Some fans approach Kingdom Hearts with a casual interest. Others, like myself, dive into its labyrinthine lore for hours, dissecting every narrative thread. Among its many intricacies, Chain of Memories (CoM) stands out for its complexity, especially when analyzed through the lens of its original Japanese script. Recently celebrating its 20th anniversary, the game offers layers of meaning that English players may have missed due to a pivotal mistranslation.
How ‘Aitsu’ Was Mistranslated to ‘Her’
At the heart of this mistranslation lies the Japanese pronoun ‘aitsu’. Gender-neutral with a slight masculine lean, it’s often translated as “that guy” or “that person.” However, in the English version of CoM, ‘aitsu’ was mistranslated as ‘her,’ fundamentally altering the story’s tone and character dynamics.
This mistranslation obscures Sora’s true emotional connections, shifting his feelings meant for Riku onto Kairi. As a result, Sora’s journey through Castle Oblivion loses much of its intended depth.
Namine’s Manipulation and the Layers of Memory
In CoM, Namine manipulates Sora’s memories to make him believe she is his most important person, or ‘aitsu.’ The narrative presents Namine replacing Sora’s memories of Kairi, leading most players to assume the connection is strictly due to Namine being Kairi’s Nobody.
However, the Japanese script complicates this assumption. Namine doesn’t directly replace Kairi in Sora’s memories; instead, she causes Sora to forget who ‘aitsu’ is entirely. This nuance is muddled in the English version, where Sora’s quest appears to shift focus from Riku to Namine due to the mistranslation.
The Emotional Weight of ‘Aitsu’
In the original Japanese narrative, Sora’s initial drive to find Riku and King Mickey is emphasized. When Namine alters his memories, her role as ‘aitsu’ becomes more ambiguous. She isn’t simply mimicking Kairi but positioning herself as the person Sora values most, leaving his search for Riku unresolved.
By mistranslating ‘aitsu’ as ‘her,’ the English script obscures the emotional weight of Sora’s bond with Riku. It simplifies a nuanced story of shifting memories, loss, and emotional conflict into a more straightforward love triangle with Kairi and Namine.
What the Original Script Reveals
The Japanese script offers a deeper exploration of memory and identity. Namine erases Kairi from Sora’s mind, but she also manipulates his feelings about his most important person, deliberately blurring the lines between Kairi, Riku, and herself.
In this context, Sora’s journey in CoM isn’t just about recovering lost memories; it’s about rediscovering who ‘aitsu’ truly is. The original script frames this as a broader emotional conflict, with Namine exploiting Sora’s love for Riku to cement her false identity in his mind.
The Legacy of Mistranslation in Kingdom Hearts
This mistranslation of ‘aitsu’ highlights how even a small linguistic change can significantly impact a story’s interpretation. For two decades, English-speaking fans have experienced a slightly skewed version of Chain of Memories, missing out on the subtleties of Sora’s emotional journey.
As the franchise continues to evolve, revisiting these translations could deepen players’ appreciation for the series’ intricate storytelling. Until then, fans like Soriku Ultimania help uncover these hidden truths, bringing new life to a game that still has secrets to reveal.
