Moving on, I'm currently recollecting my stuff from my other blog for now and going through character profiles first. While I'm on it, I'll start working in AJ, DD, and SoJ profiles on here as well, so we have the full mainstream series right away. And then I'll start poking around in the actual script data, though as I mentioned before, DD & SoJ stuff will be limited in what I can find, so I encourage people to ask me on tumblr, on the forums, or on here if they want to know about a specific thing.
Now for some random trivia about Justice for All! In the wake of Gyakuten Saiban's surprising great success, Takumi & co. decided to try a sequel that covered a greater variety of themes and cobbled them all together into one game. It may have turned out to be the lesser appreciated of the original trilogy, being the one smack-dab in the middle and having less MC-dependent stories, but Turnabout Big Top was Takumi's long-time personal favorite case to write back in the day. I dunno if it's still his absolute favorite piece, since he came up with Ghost Trick down the line (which is my personal favorite, heh), but it was a story that was inspired by a real-life account from a few years (? I forget exactly when) prior to the game's release. I think it circled around a news story involving a circus act gone awry when one of its animals went wild due to supposedly unforeseen causes.
It's been a long time. I don't remember enough to pinpoint which news story it was. I just learned about this from an interview with Takumi way back, and it was translated by my friend Ash on gyakutensaibanlibrary.blogspot.com! Be sure to check out his stuff too. He's basically the encyclopedia of Ace Attorney-related archives.
As usual, character names are given last-first.
Case 2-1
> Maggey Byrde - Suzuki Mako (須々木マコ)
Suzuki is a very common surname that can be written in many ways. Her name as a whole is a pun on the phrase “make tsudzuki”, which is literally “continue to lose”, referencing her horrible luck.
Incidentally, she pairs up with Gumshoe very well, not only because of their similar personalities, but their shared character trait: adding “ssu” to the end of their sentences. I believe Takumi had written her to be a match to Gumshoe in the first place, so it's only natural they'd be a pair.
Suzuki is a very common surname that can be written in many ways. Her name as a whole is a pun on the phrase “make tsudzuki”, which is literally “continue to lose”, referencing her horrible luck.
Incidentally, she pairs up with Gumshoe very well, not only because of their similar personalities, but their shared character trait: adding “ssu” to the end of their sentences. I believe Takumi had written her to be a match to Gumshoe in the first place, so it's only natural they'd be a pair.
> Richard Wellington - Moroheiya Takamasa (諸平野貴雅)
I’m not sure about his surname, but I suspect it has to do with the colloquial expression ‘morobare’ = “one’s secret completely out in the open”. Nick had his phone since the start of the trial, so his secret was all but exposed. “Takamasa” comes from the verb 'takamaru’ = “to rise, swell up”, referring to his pride. The kanji used suggests someone rich or noble.
I’m not sure about his surname, but I suspect it has to do with the colloquial expression ‘morobare’ = “one’s secret completely out in the open”. Nick had his phone since the start of the trial, so his secret was all but exposed. “Takamasa” comes from the verb 'takamaru’ = “to rise, swell up”, referring to his pride. The kanji used suggests someone rich or noble.
> Dustin Prince - Machio Mamoru (町尾守)
“machi o mamoru” = “protect the city”. Speaks for itself.
“machi o mamoru” = “protect the city”. Speaks for itself.
Case 2-2
> Franziska von Karma - Karuma Mei (狩魔冥)
The kanji for Mei can mean “dark” or “unknown”. It’s a contrast to her father’s name and reputation, as well as in contrast to Edgeworth. She’s been left behind as the “unknown” side to the Karuma line, and only recently has come out to make a name for herself. It’s also a parallel to Maya's name, Mayoi, which also suggests some sort of mystery to it.
The kanji for Mei can mean “dark” or “unknown”. It’s a contrast to her father’s name and reputation, as well as in contrast to Edgeworth. She’s been left behind as the “unknown” side to the Karuma line, and only recently has come out to make a name for herself. It’s also a parallel to Maya's name, Mayoi, which also suggests some sort of mystery to it.
> Pearl Fey - Ayasato Harumi (綾里春美)
- aka Pearly / Hami-chan
Harumi is an ordinary name and is often written as such. The kanji here represent “spring” and “beauty”, representing her youth.
The fact that it's such a common Japanese name is brought up again by Larry in the next game, where he mentions that he wouldn't date a girl with the same name. Obviously, he didn't know how old she was at the timeor he'd have the FBI on his tail.
- aka Pearly / Hami-chan
Harumi is an ordinary name and is often written as such. The kanji here represent “spring” and “beauty”, representing her youth.
The fact that it's such a common Japanese name is brought up again by Larry in the next game, where he mentions that he wouldn't date a girl with the same name. Obviously, he didn't know how old she was at the time
> Morgan Fey - Ayasato Kimiko (綾里キミ子)
Kimiko is an ordinary name, but here it is written in a less common way.
According to Court Records’, well, records, her name is based off of Japan’s first Empress Himiko, who is known as the “Shaman Empress” and is associated with many imperial court legends. I can’t confirm if this reference is accurate, though.
Kimiko is an ordinary name, but here it is written in a less common way.
According to Court Records’, well, records, her name is based off of Japan’s first Empress Himiko, who is known as the “Shaman Empress” and is associated with many imperial court legends. I can’t confirm if this reference is accurate, though.
> Turner Grey - Kirisaki Tetsurou (霧崎哲郎)
Kirisaki comes from ‘kirisaku’ = “to cut open”, since he’s a surgeon. His first name is a pretty common male name that can suggest the image of intelligentia. It may be a reference to the idiom “tetsu wa atsui uchi ni ute”, which literally means “strike while the iron is hot”. It does describe his attitude toward a lot of things, especially the channeling to clear up his name and whatnot.
Kirisaki comes from ‘kirisaku’ = “to cut open”, since he’s a surgeon. His first name is a pretty common male name that can suggest the image of intelligentia. It may be a reference to the idiom “tetsu wa atsui uchi ni ute”, which literally means “strike while the iron is hot”. It does describe his attitude toward a lot of things, especially the channeling to clear up his name and whatnot.
> Ini Miney - Hanaka Nodoka (葉中のどか)
Hanaka was chosen for its odd kanji usage. Nodoka, written differently, means “peaceful, tranquil”. 'hana’ can also mean “nose”, and 'nodo’ can be “throat”. I'd assume this is because there's a recurring theme of medical professionals in this case.
Hanaka was chosen for its odd kanji usage. Nodoka, written differently, means “peaceful, tranquil”. 'hana’ can also mean “nose”, and 'nodo’ can be “throat”. I'd assume this is because there's a recurring theme of medical professionals in this case.
> Mimi Miney - Hanaka Mimi (葉中未実)
The kanji in Mimi means like “unreal” or “untruthful”. 'mimi’ also is “ear”, to match up with her sister’s name.
The kanji in Mimi means like “unreal” or “untruthful”. 'mimi’ also is “ear”, to match up with her sister’s name.
> Director Hotti - Doctor Hotta (堀田)
The name “Hotta Clinic” comes from the term 'bottakuri’, which is Kansai dialect for “rip-off” or “overcharged”. Considering that it’s Lotta who introduces you to the place, I think it’s only appropriate.
The name “Hotta Clinic” comes from the term 'bottakuri’, which is Kansai dialect for “rip-off” or “overcharged”. Considering that it’s Lotta who introduces you to the place, I think it’s only appropriate.
> Ami Fey - Ayasato Kyouko (綾里供子)
Kyouko was chosen for the kanji in her name. The first kanji in her first name is the same in 供奉僧 (gubusou), as in the monk/nun that attends to the principal image of a temple. 供え also means “offering” to honor one’s name. When her name is reversed, it reads 'kodomo’ = “child”, as how Hami ended up misplacing it as.
Kyouko was chosen for the kanji in her name. The first kanji in her first name is the same in 供奉僧 (gubusou), as in the monk/nun that attends to the principal image of a temple. 供え also means “offering” to honor one’s name. When her name is reversed, it reads 'kodomo’ = “child”, as how Hami ended up misplacing it as.
Case 2-3
> Russel Berry - Tachimi Naota (立見七百人)
“Tachimi” is the name of his circus. His full name, via the kanji, comes to an “audience of 700”. Just the right name to draw in customers.
“Tachimi” is the name of his circus. His full name, via the kanji, comes to an “audience of 700”. Just the right name to draw in customers.
> Maximillion Galactica
aka Billy Bob Johns - Yamada Kouhei (山田耕平)
His stage name Max is the same throughout versions. His real name, Yamada Kouhei, is a very plain and humble name with a rural characteristic. Touhoku dialect is the most commonly used dialect for stereotyping country bumpkins. (For reference, the Tohoku region of Japan is up north where there tends to be more undeveloped territory, which is why the majority of Japanese metropolises are gathered in the south or central regions.)
aka Billy Bob Johns - Yamada Kouhei (山田耕平)
His stage name Max is the same throughout versions. His real name, Yamada Kouhei, is a very plain and humble name with a rural characteristic. Touhoku dialect is the most commonly used dialect for stereotyping country bumpkins. (For reference, the Tohoku region of Japan is up north where there tends to be more undeveloped territory, which is why the majority of Japanese metropolises are gathered in the south or central regions.)
> Regina Berry - Mirika / Tachimi Rika (立見里香)
Mirika is her stage name. It comes from the end of her last name combined with her first name. I don’t believe there’s a specific reason why her name is Rika, though.
Mirika is her stage name. It comes from the end of her last name combined with her first name. I don’t believe there’s a specific reason why her name is Rika, though.
> Moe (Lawrence Curls) - Tommy / Tomida Matsuo (富田松夫)
Tommy is his stage name. His full name is a reference to a famous comedy duo from the 1979 TV series “Rumored Detectives Tommy & Matsu”. This show takes anything related to crime drama and turns it into a gag.
Tommy is his stage name. His full name is a reference to a famous comedy duo from the 1979 TV series “Rumored Detectives Tommy & Matsu”. This show takes anything related to crime drama and turns it into a gag.
> Benjamin Woodman & Trilo Quist - Kizumi Ben & Rilo (木住勉 & リロ)
Ben and Rilo comes from the word “ventriloquist”. It’s more obvious when you read their names together with the connective particle ‘to’: “Ben to Rilo” -> “ventrilo”. The kanji for Kizumi are “wood” and “dwell”, as if to suggest someone living under the proverbial rock. He’s not a very social person without his buddy.
Ben and Rilo comes from the word “ventriloquist”. It’s more obvious when you read their names together with the connective particle ‘to’: “Ben to Rilo” -> “ventrilo”. The kanji for Kizumi are “wood” and “dwell”, as if to suggest someone living under the proverbial rock. He’s not a very social person without his buddy.
> Acro (Ken Dingling) - Kinoshita Daisuke (木下大作)
According to my resources, Kinoshita Circus is a famous circus that has toured around Japan for more than a century now. Interestingly, their main attraction is the lion tamer, who is known for commanding ten huge cats inside a cage. The irony in this character is strong.
Daisuke is a normal name, though the kanji in it mean “great” and “work”, and in this context, it can also be “to commit a great sin”. The second one can also mean “physical build”, and as an acrobat, he’s pretty fit.
According to my resources, Kinoshita Circus is a famous circus that has toured around Japan for more than a century now. Interestingly, their main attraction is the lion tamer, who is known for commanding ten huge cats inside a cage. The irony in this character is strong.
Daisuke is a normal name, though the kanji in it mean “great” and “work”, and in this context, it can also be “to commit a great sin”. The second one can also mean “physical build”, and as an acrobat, he’s pretty fit.
> Bat (Sean Dingling) - Kinoshita Ippei (木下一平)
Ippei is also a common name. The second kanji of his first name can mean “even”, as in balance, suitable for his profession. It can also mean “calm” for his composure, and is the first half of 'heiwa’ = “peace”.
Ippei is also a common name. The second kanji of his first name can mean “even”, as in balance, suitable for his profession. It can also mean “calm” for his composure, and is the first half of 'heiwa’ = “peace”.
> Léon - Leon (レオン)
> Regent - Ratou (ラトー)
Inverse of 'tora’ = tiger.
Inverse of 'tora’ = tiger.
> Money - Ruther (ルーサー)
Inverse of 'saru’ = monkey.
Inverse of 'saru’ = monkey.
Case 2-4
> Matt Engarde - Outorou Shingo (王都楼 真吾)
Outorou -> ‘ootoro’, which is a kind of quality fatty tuna. It’s to match with Powers' name, which sounds like “dried sardines” (Niboshi).
“Shingo” is a little harder to decipher since it's a common name that can be written many ways. Written differently, it can be “neologism”, as if to suggest his recent popularity via the Nickel Samurai.
The kanji read: 'outo’ = royal capital; 'rou’ = tower; 'shin’ = real, true; and 'go’ = myself. They give a good insight on what his real character is.
Outorou -> ‘ootoro’, which is a kind of quality fatty tuna. It’s to match with Powers' name, which sounds like “dried sardines” (Niboshi).
“Shingo” is a little harder to decipher since it's a common name that can be written many ways. Written differently, it can be “neologism”, as if to suggest his recent popularity via the Nickel Samurai.
The kanji read: 'outo’ = royal capital; 'rou’ = tower; 'shin’ = real, true; and 'go’ = myself. They give a good insight on what his real character is.
(Not directly related to him, but oddly enough, the several Shingos I've met so far in other anime and Japanese video games thus far have either been very prominent and impressive dudes or just plain rude jerks. Coincidence??)
> Juan Corrida - Fujimino Isao (藤見野 イサオ)
Fujimino -> 'fujimi’ = invincibility, immortality; 'isao’ = meritorious service. Together, it reads “immortal meritorious service”. Irony is strong with this one.
Surprisingly, the kanji in his name don't tell as full a story as his rival's: 'fuji’ = wisteria; 'mi’ = view, sight; 'no’ = plains. I wonder if this was intentional or if Takumi just winged it as usual.
Fujimino -> 'fujimi’ = invincibility, immortality; 'isao’ = meritorious service. Together, it reads “immortal meritorious service”. Irony is strong with this one.
Surprisingly, the kanji in his name don't tell as full a story as his rival's: 'fuji’ = wisteria; 'mi’ = view, sight; 'no’ = plains. I wonder if this was intentional or if Takumi just winged it as usual.
> Adrian Andrews - Kamiya Kirio (華宮 霧緒)
According to my editor Ash, Kamiya may come from Kamiya Hideki, Takumi’s colleague at Capcom at the time. Apparently, Takumi had just happened to spot him at the office while he was thinking of names.
Interestingly, the kanji tell a story too: 'kami’, written as 上, can mean “beginning” or "top", and 'ya’ can be “arrow”. 'kiri’, written as 切り, can mean “end”, and 'o’ can be “cord”. Putting them all together, we get “in the beginning, straight and pointed as an arrow; by the end, coiled and attached like a cord”. I can see this metaphor working for her rather well. The last kanji 緒 is also the same in the expression “緒を開く” (itoguchi o hiraku), or “to find a clue”. The last two together seem to make “clue in the fog”.
And for the record, “Kirio” is hard to identify as a male or female name, but it is more likely male-sounding, which is why de Killer assumes so.
According to my editor Ash, Kamiya may come from Kamiya Hideki, Takumi’s colleague at Capcom at the time. Apparently, Takumi had just happened to spot him at the office while he was thinking of names.
Interestingly, the kanji tell a story too: 'kami’, written as 上, can mean “beginning” or "top", and 'ya’ can be “arrow”. 'kiri’, written as 切り, can mean “end”, and 'o’ can be “cord”. Putting them all together, we get “in the beginning, straight and pointed as an arrow; by the end, coiled and attached like a cord”. I can see this metaphor working for her rather well. The last kanji 緒 is also the same in the expression “緒を開く” (itoguchi o hiraku), or “to find a clue”. The last two together seem to make “clue in the fog”.
And for the record, “Kirio” is hard to identify as a male or female name, but it is more likely male-sounding, which is why de Killer assumes so.
> John Doe - Tanaka Tarou (田中 太郎)
- aka Shelly de Killer - Koroshiya Sazaemon (虎狼死家 左々右エ門)
Everything about “Tanaka Tarou” is boring; that is, it’s a really ordinary name for a guy. The kanji are written as you’d expect “Tanaka Tarou” to look like.
'koroshiya’ = killer, assassin; 'sazae’ = a turban shell, the kind shown on his card; 'mon’, written as 紋, means “family crest”. Basically, he’s a killer whose name is symbolized by a shell.
Here, the kanji read: 'ko’ -> 'tora’ = tiger; 'ro’ -> 'okami’ = wolf; 'shi’ = death; 'ya’ = expert, practitioner. I am on the fence over whether this name was deliberately chosen by the original Koroshiya who started this lineage or it was actually what that gentleman's (or lady's) name was at birth. If it's the latter, wowee, that's some power move.
The kanji in his first name isn’t so important, but interestingly, 'saza’ is written as 左々右, with a silent 右. They mean “left” and “right”, respectively. エ ('e’) is katakana, and 門 (“gate”) is pretty common for names that end with 'mon’.
- aka Shelly de Killer - Koroshiya Sazaemon (虎狼死家 左々右エ門)
Everything about “Tanaka Tarou” is boring; that is, it’s a really ordinary name for a guy. The kanji are written as you’d expect “Tanaka Tarou” to look like.
'koroshiya’ = killer, assassin; 'sazae’ = a turban shell, the kind shown on his card; 'mon’, written as 紋, means “family crest”. Basically, he’s a killer whose name is symbolized by a shell.
Here, the kanji read: 'ko’ -> 'tora’ = tiger; 'ro’ -> 'okami’ = wolf; 'shi’ = death; 'ya’ = expert, practitioner. I am on the fence over whether this name was deliberately chosen by the original Koroshiya who started this lineage or it was actually what that gentleman's (or lady's) name was at birth. If it's the latter, wowee, that's some power move.
The kanji in his first name isn’t so important, but interestingly, 'saza’ is written as 左々右, with a silent 右. They mean “left” and “right”, respectively. エ ('e’) is katakana, and 門 (“gate”) is pretty common for names that end with 'mon’.
> Celeste Inpax - Amano Yurie (天野 由利恵)
She has no relation to the Amano family from AAI. In fact, their surname was truncated upon localizing, so it’s not quite 'Amano’ anyway.
Amano -> 'ama no’ = heavenly, celestial. Yurie is just a pretty name. Together, it becomes “Yurie in heaven”.
She has no relation to the Amano family from AAI. In fact, their surname was truncated upon localizing, so it’s not quite 'Amano’ anyway.
Amano -> 'ama no’ = heavenly, celestial. Yurie is just a pretty name. Together, it becomes “Yurie in heaven”.
> Shoe - Shuu (シュウ)
Takumi didn't have a cat at the time of making this game, but he did later acquire not just one, but two cats in his residence, Kinako and Sankichi. This was just asking for it anyway.
Takumi didn't have a cat at the time of making this game, but he did later acquire not just one, but two cats in his residence, Kinako and Sankichi. This was just asking for it anyway.
> Nickel Samurai - Tonosaman Hei! (トノサマン・丙！)
Since he’s the third installment of the Samurai series, he gets 丙, third (in rank), added to his name. His Samurai Spear is also shaped into that kanji if you look carefully. And yes, the exclamation point is in the title.
Since he’s the third installment of the Samurai series, he gets 丙, third (in rank), added to his name. His Samurai Spear is also shaped into that kanji if you look carefully. And yes, the exclamation point is in the title.
> Jammin’ Ninja - Ninja Nanja (忍者ナンジャ)
As you may expect, 忍者 is read 'ninja’. 'nanja’ is a colloquial version of 'nanda’. It’s as if saying, “What ninja!?”, as in "What kind of ninja is this!?"
As you may expect, 忍者 is read 'ninja’. 'nanja’ is a colloquial version of 'nanda’. It’s as if saying, “What ninja!?”, as in "What kind of ninja is this!?"
> Captain Saipan, Starry School, Onyankopon
Included these guys for the sake of completion. While the other two names remain unchanged, “Starry School” is actually called “Justice Academy, Year 4, Class 2”. Apparently, the name “Justice Academy” is a double play on Kinpachi-sensei and Capcom’s RivalSchools series.
Onyankopon is actually the name of the West African deity of creation. I am unable to find historical pictures of how he was described, or even a concrete description of how he was imagined to look. If anyone has a source to provide, I welcome it. But his design is loosely inspired by ancient Zulu (?) cultural styles.
Included these guys for the sake of completion. While the other two names remain unchanged, “Starry School” is actually called “Justice Academy, Year 4, Class 2”. Apparently, the name “Justice Academy” is a double play on Kinpachi-sensei and Capcom’s RivalSchools series.
Onyankopon is actually the name of the West African deity of creation. I am unable to find historical pictures of how he was described, or even a concrete description of how he was imagined to look. If anyone has a source to provide, I welcome it. But his design is loosely inspired by ancient Zulu (?) cultural styles.
Please expect the next game's post to come within the next several days, or by the following week at most.
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