intent -- that is to say thoughts inside the head that are believed to be the cause of actions despite research to the contrary (Nisbett and Wilson, 1977; Libet‎,1999 ). Japanese are more aware of the way in which words and event outside the head effect behaviour. If the real monkey called Charlotte should die, and Princess Charlotte should become aware of this, it might have a negative effect upon her, at least if she were Japanese.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Good for the mayor. Albion should be honoured

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Schopenhauer:timtak: They probably give the Monkey a State Funeral like all Royals. Hale the Monkey Queen Charlotte the 1st

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Rather a monkey named Charlotte than a prime minister named Cameron.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Just like when japanese say they just had lunch @ makudonarudo or maku. Its like . . . Wha. . .? Never heard of that place!

At any non-English country you'd feel the same. It's not a Japan thing.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

'I cant imagine one single British person being remotely upset about this. We have a good sense of humor'

I picked up the joke in 'we ( Brits ) have a good sense of humor ( US spelling )'. Nice one.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

How about the next baby monkey be named Michiko or Akihito?

3 ( +5 / -1 )

If the real monkey called Charlotte should die, and Princess Charlotte should become aware of this, it might have a negative effect upon her, at least if she were Japanese.

Maybe if someone shot it right in front of her.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I am British, and I assure you that no one in the UK is the least bit offended. We think it is a nice gesture!

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Who cares? It's just a monkey! Does anyone complain if a random mother in the world names her child Charlotte?!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

if there was a new Japanese princess born and the same name was used, would the furor be more or less than it is now!?

There are varieties of rose named Empress Michiko, Masako, Kiko and Princess Aiko. I don't remember any furore at all.

A thorny bush prone to greenfly and black spot, that gets viciously pruned back every winter, is more auspicious? flattering? appropriate? than a cute little baby monkey?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I hope the British do not find this offensive at all. It is just a lot of Japanese people voting to name the monkey after the princess because they are actually very interested in the princess. I think it is being done by the people as a good gesture. Personally, I don't like it because I know that the Japanese which pitch a fit if the shoe was on the other foot, would be screaming racism and that we were being insensitive to their culture and the royal family. The mayor is just being opportunistic as well. He knows this is going to gain him some popularity by sticking to his guns.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So the name was created through democracy, and people still complain. Nothing is new there.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

If someone had a monkey, and named it after me, I'd be proud as hell. I can't imagine a free spirited people of The British Isle, especially not the English monark, be any different. It's a god damn monkey for crying out loud. Charlotte should be ashamed of having a human name, if anything. Good call from the mayor, if you ask me

2 ( +2 / -0 )

No offence caused. We Brits "don't give a monkey's" about it! :-)

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Again, I don't think it's offensive in the least, and I think it's intended, if anything, as an homage or compliment. BUT, if they are serious in naming the monkey and believing the name is not offensive at all, they should literally name the next monkey after Princess Aiko or one of the current princes. If it is not offensive, there is no problem, right? If it would cause offense and problems, obviously it's not a good choice. My guess is it would not even be considered.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

2 very important points to take note here, rather than the negatives.

Point No 1. Japanese public that favor the name Charlotte simply did not mean anything else but love and affection to the new born monkey. The thought of dis-respect or menace is not harbored as some perceived it. It was a beautiful name that 95% of Japanese people can't even pronounce properly if it's not because of the royal arrival of the British princess.

Point No 2. The British people are not easily offended and in fact generally possess strong sense of humor in even self mockeries that's almost non existence in Asia. This is one area that the East and the West are distinguished quite clearly. As some pointed out, many Japanese MAYBE offended if something similar was done in one of the UK zoos. Many British do see the baby monkey naming as an affection rather than any other insinuation.

The Mayor did the right thing to stick to what the true intent, as stated by my point no.1. And the British behaved admirably mature in the use of the obviously non exclusive lovely name as their little princess.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Maybe something like sister/twin cities could be used. Two nations gets a zoo animal. They then name their respective animals after the other nations monarch/presidential family member, both being the same in status (ie first lady/queen, prince/president's son, etc). We could then have a monkey named charles in japan, and one named naruhito in the UK.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Speaking of first names, why is it that Japan never adapts western first names for their own children? Yet, they're willing to call this ape "Charlotte".

How many full-on Japanese named: Diane, Kristy, Brenda, Paula, Amber etc. do you know? None. They don't exist.

"Hello, my name's Micheal Tanaka", "I'm Vince Tanaka- nice to meet ya". Nope, never happens in japan. I know lots Japanese Americans (nisei & 3rd) who have a western first name preceded by "Tanaka, Sato, Ehara". So why mock the new princess dubbing her name to a monkey?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Knowing the Brits sense of humor I doubt very many are offended. Even the royal parents would probably get a kick out of it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Wc626: "How many full-on Japanese named: Diane, Kristy, Brenda, Paula, Amber etc. do you know? None. They don't exist."

Depends what you consider 'full-on', I guess, since there are a growing number of names that can double as Western names (with Japanese pronunciation). I know quite a few named "Sala/Sara", "Karin/Karen", "Naomi (despite that being a Japanese name, I know parents who gave it to their child knowing it is also a common girl's name overseas)", "Mari/Mary", "Ken (again, chosen intentionally because it can double as both Japanese and Western)", "Tomu/Tom", "Haru/Hal", etc., just to name a few.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

"Charlotte's Web" the book. The movie.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I mean, I really don't see the purpose in the mayor of the town strongly suggesting the zoo 'stick to its guns'.

The mayor didn't say that. Japan Today did.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Goes without saying. We all know Sara, Karen, Hana, Mari etc.

What I meant was that japanese are very old-fashioned. I lived in Hong Kong for a short time. There, nearly 70% adapt western names followed by their Chinese last name, of course. In US, same trend. Japanese are narrow in the trend & will prob always be.

So why call the monkey Charlotte? When you'll never-ever meet a gal named Charlotte Takahashi of full Japanese decent.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

I bought 3 new nishikigoi the other day, I've called them Aiko, Mako and Kako, I am now waiting for the complaints!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

if they are serious in naming the monkey and believing the name is not offensive at all, they should literally name the next monkey after Princess Aiko or one of the current princes.

What do you mean by 'serious'? And who are 'they'?

The zoo asked the general public to choose a name for the first baby monkey of the year, as they do every year. Out of 853 votes, the most votes, 59, went to 'Charlotte' and so that was the name chosen. I don't see anything particularly 'serious' in the naming. Maybe next year the same 59 people (assuming 'they' happen to be visiting the zoo when the first baby monkey of 2016 is born) will vote for Aiko, or Hisahito or whatever. But if more people think some other name - that of a cartoon character, or a sports star, or a pop singer - is better, then what can 'they' do?

why mock the new princess dubbing her name to a monkey?

What makes you think there is any element of mockery at all involved? It's a sweet little baby monkey.

why is it that Japan never adapts western first names for their own children?

Why should they? How many people in the West give their children Japanese names? What is 'old-fashioned' about not giving your child a foreign name?

Yet, they're willing to call this ape "Charlotte".

The Japanese macaque is a monkey, not an ape.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Goes without saying. We all know Sara, Karen, Hana, Mari etc.

I'm not sure about Sara and Karen, but Hana, Mari are Japanese original names. Mari could mean a ball or other things depending on the kanji. Hana could mean flower, Karen means pretty.

What I meant was that japanese are very old-fashioned. I lived in Hong Kong for a short time. There, nearly 70% adapt western names followed by their Chinese last name, of course. In US, same trend. Japanese are narrow in the trend & will prob always be

Why is the Japanese name old fashioned and should be changed to Western name? Isn't it easier for Japan to keep people's names intact and kick you out of Japan?

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Japan is a country with monkeys.

These Japanese monkeys need a name when they are kept in the zoo.

England doesn't have any monkeys.

Therefore the problems of giving monkeys a name is not familiar to British people.

I hope the Japanese monkeys get a good name!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"I bought 3 new nishikigoi the other day, I've called them Aiko, Mako and Kako, I am now waiting for the complaints!"

OK, but don't go buying any monkeys and naming them Aiko, Mako or Kako, hehe

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@tinawatanabe Many people have stated that calling a monkey after a member of the Japanese royal family would be offensive to some. I'm not acquainted with any deeply conservative Japanese people and I'd like to get your take on this. I'm not being sarcastic here. I'd genuinely like to know.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why is the Japanese name old fashioned and should be changed to Western name? Isn't it easier for Japan to keep people's names intact and kick you out of Japan?

Ha ha ha! Yes! For once I actually agree with Tina! Why should Japanese change their names??!

We picked names that work in Japanese and English for our kids, but I know many with two names, one western one Japanese.

Wc626 is also wrong about "full" (non immigrant) Japanese taking western names too. I have worked in Japan with a Billy, Freddie, Sean, Ash and Bob (yes! Bob! AKA Masahiro!) They are under the (actually mistaken in most cases) impression that their names, like some Chinese and Korean names, are too hard for westerners to pronounce. They really didnt need to change their names, but I know many foreigners in the company apreciated the sentiment of trying to make it easier for them, and they also loved being "Sato san", "Tanaka san" etc with the Japanese coworkers, but "Bob" or "Freddie" with the western employees. And interestingly, it had the impact of "gelling" the two cultures together more.

I do agree though that maybe Japanese would be grossly offended if London Zoo named a monkey after one of their Royal Family. So they are simply applying their cultural norms to how British people would feel. Understandable really. They are mistaken in that British people not only couldnt really care less, but most would think it was a lovely gesture! But at the same time we appreciate the Japanese being concerned for our feelings, thats very considerate of them.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

To begin with, I am British and I regard the British values highly, I respect the Japanese culture as respect and honour sits in the heart of it.

The views expressed herein are those of my views and in no way represents Japan Today or Britain

I think many Brits have missed the implication hare.

If the monkey was named Charlotte before the royal princess I don't think there's any problems but in this instance it was named after the royal princess. In fact one of the British newspaper suggested "it was to commemorate the birth of the royal princess". So it wasn't coincidence.

Let me make clear where the offence lies.

If anyone here had a child, and you so happen to post a YouTube video or just a simple post on a forum topic including the name and picture, (you wouldn't do this but for the sake of argument, the royal had to, all over the news.) how would you feel if I named my pet hamsters the same name as your child and posted a picture of it accompanied by your childs photo?

Its like I am implicating, "this is what I think of you and yours". You still don't see a problem?

Naming a monkey Charlotte after the royal princess is the same as me naming a lump of poop, (excrement, feces) after your child and than saying i've named it after your child. The same as ("this is what I think of you and yours") Can you see where the offence lies now?

I know the Japanese meant no harm by it, many Japanese are fond of Breton and the royals. London is loved by Japan, (please tell me otherwise), the naming was probably the results of overjoy for the royal princess nevertheless, the point is.

Who cares about the 800 + vote for this name, the zoo should have seen how the implications could be disrespectful and offensive.

It might be worth noting that. We all have a different understanding and tolerance level of what we may find offensive, in this case it was not a nobody trolling online, it was a established zoo. Who knows, it may have been a publicity stunt, any publicity (good or bad) is still publicity.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

maybe Japanese would be grossly offended if London Zoo named a monkey after one of their Royal Family.

NathalieB, If the monkey is very cute like this one, they may not be offended.

@Jimizo

I'd rather the cute baby monkey has a cute Japanese name than a western one. Japanese people respect Chinese names for pandas in Japan. Why can't they respect Japanese names?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

how would you feel if I named my pet hamsters the same name as your child and posted a picture of it accompanied by your childs photo?

No problem, especially if it was a cute little hamster (and they all are, it's in the genes). I'd be tickled that you liked the name that much.

Its like I am implicating, "this is what I think of you and yours".

No, it's like you're saying 'I think this is such a nice name, and belongs to such a sweet little baby, that I want to use it for something I consider cute and take pleasure in spending my time and energy caring for'. (Or do you do....something else...with your pet hamsters?)

Naming a monkey Charlotte after the royal princess is the same as me naming a lump of poop, (excrement, feces) after your child and than saying i've named it after your child. The same as ("this is what I think of you and yours") Can you see where the offence lies now?

Why on earth would you equate a sweet little newborn baby monkey with a piece of faecal matter? Therein lies your problem, and the cause of your mistaken offence. And it makes me worry even more about those hamsters of yours. Why would you even have pets, if you have such a low opinion of them?

the zoo should have seen how the implications could be disrespectful and offensive.

Only to people who see baby animals as turds. I find that implication disrespectful to all those, simian and otherwise, we share the planet with, and very offensive.

Who knows, it may have been a publicity stunt

It was a publicity stunt, it is a publicity stunt, the zoo does it every year.

4 ( +3 / -0 )

"Brian WhewayMay. 09, 2015 - 10:23PM JST I bought 3 new nishikigoi the other day, I've called them Aiko, Mako and Kako, I am now waiting for the complaints!"<

"SchopenhauerMay. 09, 2015 - 07:43AM JST When a baby is born to the Japanese imperial family and if any foreign country gives the same name to a newly born monkey in their zoo, many Japanese would feel uncomfortable. This is an inconsiderate and thoughtless thing. If the baby monkey dies in Oita, How do they handle the matter?"<

Come on fellers, two wrongs doesn't make a right. The Japanese Imperial Family had no say on the matter, The Takasakiyama Nature Zoo and moreover Mayor Kiichiro Sato are at fault, Mayor Kiichiro Sato stance on not changing the name was one comparable to a child.

What you should have said is, if the zoo did change the name would the monkey have complained? In the US and UK people change their names for various reasons, more commonly if some extremest had the same name and did a crime. So why can't we simply change the monkeys name? One must question how Kiichiro Sato ever got the role of Mayor.

"Wc626May. 09, 2015 - 08:55AM JST With the Japanese unable to correctly pronounce 99% of foreign names, nobody from the outside will know the monkey's name is actually charlotte.

My first name is Robert. But for some reason japanese call me "Roberto" why 3 syllables? How many unnecessary vowels and syllables will the japanese add to charlotte in Oita Zoo? Good luck with that name-"<

My wife and I don't see a problem with that, its unique and my wife says that its cute, have you heard the Japanese pronunciation of river thames (thamiga river) so cute. Even Jpop, "Mix stereo™" capsules and another song that had the world Speed was cute, so she says. On a serious note its just wrong to pick on the pronunciation bro.

@Cleo My comparison of the monkey to feces, was in regards to status. You can not say that an animal holds the same qualities as a human (just look, its a human looking after the animals at the zoo, not the other way round) now to compare the monkey to the royal princess, the two sides of the scale are further apart. The humen is of a higher status (a royal) the monkey becomes like that of feces. (Poop) in comparison.

The point, the zoo received much complaints regarding the matter, compliant from some of the higher up, why was the name not changed? if the zoo did change the name would the monkey have complained?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

the zoo received much complaints regarding the matter, compliant from some of the higher up, why was the name not changed?

Because the people complaining are absolute morons who are living in their own dream worlds, and don't deserve the time it would take to think of a new name.

I guarantee that if you gave an IQ test to anyone who complained, you wouldn't find anything about 90.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Yet if the tables turned, you wouldn't say all the Japanese complaining are living in their own dream worlds or not deserving of the time it would take to think of a new name.

Takasakiyama Nature Zoo and moreover Mayor Kiichiro Sato should have understood this value more so than ever, given that they are Japanese.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Yet if the tables turned, you wouldn't say all the Japanese complaining are living in their own dream worlds or not deserving of the time it would take to think of a new name.

Sure I would. The complaint is just as stupid no matter who is doing it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

In the US and UK people change their names for various reasons, more commonly if some extremest had the same name and did a crime.

Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is no extremist and has committed no crime, not yet anyways. There is no reason anyone would not want to use the name.

So why can't we simply change the monkeys name? One must question how Kiichiro Sato ever got the role of Mayor.

The name was chosen fair and square by a democratic vote. As was the mayor.

My comparison of the monkey to feces, was in regards to status. You can not say that an animal holds the same qualities as a human.....now to compare the monkey to the royal princess, the two sides of the scale are further apart.

1 A monkey is not equivalent to faeces (I thought you claimed to be British? What's with the weird spelling?)

2 A royal princess is no higher up the scale of humanity than a non-royal person, unless you're some kind of royalist, divine-right extremist nut.

3 'Not the same' doesn't mean the difference makes a living creature the same as faecal matter.

4 Seriously, do you consider your pet hamster to be no better than a piece of faecal matter? What were you saying about regarding British values highly? What happened to Britain being a land of animal lovers?

why was the name not changed? if the zoo did change the name would the monkey have complained?

The monkey would not have complained, but the people who voted for the name in the first place, and won the vote fair and square, would be right to complain.

Japanese pronunciation of river thames (thamiga river)

What?? The Japanese never pronounce anything with a th. It's temuzugawa.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

My first name is Robert. But for some reason japanese call me "Roberto" why 3 syllables?

Because Japanese language does not have consonant. Do you know English speakers pronounce so differently European languages from original, for instance "Bach" ? Japanese pronounce it closer "Bahha"

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

So sorry for the late reply, (Just got back from Trafalgar Square with info on BMW LSO Open Air Classics, An annual free, open-air orchestra concert)

"Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge is no extremist and has committed no crime, not yet anyways. There is no reason anyone would not want to use the name."<

You missed my point. My point was that if people can change names (on a human level) why not the same for a animal?

"The name was chosen fair and square by a democratic vote. As was the mayor."<

So if a democratic vote chosen the name "Binladan the great" we should go ahead and use it? Preposterous, the fact is the naming of the baby monkey after Britain’s Princess Charlotte has been controversial, however mixed the views might be on the matter its nevertheless a cause for concern.

"1 A monkey is not equivalent to faeces (I thought you claimed to be British? What's with the weird spelling?)"<

Yes I am British, its just a word not often used in my everyday vocabulary hence the American spelling error.

"2 A royal princess is no higher up the scale of humanity than a non-royal person, unless you're some kind of royalist, divine-right extremist nut."<

Is that so? So your understanding is that; a royal is the same as a commoner? Are you British? Ask yourself, why throughout history have many brave men sworn allegiance to served both queen and country? Why are many willing to put their life on the line for the "royal " if being a royal means nothing? And that around the world including Japan, Royal, Imperial and the likes are people of honour and respect. (Final Fantasy 12 conveys this perfectly)

"3 'Not the same' doesn't mean the difference makes a living creature the same as faecal matter.

4 Seriously, do you consider your pet hamster to be no better than a piece of faecal matter? What were you saying about regarding British values highly? What happened to Britain being a land of animal lovers?"<

Again I was referring to ranks and status, I was not implying that the monkey is the same as faeces. And yes Britain is a land of animal lovers, we love our animals but not in the sense to love "love" our animals.

"What?? The Japanese never pronounce anything with a th. It's temuzugawa."<

Im not Japanese, i've asked my wife and she said it was from the song "Gohan Wa Okazu" (Rice Is a Side Dish) the insert song to "K-ON The Movie" the point was, the pronunciation of "Thames River" and London "Bridge" was Cute, or as my wife put it (kawaii [かわいい,])

In English names are pronounced differently regardless of how its spelt, normally we confirm how that person pronounces it. Its like saying Wii, forget the spelling, its pronounced as "We" its how Nintendo announced the name so we use that. Even England, Italy etc are pronounced differently by the Japanese, just ask the native of the land how they pronounced it and use that, its not a big issue, I personally have no problem with it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

You are right Strategist - your views in no way represent those of the British people.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

You are right Strategist - your views in no way represent those of the British people.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Got you the first time

0 ( +0 / -0 )

My point was that if people can change names (on a human level) why not the same for a animal?

People who change their names do so because they want to or feel they need to. I'm pretty sure Charlotte the baby monkey feels no such need. I'm not sure if monkeys can learn to recognise their own names, but at less than a week old, I doubt either little Charlotte has got that far yet.

So if a democratic vote chosen the name "Binladan the great" we should go ahead and use it?

Yup, if it's what the people who vote want. Your status or rank is so high you can overrule a democratic vote if you personally don't agree with it? If so, please go and do something about Thursday's darn election result.

So your understanding is that; a royal is the same as a commoner? Are you British?

Yes, and yes. Cut them, and they bleed, red blood, not blue. Their faeces stink of pooh, not roses. They are just people who happen to have been born to the parents they were born to. Luck of the draw, no divine right. As people, they are absolutely not different. You can touch your forelock and bow and scape to them if you like, you won't catch me acting like a peasant.

I was not implying that the monkey is the same as faeces.

You didn't imply it, you stated clearly that Naming a monkey Charlotte after the royal princess is the same as me naming a lump of poop, (excrement, feces) after your child.

we love our animals but not in the sense to love "love" our animals.

Now I really am worried about those hamsters. What is 'love "love"'?

There's no mention of the Thames in 'Gohan wa okazu'....

1 ( +1 / -0 )

As an Englishman, can I put an end to all this nonsense? Here in Britain we have no problem whatsoever with this zoo naming a baby monkey after our princess. Quite the opposite. We think it is a charming gesture which we find delightful. We completely understand that the reason the Japanese public chose this name was because they were thrilled by the birth of princess Charlotte, and we in Britain are flattered at their interest in our Royal Family. So, thank you Japan, and stop worrying!

6 ( +6 / -0 )

A significant proportion of British people would laugh and cheer if they were to name an entire troop of monkeys after the Windsors.

I'd suggest they chose bonobos to do so, especially given the amount of extra-marital romping going on amounts the Windsors. (England's future king's references to wanting to be another man's wife's "tampon" - his mistress cum wife - springs to mind immediately).

Say what you like about the Japanese royalty but at least in that department they appear to have carried themselves with dignity.

Honestly, the Japan Hate mob should give it a rest. This is making even them look ridiculous.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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