#fire emblem treehouses

[emblemxeno]

FE Fates Localization: Ending Changes

Wanted to put together what I find to be noteworthy and/or bothersome changes that were made to character endings in Fates from Japanese to English. 

It’s important to note that some changes/cuts are almost certainly because of space limitations; Japanese as a language is able to fit more information in sentences than English can, evident in this game where one English letter is the equivalent to one Japanese character in terms of spacing. So I don’t have major grievances with all of them, as cutting something in order to fit the most important parts was most likely unavoidable.

Credit to @aphonicdreams for the JP ending translations.

Corrin (BR/CQ) - Crux of Fate (Eng)/The One Who Chooses the Future (JP)

Eng: While no official records remain, tales of a hero spread across generations in songs and folktales. And while the stories varied, they all spoke of the hero's critical decision that led to peace.

JP:  After the war, many legends were left behind in every land about the Hero of Salvation. But strangely enough there are no official records that remain. The only certainty is that he chose one path and connected it to peace.

-No issues with this other than “Hero of Salvation” is a banger folk name and I wish it was kept.

Corrin (Revelation) - King of Valla/The New Touma King (***???)  (新たなる透魔王)

Eng: After the war, the portal to the bottomless canyon was sealed forever-as was Anankos's body. Corrin was crowned King of Valla, and the three rulers forged a new era of peace.

JP: After the war, he governed the country as the King of Touma. Closed at the bottom of the Infinite Chasm, the former land of Touma and the corpse of Hydra became sealed together for eternity. Touma, Nohr, and Hoshido were bound by a solid bond and an age of peaceful dawn continued for a long time.

-I knew of the implication that Valla/Touma was given land by Hoshido and Nohr in Rev’s ending but I never found like, concrete lines about it? Is this what this is? Cuz I never knew about this, holy shit. Specifically saying ‘the former land of Touma’ means that Corrin isn’t governing empty floating islands, but is taking the few remaining Vallites to the surface to establish a new kingdom. Cuz how the fuck would anyone get to old Valla if the Bottomless Canyon was shut and only Azura and Corrin can travel through water to get there? This makes more sense than what I always thought of Rev. I highlighted Corrin’s title change as well cuz I don’t speak or read Japanese, and I was wondering if the original sentence means like “The New King of Touma” or “The King of New Touma” since those sentences imply different things, with the latter further supporting how old Touma was left behind.

Silas - Loyal Knight/Knight of Friendship (*)

Eng: Silas returned to Nohr to serve in the castle guard. His honest and dedicated nature earned him the title of lead knight. Records show Corrin and Silas remained friends for all their days.

JP: He returned to being a royal knight and served the Nohr Kingdom. That earnest personality changed the minds of his companions and, in his last years, he was entrusted to be the leader of the knights. Many younger knights adored him. It is said that he continued his close friendship with Kamui for his entire life.

-JP ending mentions younger knights adoring Silas. This was removed in English.

Kaze - Easygoing Ninja/Ninja of the Cool Breeze (*)

Eng: Few records of Kaze exist. Numerous poems of the time say he worked for his homeland and for Corrin from the shadows. His gentle yet mysterious nature made him a legend among ladies.

JP: Not many records are left of him after the war. There are many stories on the streets of his appearances, but he assisted Kamui and his country as a shadow. It is said that his unassuming kindness seduced the hearts of many women in his lifetime.

-No problem with his ending, but Kaze’s title has the wind attribute removed; I mention this now because it’s applicable to other ending titles having a little color or flair replaced or removed. If you see a * next to the titles, it means I think the change is, IMO, interesting to note. This one is inoffensive objectively, but I like element theming, it’s cool.

Mozu - Rural Power/The Country Girl

Eng: Mozu returned to her village and began rebuilding all by herself. Inspired by her efforts, nearby villages began their own rebuilding efforts. Mozu was eventually hailed as a local hero and humanitarian.

JP: She returned to her home town and started rebuilding her destroyed village alone. Soon, people from neighboring villages could be seen helping her, and her home town slowly and steadily regained its former appearance.

-Eng ending has Mozu’s work inspire other to rebuild their own villages. JP ending has people help rebuild her village. Odd change, don’t know why it was done.

Shura - Righteous Rebel/The Bandit Who Discarded His Name (*)

Eng: With the help of the Hoshidan royal family, Shura began the difficult task of rebuilding the kingdom of Kohga. Putting his outlaw past behind him, he eventually ran for office and was elected governor.

JP: He stepped into rebuilding the Principality of Kouga with the assistance of the new King of Hoshido. The people, who had scattered to every land, also returned and the country returned to its former appearance. He refused any condolences for his past as a thief but he became the ruler with the support of the people.

-JP ending mentions other Kohga remnants coming back during Shura’s rebuilding efforts, Eng ending removes this. It can kind of be considered obvious that they came back through implication, but it’s still worth mentioning. Shura’s ending title also is an odd change, because Righeteous Rebel doesn’t really... make sense. Maybe the term ‘rebel’ is more abstract than I think, but he isn’t really rebelling against anything, he’s trying to line his purse to rebuild his kingdom. His JP title is much more fitting, IMO.

Izana - Lord of Leisure/Official Ruler of Izumo (*)

Eng: Izana certainly suffered the ravages of war—he was never able to win another "Best Hair" contest. He tried to make up for it with lavish dinner parties and vacations, but he felt hollow inside.

JP: He went back to the Principality of Izumo and returned to his previous life. By his great efforts in the war, his popularity among his citizens became steadfast. But it is said that there was no difference in his lifelong divine appearance and teasing personality, and those who came to visit him were surprised.

-Endings are pretty much completely different. The trope of ‘ruler/boss being overly casual and friendly to the point of hilarity’ in Japanese is a tough thing to translate to an English equivalent, so Izana being kooky and using funny words in English I think was a good way to do it. That said, I think the ending being drastically changed was a bridge too far, cuz why would the side comment of the Best Hair Contest take priority over him being beloved by his citizens in despite his zany personality?

Ryoma - Peerless Samurai/The Samurai of Hoshido

Eng: Upon ascending the throne, Ryoma ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity throughout the world. Generations later, scholars would praise him for surpassing even King Sumeragi's great legacy.

JP: He was crowned as King of the Hoshido Kingdom. His preciseness in forming a fair and impartial government gave the people, who suffered from the ravages of war, courage, and the kingdom soon finished a dramatic revival. In the future, scholars would so comment on him: “He is someone who will exceed even the greatness of his father King Sumeragi”.

-JP ending mentions Ryoma implementing a fair and impartial government and giving people courage after the war. This is cut in the Eng version.

Hinoka - Warrior Princess/The Warrior Princess of Crimson

Eng: Hinoka became general of the Hoshidan army. While her official portraits depict a gentle princess, she was known to personally go on solo missions to destroy the remaining Faceless.

JP: For the sake of the country’s reconstruction she created an army for self-defense and controlled the Hoshido Kingdom’s forces. Although she became somewhat more princess-like during the war, occasionally she would aimlessly leave to defeat the remnants of the Nosferatu; her characteristic excitement had not changed.

-JP version mentions that Hinoka personally created a self defense army for Hoshido’s reconstruction. Eng version cuts this.

Takumi - Wild Card/Master of the God Bow (*)

Eng: After celebrating Ryoma's coronation, Takumi struck out on his own—volunteering to help rebuild war-torn villages. Over the years, he grew into a wise and patient leader.

JP: He assisted in the restoration of the Hoshido Kingdom, which had been desolated due to the ravages of war. All the human kindness he had seen suppressed the shadow, he was recognized throughout the country as a skilled leader, and he became someone who could be relied on.

-JP version details Takumi’s dark side being suppressed due to the human kindness he witnesses. Eng version cuts this.

Sakura - Loving Priestess/Priestess of Love

Eng: After Ryoma ascended the throne, Sakura led recovery efforts to heal the bodies and hearts of war-torn Hoshidans. She was known far and wide for her compassion and the strength of her resolve.

JP: Even after Ryouma was enthroned, she remained in the royal palace and supported the government of the king as a royal. Sakura, who matured, became a woman who gave off the impression of the former Queen Mikoto, and it is said that she captured the hearts of her subjects wounded by the war and was someone for those hearts to rely on.

-JP version mentions Sakura supporting Ryoma’s government plans and becoming a woman just like Mikoto. Eng version cuts this.

Saizo - Angry Ninja/Explosive Flame User (*)

Eng: While no official records of Saizo the Fifth exist from after the war, later scholars agreed that he most likely stayed in Hoshido, working covertly for the Hoshidan royal family. What else would he do?

JP: His figure disappeared from the official records. But in the future, the opinion of scholars all agree that he did not leave to another country but once again dove into the darkness to work for the sake of the Hoshido royal family.

-Nothing was cut here, but why was “What else would he do?” added in the English version, that’s mean :/

Azama - Calm Philosopher/The Aloof Priest (*)

Eng: After the war, Hinoka assigned Azama to a remote post on the very fringe of the kingdom. Despite initially clashing with the locals, he gained a cult following--and ultimately founded a new religion.

JP: He went around on a trip to every land of the Hoshido Kingdom. Without leaving his post as Hinoka’s subordinate, he contributed to the reconstruction of the country by skillfully guiding the areas that were difficult for the royal family to oversee. It is said that he was surprisingly loved by many with the success of his personality that was unattached to anything.

-WOW, okay this one is fucking weird. JP version has Azama willingly go around to help people and that his personality actually won people over and helped them out. And he’s still in Hinoka’s employ. Eng version has Hinoka kick Azama to the curb, he acts like a dick to the locals, he gets a few troll followers and starts a new religion despite not really liking religion himself. Nuts.

Hana - Focused Samurai/Tomboy Samurai (*)

Eng: After the war, Hana was entrusted with her own division, where she enforced her own training regimen. She remained close friends with Sakura, and trained every day to protect her and Hoshido.

JP: She entered the forces of the kingdom, and was entrusted with the whole army. It appears that after that she involved her subordinates into her own training without reserve. She continued her friendship with her master, Sakura, through her whole life and it is said that she improved her swordsmanship for Sakura and for Hoshido.

-Nothing to mention here other than the ending title. Fates was released back in the era of gaming and Internet where feminism was in its loud 'Not Like Other Girls’ stage, as opposed to now where nuanced and leftist feminist points are seen more. So any mention of gender roles/dynamics and descriptors in this era were changed or altered in Fates and it really shows its age. In this case, Tomboy was replaced with Focused, even though Hana is a Tomboy and the term itself is very inoffensive nowadays. This also applies to her personal skill, where the name was changed from Tomboy to Fearsome Blow. This is the first of several instances.

Camilla - Bewitching Beauty/The Bewitching Flower (or Beauty? *)

Eng: After her brother ascended the throne, Camilla largely withdrew from royal affairs. She focused instead on humanitarian efforts, eventually adopting as many as 11 children by some accounts.

JP: After ensuring Marx’s enthronement, she removed her status as a royal of the Nohr Kingdom. Thereafter she left behind legends in every land and, guessing from her tracks, she walked on as someone who somehow watched over Kamui secretly.

-JP version has Camilla continue to watch over Corrin, Eng version has her adopt lots of kids. Again, in 2015/2016 this was probably seen as an “aww she’s grown and changed and is helpful now” moment, but in 2023, all I think of is “wow the woman with an abusive childhood was written to just become a mom to solve her problems.” Not a fan of this change.

Laslow - Dancing Duelist/Blooming Smile (*)

Eng: Laslow disappeared shortly after the war, but his unique dance style grew in popularity and paved the way for future generations of dancers. They say his dance has the strange ability to rally spirits...

JP: His figure disappeared after the war for a short while. But the dances that he danced remained in the hearts of the girls he met, and were inherited as the foundation of later dancers. It is said that those dances had the strange ability to make their watchers smile and feel energized.

-JP version mentions girls Laslow courted remembered his dances, English version replaces it by saying his dances grew in popularity. Technically the same meaning, but not as much specificity. And idk, I like the idea of a guy indirectly teaching women dances in a usually women oriented field, it’s cute. 

Selena - Cutting Wit/Concealed Aspirations (*)

Eng: Not much is known of Selena's postwar activities, Depending on who you believe, she became one of the world's best seamstresses, metalsmiths, actors, and/or mercenaries.

JP: After the war, her whereabouts immediately became unknown. There is nothing certain that is known about what became of her, but appreciation was high towards the woman who make any effort to achieve her goal, and she was praised in the future by people as a “true genius”.

-JP ending remarks Selena as a genius, Eng version replaces it with a list of things she might have been the best at. I don’t think the latter is worse per se, but I really like how she’s called a genius like her mother was. Same deal with her ending title, which is the same/a similar ending title to her Awakening one, which was neat.

Niles - Cruel to be Kind/The Habitual Sadist (*)

Eng: Niles continued to support Lord Leo throughout his royal career, handling some of the unsavory tasks a royal must assign. As a result, he wasn't popular- except among Leo's staff.

JP: After the war he devoted his abilities to expanding the Nohr Kingdom as Leon’s subordinate. At times he supported the kingdom as part of the shadow and stained his hands in dirty jobs. There were many people who detested him but it is said that he continued to be a priceless treasure in his lifetime for Leon.

-They’re pretty much the same, but the JP version has Niles being called a priceless treasure to Leo and that’s 🥺🥺🥺. Also big L for removing any mention of Niles being a sadist, I shake my fist at thee.

Effie - Army of One/Knight of Superhuman Strength

Eng: Without the need for as much brute strength after the war, Effie reluctantly turned her attention to teaching. Traveling far and wide, she helped promote fitness throughout Nohr.

JP: She helped the revival of every land after the war for a while. Her physical strength was a great blessing to the reconstruction of the Nohr Kingdom. After returning to the castle, she continued to work as Elise’s subordinate, and it is said that the friendship between the two continued for life.

-LMAOOOOO. I don’t remember if it was @ezralahm​ or @agoddamn​ who said Effie invented Jazzercise in the English version, but it’s really fucking funny. Effie remaning by Elise’s side like, y’know, a retainer would was apparently not interesting enough to keep, so they scrapped all of it and made a gag ending. Like, it was written right there that her strength was a great boon to reconstruction, and then it was changed to being useless??? What!?

Charlotte - Wily Warrior/Women’s True Nature (*)

Eng: Charlotte returned to the castle guard and took her duty quite seriously. She never married, but she never stopped appearing at royal balls, bewitching the hearts of eligible young men.

JP: She returned to being a royal soldier, as per her desire. After that, she learned from her past failure, and worked seriously on her duties as a soldier. But her passion for marrying rich did not disappear and it is said that she lead astray many male hearts as a beauty of high society.

-Lol, okay Charlotte’s title is one I can more understand why it was changed. The implication that all women are two faced, while kinda funny in satire, is still pretty yikes. Wily Warrior was a good alternative, it keeps a similar meaning without the negative connotation, and alliteration makes my brain feel good.

Benny - Gentle Giant/Heavy Knight of the Scary Face

Eng: Benny returned to his hometown village and was assigned to train new soldiers in combat. He never reported for duty. Instead, he lived out his days in the forest, frolicking with his animal friends.

JP: He returned to his home village at the borders of the country. He taught the next generation for a little while but soon took his leave of that as well and disappeared. After that there are no official records which talk about him but, according to stories, it is said that he happily spent his remaining years in the forest together with animals.

-JP version has him train recruits for a bit before taking leave, Eng version has him never bother in the first place.

Sophie - Clumsy Knight/Scatterbrain

Eng: Sophie became a knight of Nohr so talented that many of her records are yet to be beaten. In particular, young squires study her life to learn how to become better masters of their horses.

JP: She entered the knight forces of the Nohr Kingdom. Thereafter she bloomed the talent handed down by her father and was remembered as an excellent knight. Her particular ability on horseback surpassed the rest and her model of “one horse one rider” became something to be handed down.

-JP version mentions “one horse one rider” which I believe is a Japanese phrase of a technique relevant to horseback archery? This same phrase is used by the Japanese car company, Mazda, so one could assume non-Japanese people might know it, but meh. 

Midori - Reliable Chemist/Of the Reliable

Eng: Midori developed a number of new medicines after the war, healing wounds and curing illnesses. It is widely accepted by scholars that she saved more lives through her work than anyone in history.

JP: She worked hard at developing new medicines for the people who were injured from the war. Her medicines saved many lives and cured their injuries and illnesses. Due to inheriting her father’s blood, it appears that when she grew up she captured the hearts of many men.

-JP version mentions that due to Kaze’s genetics of being irresistable to women, Midori after growing up, became loved by many men. This was cut in the Eng version.

Mitama - Starry-Eyed Poet/Tanka Composing Priestess (*) (Tanka is 31 syllable poetry)

Eng: After resting at home for a time, Mitama was inspired to travel the world. She wrote a number of poems while visiting famous sites and ruins. Generations of poets would later retrace her steps.

JP: After returning to her residence and sleeping for a little while, she went to travel around the world to take it in. She visited every famous and historic place in each land and composed verses, but soon it appeared that her trip focused on visiting famous locations and set aside the creation of verses.

-JP version has Mitama become less focused on her poetry and more keen on experiencing the world around her, Eng version changes this.

Hisame - Pickle Pro/The Calm and Collected Samurai (*)

Eng: After the war, Hisame retired from combat and turned to research and teaching. Hinata was disappointed, but Hisame went on to become one of the most respected professors of his era.

JP: He placed his sword aside and devoted his strength to the reconstruction of the Hoshido Kingdom as a civil official. His father Hinata was disappointed but, in the end, respected the decision of the son he doted on. His calm and prudent nature was a blessed ability to him as a government official.

-JP version mentions that Hinata respected Hisame’s decision despite initial disappointment, Eng version cuts the respect part. Also lol at Pickle Pro.

Forrest - Fashion Forward/Adorable Prince (*)

Eng: Forrest began a career in clerical work alongside his father and uncle in Nohr. Soon, however, his fashion designs and artwork led to worldwide acclaim - and a second career in the art world.

JP: He remained by his uncle and father, and contributed to the development of the Nohr Kingdom. Although he exhibited capability in government affairs, he surpassed everyone inside and outside the country in fashion sense and fascinated many, and he contributed greatly to developing the culture of the royal palace.

-JP version mentions Forrest’s capability in government and contributing to palace culture, Eng version loses a bit of specificity. 

Soleil - Adorable Adorer/Girl Lover (*)

Eng: Soleil left one day never to return. There is no record of her travels, but numerous bards sing of a traveling heroine whose skill with a blade was surpassed only by her skill at seducing young women.

JP: One day she went on an aimless journey. It is said that her goal was the formation of a mercenary group and that she became a dancer who trained very hard, but the official records are uncertain. This resulting gossip can be considered to have come from the many women she mingled with.

-JP version mentions Soleil might have become a dancer, Eng version cuts this.

Nina - Eye Spy/Perverse Fantasies (*)

Eng: Nina put her snooping skills to good use after the war, forming an undercover vigilante group focused on keeping the streets safe at night. She also continued snooping as a personal hobby.

JP: She stopped being a chivalrous thief and formed a vigilante group. She protected the weak and punished her enemies as well as the rich who stole from the poor. According to legends, her vigilante group consisted of many handsome men. It appears that her tastes never changed throughout her life.

-JP version had Nina create a Yaoi Squad LMAOOO.

Percy - Luck’s Sidekick/Lucky Hero

Eng: Percy joined Nohr's army and led a squad of wyvern knights. His luck never failed him, and he didn't lose a single battle over a long and distinguished career. Ace went on to lead a squad of wyverns.

JP: He entered the national forces of the Nohr Kingdom and commanded the Wyvern Riders. His good luck never changed and no matter what adversities he faced he never lost somehow. On the other hand, he didn’t exactly win either and, as their strange commander, he earned the name “Not Invincible but Unbeatable”.

-JP version treats Percy’s luck as something that doesn’t really help him win, just he can’t lose. Kind of confusing, so I guess that’s why the Eng version changed it.

M!Corrin/Niles (CQ)

Eng: After helping restore Hoshido and Nohr, Corrin and Niles traveled the world together. The two were celebrated for their humanitarian work, inspiring songs, folktales, and poems worldwide.

JP: Kamui, after helping the reconstruction of both Nohr and Hoshido countries, traveled the world. By his side was the constant presence of Zero. It is said that the two of them left stories in every land. In their later years, they opened a small orphanage for children who were not blessed and lived their lives quietly

-JP version mentioned that Niles and Corrin opened up an orphanage 🥺🥺🥺 Eng version cuts this sadly.

M!Corrin/Niles (Rev)

Eng: Corrin and Niles ruled over the Kingdom of Valla together, ushering in a new era of peace. Some years later, they adopted two orphaned children and raised them as successors to the throne.

JP:  Kamui governed the country as the King of Touma and, while being supported by his spouse Zero, created an era of a long and peaceful dawn. In their later years, the two adopted a child. One bright and innocent child and one other child, who was said to have a unique sense.

-JP version has the adopted children noted to resemble F!Kana (bright and innocent) and Nina (unique sense), respectively. Eng version cuts this.

F!Corrin/Rhajat (Rev)

Eng: Corrin and Rhajat ruled over the Kingdom of Valla together, ushering in a new era of peace. Some years later, they adopted two orphaned children and raised them as successors to the throne.

JP: Kamui governed the country as the Queen of Touma and, while being supported by her spouse Shara, created an era of a long and peaceful dawn. In their later years, the two of them welcomed an adopted child. It is said that the child was as pure as Kamui and was as devoted as Syalla.

-For some reason, the Eng version basically copy pasted the Eng version of M!Corrin/Niles (Rev) where they adopt two children instead of adopting one. (JP version alludes to this being a pseudo M!Kana)

Felicia Paired Ending

Eng: Felicia gave up her career in the service industry for the military, ultimately becoming a commander.

JP: Felicia, who became a wife, endeavored valiantly to be of help to her husband, and matured from breaking three sets of tableware to one.

-JP version has Felicia continue to be a maid and become better at it over time, Eng version has her give up maid work and become a commander. This is despite the fact that Felicia repeatedly states that she loves her job and prefers housework to fighting. But again, in 2015/2016, it didn’t matter it the woman in question liked her work, she had to be written into the “more useful” field anyway. :/ Times have changed, thankfully, where nuance around this is more common.

Hinoka Paired Ending

Eng: His wife, Hinoka, became general of the Hoshidan royal army, and the two remained together always.

JP: Hinoka, who became a wife, retired from her post of supervising the armies of the Hoshido Kingdom, and chose to walk the path of life together with her husband.

-JP version has Hinoka retire, Eng version has her become a general. A bit of a different discussion here compared to Felicia, cuz Hinoka retiring to life with her husband makes sense in the greater scheme of following Hoshido’s more patriarchal setting. But, since said patriarchal aspects of Hoshido were cut or underplayed in the English version and again, this was a weird era for feminist politics in western gaming, the ending was changed. 

Azama Paired Ending with Corrin (Rev)

Eng: Azama decided to use his talents to inspire and heal people—rather than taunt them.

JP: Husband Asama was often absent but he traveled to every land of the Touma Kingdom and guided the people as a royal.

-JP version has Azama do his duties as befitting royalty, Eng version meanwhile is more or less a copy paste of his basic married endings.

Peri Standard Paired Ending

Eng: Peri eventually learned the difference between right and wrong. It took a while.

JP: Pieri became a loving and devoted wife but her emotional and crybaby side was unchanged and it appears that her husband was often at a loss.

-JP version details how difficult Peri’s husband found it to keep track of her emotional side, Eng version has her develop better morals.

Peri Paired Ending with Odin or Laslow

Eng: Records of his wife end around the same time, as does a curious string of missing-persons cases.

JP: Wife Pieri’s records, at the same time, also came to an end at the borders but, according to rumors, it appears that she became a good wife beyond recognition and lovingly supported her husband.

-JP version details Peri as becoming a wife beyond recognition, Eng version implies she became a serial killer.

Beruka Paired Ending

Eng: Beruka was torn about leaving Camilla but enjoyed having enough emotions for them to conflict.

JP: Belka, who became a wife, was lost after leaving Camilla’s side but, after being persuaded by Camilla, moved together with her husband.

-JP version has Camilla encourage Beruka to follow her new life, Eng version instead makes comments on her developing emotions, which should already have been implied to have happened since she is getting married.

Charlotte Paired Ending with Odin or Laslow

Eng: His wife, Charlotte, went with him, but scholars note they sent their daughter an allowance every year.

JP: Wife Charlotte, lived happily together wherever her husband was, and it appears that no matter where she was she would always send money to her family.

-JP version says Charlotte is sending money to her family (most likely her poor parents), Eng version has her sending money to her daughter, which... doesn’t make as much sense since unless Ophelia/Soleil is also married, why wouldn’t they all just go together? Especially since the daughters’ solo endings imply they disappear in a similar way as it is. 

F!Kana Paired Ending

Eng: Scholars believe Kana traveled the world doing good. Most stories of dragons were based on her deeds.

JP: Wife Kanna was always together with her husband. It is said that when they occasionally got separated she would feel very lonely.

-Eng version copy pasted M!Kana’s paired ending onto F!Kana. JP version is different and deals more with her semi-unique tendency to cry/get upset over loneliness often.

Soleil Paired Ending

Eng: Historians disagree about Soleil's final fate but agree she was an inspiration to everyone she met.

JP: Wife Soleil acted cheerfully and firmly, without shrinking from any adversity, and from the beginning encouraged her husband and the people around him.

-Eng version is basically an entirely new ending, most likely part of Treehouse’s attempt to sell Soleil as a lesbian instead of bisexual, even though Laslow implies she’s bisexual in the English version of her paralogue. Soleil in the English version is a mess of contradictions and poor fixes in general, so this isn’t surprising.

----

Final note is that the Paired Endings for the Awakening Trio in the English version can cause contradiction issues for Xander, Leo, and/or Corrin; basically the Eng version has both husband and wife leave public eye, which is really odd for two countries’ crown royals and Leo being an important policy maker to do. The JP version of these paired endings don’t have these issues. Camilla and Elise also leave in both versions, but since Camilla doesn’t like being royalty it makes sense, and Elise doesn’t really have any contradictions in her case.

[bowbowis]

How Much Difference Does the Translation of the "Reconquer" Line Make?

When he confronts Edelgard in Crimson Flower Dimitri asks her the following: "Must you continue to conquer? Continue to kill?" Edelgard's response has often been mocked for being ad hominem attack. Some insist her reply is mistranslated and that she makes a stronger argument in the original Japanese script, others contend that the line is basically the same in both versions. Who is right?

Here's her reply in the English localization:

Must you continue to reconquer? Continue to kill in retaliation?

Here's a version closer to the original Japanese:

So you'd feel better if you reconquered... if you killed in retaliation?

So there is a difference between the English and Japanese lines. The Japanese version puts an emphasis on Dimitri's motivation that is mostly absent in the English version. The significance of the change becomes more pronounced when you remember that Edelgard says more after that. Her complete reply is, in English:

Must you continue to reconquer? Continue to kill in retaliation? I will not stop. There is nothing I would not sacrifice to cut a path to Fódlan's new dawn!

In Japanse:

So you'd feel better if you reconquered... if you killed in retaliation? I will not stop. I am willing to sacrifice to pave the way for the future!

While you can still kind of get the original intent by reading between the lines of the English version the Japanese version is much clearer that Edelgard is not only calling out Dimitri for doing what he's accusing her of but also contrasting their reasons for doing it. She is going on the offensive to bring about a better future, he's doing it to indulge his own desire for vengeance (note that she never brings up his purely defensive actions, only his retaliatory ones).

It actually mirrors what Dimitri says when he's tormenting Randolph in Azure Moon:

Dimitri: You are a monster too, General. You have just yet to realize it. A monster who thinks he's a man... despicable. As a general, you must have killed countless souls without a shred of mercy. Do you still remember the sound of them begging, just as you're begging now? Or, now that your life is at its end, will you hold to the lie that your hands are not stained red with blood? Randolph: This...this is war. I did what I had to for the Empire...for the people...for my family! Dimitri: So, you are piling up corpses for the people and for your family. And I am doing the same for the salvation of the dead... After all is said and done, we are both murderers. Both stained. Both monsters.

The difference of course is that while Dimitri rejects the idea that why he and Randolph kill makes a difference, Edelgard highlights the fact that although they are both killing people she is doing it in service of the greater good, while Dimitri is just looking to satisfy his own desire for vengeance. It's a reflection of their deontological and consequentialist ethics respectively.

[fayesdiary]

Honestly I think treehouse is worse than 4kids, especially given their butchery.

Also at least 4KIDS was required to censor things for the network and funded new seasons for Sonic X and Kinnikuman.

At least the 4Kids changes are blatant and heavily documented and from what little I know most of the animes they touched eventually got a more accurate localization afterwards.

Treehouse by comparison is a lot more insidious because it's unlikely you'd know things have been changed unless you actively look for info or are into the fandom, and there's definitely no hope of ever getting better official localizations... and to be honest, I have little hope of unofficial retranslation mods ever getting finished.

[bearofohu]

xander speaking at his coronation: rip to my dear father garon, who led nohr for 56 slutty, slutty years. a reign so cunty and full of bitches that only an evil dragon god could stop him

[raxistaicho]

What a surprise

MFW I learn Edelgard's "mere offshoots" line was spawned from nothing by Treehouse.

[yanderefairyangel]

Is Treehouse really that bad ?

Yeah.

Other then the censorship, they change things for literaly no reason to the point you can't even say they are translating the text. The character can say A and for reason known to no one they will have the character say B. Look at Xander, look at Pieri, look at Ingrid.

And the worst part of it is that Treehouse isn't even bad at translating when they put some actual effort into it. They are the one who came up with "Hiya papaya" to translate Yunaka's "Yoripipiiiii!" or Marni calling Maddie "Bluey" or to translate the Deformed Solider/Igyohei by the Corrupted which was really clever.

if only they could just do that for the entire game instead of what they habitually do, that's what makes their uncessary changes even more unsuffering.

And sometimes they make straigh up mistakes. Like, conjuction mistakes. Or numeral mistakes. Basically that kind of stuff.

I get that japanese is hard and all, but sometimes you really can't defend what they did because it's not "it was hard to translate" but just "ok what ?"

I get I can sound very harsh on them but 1/they aren't fan translators or begininers, they are supposed to be professional translators/localizers 2/They have been doing this for way too long since they gained that very infamous reputation 3/ They refuse to respect their boundaries. They are supposed to localize the product to make it fit to the audience, not REWRITE the story !! Their translation is a problem because it directly affects the quality of the product and not in a minimal way. Half of the reasonw why Fates have more plot holes then in the jpn version is because they kept messing with the script.

[sacred-pebbles]

I still think it really sucks that we missed out on some of the dlc for fates. There were so many conversations they left untranslated, and we missed out on seeing other things like faceless with pumpkins on their heads, unique anna sprites (shown below, although in low quality lmao)

And not to mention how they got a cipher tie-in with enherjar of Marth, Lucina, and Minerva (which we obviously didn't get at all. Rip cipher)

Btw: Korisnik on YouTube has translated/is translating some festival of bonds convos (both nohrian and hoshidian)!

They also have a blog @/fe14festivalofbondstranslations

and there's a gamebanana page with the translations too, though it's also still a wip :)

[archer3-13]

I know translation is hard but i don't get treehouses at all sometimes. I feel like to them they are just trying to make the jpn context seems more clear but they end up doing the opposite; in Awakenng, they ruined Severa, in Fates, they messed up so much, i don't want to touch on 3 houses and now Engage still have those weirdos insisting that the jpn version is awful because of Anna's og support but I checked and her S support is not so different then the eng version, just Anna doesn't say she crush on Alear

i can think of a number of reasons as to why

theres some sort of mandate higher up the chain of corporate bureaucracy to more heavily localize elements of fire emblem. my guess being either because they wanna cash in on the current media climate or because they wanna 'avoid controversy', or for the usual reasons of 'those stupid americans wont understand unless we call it a jelly donut'.

the 'rogue translator' as it were employing excessive changes in an attempt to 'fix' a script into something they personally like better as opposed to an accurate faithful translation. on the more conspiratorial bent of things, but not unprecedented given localizations history and notably the fuss that was kicked up a couple years back about translators getting upset that people were getting upset at them for doing 'script punch-ups' as opposed to script translations in that remarkable kinda 'am i so out of touch?' way public fusses like these tend to end up being.

a halfway point between 1 and 2. this seems the most likely to me personally, as i find it hard to believe lone translators can be the sole causes of these problems when the corporate chain had to approve of it at some level or point, and it gels with how companies tend to operate anyways in their decision making [lean to the general audience to make the most money and all that]. but if we take things at the 'halfway mark' approach it also gels with how there is something of a specific culture in western localizations and translation at the moment [especially when fates released anyways, theres been more heat about these kind of things in recent years].

they're just bad at translation, which i cant decide if its the least charitable or most charitable way to view all this.

[superdaisypowerhour]

To everyone posting dorothea hate what’s it like having dogshit taste and reading at a 4th grade level?

[fevotinggauntletreal]

Year of the Dragon Semifinals - Match 2

(pictured: various mounted wyvern sprites from Genealogy of the Holy War; concept art of a transformed black dragon laguz from Radiant Dawn; and Grima in Echoes: Shadows of Valentia)

associated lore under the cut

wyverns are a staple of Fire Emblem worlds, almost always figuring as the war mounts of the renowned Wyvern Riders. sometimes, there's substantial lore behind it; other times, yeah, there are just huge flying lizards that people ride into battle, what are you gonna do about it?

a point of note is that modern fantasy tends to distinguish "wyverns" from true dragons, characterizing them specifically as two-legged, broad-winged, pointy-tailed, serpentine beasts. this distinction is first of all ahistorical, but in the context of Fire Emblem it's also the subject of some translation oddity. in the japanese text, wyverns are usually referred to as "flying dragons", and are not otherwise radically distinguished from other dragons in most settings where they appear. this also accounts for them having largely appeared as regular four-legged dragons in older titles, although newer titles have increasingly designed them to look more like the ideal "wyvern" form. it's likely that the "wyvern" terminology stems from Blazing Blade being the first internationalized Fire Emblem game, and Treehouse not quite wrapping their heads around the apparent contradiction of "flying dragons" still appearing in Elibe after the Scouring was supposed to have driven away all the dragons.

jugdrali wyverns inhabit the rocky wastelands at the southern side of the Thracian peninsula, and have become the feared steeds of the Thracian mercenaries. their existance is odd when considering that the Jugdral games take place in the same universe as Archanea, but before the degeneration of dragonkind earnestly kicked in, and the fact that dragonkind doesn't generally dwell in Jugdral is an important factor in its backstory. it is thusly hard to tell if Jugdral's wyverns are at all supposed to be of a kind with Archanea's.

the laguz are denizens of Tellius with the ability to shift between a humanoid form, and an animal form. they can be grouped broadly as beast tribe laguz, bird tribe laguz, or dragon tribe laguz. the latter, naturally, have the ability to transform into dragons.

the dragon tribe laguz are typically native of the kingdom of Goldoa, one of the two eldest nations in Tellius; it's found in a rocky, isolated peninsula, and thusly a remote place, wherein outside contact is usually shunned. dragon laguz are extremly long-lived, as well as large and powerful; however, their births are few and slow, so their population lags behind that of other peoples.

black dragon laguz are the strongest, longest-lived and rarest of the dragon tribe. it's out of their kind that the royal family of Goldoa emerges.

the fell dragon of ylisse is Grima, a monster borne by evil experiments undertaken many thousand years ago in the since then ruined city of Thabes. it sought to destroy humanity, leading a cadre of his own human worshippers -- but it was sealed away. about 1000 years later, however, its remaining human worshippers managed to bring it back to life, and the destruction it wrought was bleak enough to warrant time travel to prevent. as well as a hefty dose of... bonds?

[aokozaki]

It's really interesting looking back at the pre-release of Fire Emblem Fates, where rumors circulated about the lesbian character getting "corrected", or Treehouse censoring it somehow.

Because I think in hindsight we need to admit that Soliel was never really a lesbian, even as far as the Japanese script was concerned. "She's just at that age where she gets confused".

That sounds horrible but it's explicitly what the game was typecasting her character as, archetype wise.

[emblemxeno]

Localization Changes: Takumi #ProtectThePineapple

Paging @theeeveetamer / @teaveetamer 

I love Takumi! Easily Top 5 favorite Fates characters, probably number 2 after Xander if we’re being honest. The complex machinations of his self esteem issues, imposter syndrome, desire to be loved by his family, among many other aspects, is what makes him very endearing and loveable to me.

His antagonizing actions and harsh words made him divisive, especially when Fates first released, but to me that only made him that much stronger of a character. Raw anger and bitter resentment paints a wonderfully contrasting color to his heartfelt and even downright cute moments.

However, I feel like there are instances in Fates’ localization that kind of cheapen Takumi a bit. Moments where he lashes out are made into quippy one liners and can make him seem bratty and immature first instead of genuinely upset. His xenophobia gets amped up to a point where, while present in the JP script, it now became a trait that’s associated with him the most due to localization changes. Most of all, there’s even some instances where his agency and character growth within the story are, I feel, completely erased or blurred to the point of being unrecognizeable.

I wanted to detail stuff about Takumi that was changed, so this is what I could find. I get these things from this JP supports Pastebin , a Fates translated playthrough (all routes are on the channel linked) and Pegasusknight.com (the latter of which I do my best to interpret from translation tools, which is very subject to me being wrong lol). Keep in mind I also took a few liberties in writing down the lines from the JP version. I trust that the translators got the message across well enough, but the English major in me couldn’t help but clean up some things here and there to help the translations come across less stiff.

The rest will be under the cut! Any instance of me referring to Corrin, I’ll be using he/him, and I’ll be using the JP version of the character names when applicable and appropriate. Also, if you want, give a watch to the Fates Drama CDs! The first two volumes deal with Takumi’s thoughts, feelings, and character in regards to Corrin’s return to Hoshido during chapters 4, 5, and 6! While I won’t be citing them here, they give extra insight to his character and are very cool!

Prologue

JP Version

Hinoka: What!? The river dried up...!? Did they use the power of the Dragon Vein...?

Takumi: ...It looks that way. The enemy is drawing near...

[...]

Takumi: Pull yourself together, Kamui. The enemy... The Nohrian royal family-they’re strong. If we don’t stick together, we’ll... ...No. Right now, we have to work together. You let me know if you have any ideas.

[...]

Hinoka: Good, you’ve defeated the enemy! Kamui, Takumi, great work! This is the power of the bond between siblings.

Sakura: A-amazing, Big Brother...

Takumi: It went well thanks to someone’s well-planned instructions. If we join our powers together, we may actually win this war...

Hinoka: Well then, let’s hurry back to Ryoma!

Treehouse

Hinoka: The Nohrian army used a Dragon Vein to dry up the river! But I thought only royals held that power...

Takumi: Yeah, which means there must be some real big shots over there. Suit me just fine. I've always wanted to use a Nohrian royal for target practice!

[...]

Takumi: Hang in there, Corrin. The Nohrian royals are not pushovers... We'll have to work together to beat them. As the eldest, I guess you're in charge. Tell me what to do and I'll do it.

[...]

Hinoka: Corrin, Takumi, good work fighting off that ambush.

Sakura: You were amazing, Corrin.

Takumi: That went well. Probably because SOMEONE gave you good advice. ...And you're welcome, by the way.

Hinoka: No time to talk! Let's see how Ryoma's doing.

I’m glad that memes surrounding how characters sound in Marvel movies and Disney channel shows exist, because now I have something to describe how Treehouse makes Fates’ cast sound: right out of a sitcom. The whole “he’s right behind me, isn’t he”, tryhard ironic vibe is everywhere in the localized script, and it can suck the tension out of certain scenes. Takumi’s “I’ve always wanted to use a Nohrian royal for target practice” line is an example of this. I think it’s funny, tbh, but it evokes a different feel of his character, especially since this is the first thing the player sees of him. What I find more egregious though, is that Treehouse replaced his more sincere words of worry and doubt with cockiness across the board. While this can be charming in its own right, again, it changes the first impression. It gives you the idea that he’s genuinely overconfident, rather than finding out later that he’s compensating hard. 

I didn’t include some context, but in the ‘well SOMEONE gave you good instructions’ line, the JP version of the archer tutorial just has him tell you how he fights rather than it being him telling you exactly what to do. Small changes, but it causes a ripple effect that extends to the line being changed, because what was intended in the original was him complimenting Hinoka (or maybe Corrin?) on her planning and how working as a team of siblings will get them through the war, but Treehouse changed it to him saying that it was him that saved the day.

Chapter 5, in the plaza.

JP version

Kamui: It’s just like you and Sakura said, the Hoshidans are all good people. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves here.

Aqua: I’m glad you like it. I love it here, too.

Takumi: Aqua. And Kamui…I mean, Brother. Mother wants me to start calling you that, now.

Kamui: ...

Takumi: Don’t get carried away, though. I don’t trust either of you.

Aqua: Takumi…

Takumi: Don’t speak my name so casually. You’re a Princess of Nohr, the kingdom that killed Father. There’s no way I can trust you. Kamui, you’re the same. You’ve been a Nohrian Prince for so long, after all...

Kamui: No…You’re contradicting yourself, Takumi.

Takumi: What?

Kamui: Aqua has been in Hoshido for as long as I’ve been in Nohr. By that logic she should already be one of your comrades, right?

Takumi: ...Hmph. Either way, I don’t trust you two. I just wanted to let you both know that.

Sakura: Big Brother, if it suits your taste... These dango are very good. Here!

Treehouse

Corrin: Everyone really is friendly here. And it’s so…bright…and open. It’s quite a contrast from the fortress I grew up in.

Azura: I’m glad you like it. Like I said, I’ve always been happy here.

Takumi: Just don’t get too comfortable…BROTHER.

Corrin: Pardon me?

Takumi: I don’t trust you. Shouldn’t you be heading back to Nohr soon?

Azura: Takumi…

Takumi: Hey, who said you could call me by name? You haven’t earned that privilege either.

Corrin: That doesn’t even make sense.

Takumi: Excuse me?

Corrin: Azura has been in Hoshido for as long as I’ve been gone. Shouldn’t that be enough to consider her part of the family?

Takumi: I don’t care. I don’t trust either of you. I just wanted to tell you that to your face.

Sakura: I apologize for Takumi’s rudeness. He’s a bit of a hothead. Anyway, how’d you like to try a sweet rice dumpling? It’s a Hoshidan specialty!

He’s giving his feelings towards the situation of Azura and Corrin both being Nohrian, but the way it’s written between versions conveys differences. Now from what I know of the logistics of the Japanese language, lots of context can be missed or hidden. The JP version can probably be seen as him being just as rude as he is in the Treehouse script, but from what’s here he does come off more... immature? Plus some context as to why he doesn’t trust Azura or Corrin gets cut, and Sakura calling him a hothead gets added in.

I considered putting the after battle conversation from Chapter 5, too, but there’s not enough significant difference between the JP and Treehouse’s version of Takumi’s lashing out to really warrant it. Though one difference is that when Corrin gets the Yato, Treehouse has him just say “Impossible.” whereas the JP version has him say nothing. The drama CDs do go more in depth into what he’s thinking, and given how Takumi’s written later in the game, it makes sense why he would stay silent rather than continue talking shit. But again, I don’t wanna cite the CDs too much, cuz I don’t know how much they can be considered canon even though I think the same writers (sans Kibayashi I’m guessing) wrote them. 

Chapter 6 Birthright (After the Nohrian siblings react to Corrin’s choice)

JP version

Takumi: I will do it... For my fallen kinsmen, and for Mother’s sake as well...

Treehouse

Takumi: Stupid Nohrian jerks! I'll kill all of you!

Once again, a more thoughtful reaction was changed into a more juvenile anger. Not completely surprising coming from Takumi, but makes him a bit more one dimensional, imo.

Chapter 10 Birthright (Takumi shows up possessed)

JP Version

Hinoka: Ugh!? Why did you do that, Takumi!?

Kamui: Takumi, stop! You could’ve shot Hinoka...!

Takumi: Kill...

Kamui: Huh...?

Takumi: Me... everyone should only... appreciate me...

Hinoka: It’s as if he’s a completely different person...!

Sakura: B-brother... What’s happened to you!?

Takumi: I’m strong... I... have a divine weapon... But even then... all everyone talks about is my siblings... all everyone talks about is Kamui...

Kamui: What are you saying!? Takumi, please come back to us!

Takumi: There’s no need for people who don’t look at me... there’s no need for people who stand in my way... why don’t you all just... DISAPPEAR!!

Kamui: Takumi!?

Treehouse

Hinoka: Gah! What's wrong with you? That arrow almost hit me!

Corrin: Takumi, what are you doing?!

Takumi: Kill...

Corrin: Um...

Takumi: I should have been the chosen one...

Hinoka: This is creepy...

Sakura: *sob* Takumi... What h-happened to you?

Takumi: I am ignored...alone...forgotten. But I am more powerful than they can imagine!

Corrin: What are you saying? Snap out of it, Takumi!

Takumi: Ughhhh... I will not stand in the shadows any longer... They will all see me for the first time! I will make them pay for what they've done. I will make them...I will make them... DIE!

Corrin: Takumi?!

The JP version of this exchange centers around Takumi’s own inheritance of a divine weapon as well as his inferiority complex in regards to not only Corrin, but his other siblings as well. This is important, because it was never only Corrin coming back that caused Takumi to feel left out and ignored, but also Ryoma’s natural talents making Takumi feel inferior and Hinoka’s unintentional aloofness towards her siblings as a result of purely focusing on her training (these are things that are touched on in his supports with both of them btw). Sakura is exempt from this sentiment though.

Chapter 10 (Azura cures Takumi’s possession)

JP version

Takumi: ......

Aqua: Takumi... your eyes, and that gaze... Maybe, just maybe... If my hunch is correct, my song can do something about this. I can only hope it’ll be enough...

Takumi: No one...no one... looks at me... No one at all...

Aqua: Wait, Takumi.

Takumi: You are...

Aqua: Listen. You're being controlled by an unseen force. How awful... This isn’t you. Which is why... Please listen to my song...  (Sings Lost in Thoughts)

Takumi: Ugh...! Gaaaaaaaah!!

Aqua: ......

Takumi: Ungh... ! Aqua...?

Aqua: Thank goodness. You’ve come back to us.

Takumi: Come back...? What do you mean? W-where are we...?

Aqua: I’m sorry, but we don’t have time to discuss that right now. The people of Fuuma have ambushed us. Can we count on your assistance?

Takumi: Oh... okay. I understand.

Aqua: ...Hey, Takumi. 

Takumi: What is it?

Aqua: I can always count on you. You are very strong and intelligent. You have a charm that your other siblings don’t have. That’s what I think.

Takumi: H-huh!? What does-

Aqua: Hmhm, well let’s be off. Standing idle won’t do us any good.

Takumi: Hey, wait up! ...Hey, Aqua! ...... (smiling portrait) ...Well it can’t be helped. All right, time to show them what Prince Takumi can do!

Treehouse

Takumi: Unnnhhh...

Azura: Look at the color of his eyes... Could it be? There's only one way to find out. I'll have to sing to him...

Takumi: No one...notices me. No one...cares. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die.

Azura: Takumi...listen to me.

Takumi: You... You are...

Azura: It doesn't matter. I'm someone who can help. You're being controlled by a dark force. This is not who you are! You don't have to give in. You can survive this! Listen carefully... (Sings Lost in Thoughts)

Takumi: Ugh... Gyaaaaah!

Azura: Takumi, can you hear me now?

Takumi: Ohhhh... Azura? Is that you?

Azura: Yes, it's me! Oh, thank goodness.

Takumi: Uh...where am I?

Azura: Unfortunately, we're right in the middle of a battle. I don't really have time to explain. Are you in any condition to defend yourself?

Takumi: I...I think so. I feel OK.

Azura: Very well. Just remember.. You're strong and intelligent. There's a certain something about you. I believe in you, Takumi.

Takumi: Um, OK...

Azura: That's the Takumi I remember. Now, come on! You'll need to focus to make it through this battle.

Takumi: Wait! Azura! Ugh, I'm still a bit woozy. So many questions... (angry/cocky portrait) I guess I'll just have to stay alive to get them answered.

I touched on this in my general Birthright script changes post, but I thought I’d bring up the overall tone shift here. Takumi’s genuine happiness in the JP version was replaced with an awkward reaction and a cocky response in the Treehouse version, hence why I also noted the portrait change. Not out of character per se, but I think Takumi having his first real establishing moment of joy being replaced does a disservice to both his character and the player getting to see it.

Chapter 10 (after battle)

JP version

Sakura: Takumi!!! You... you’re back to normal...!

Hinoka: (voice clip of her crying) Moron...! We were... so worried about you...!

Takumi: H-hey, quit crying. Aren’t you both too old to be doing that?

Sakura: I don't care about that! You’ve come back to us, so I’m fine with crying!!!

Hinoka: Me too! I love you too much to care about things like that now!

Takumi: Sakura, Hinoka... Thank you. I’m sorry that I worried you this much.

Kamui: I’m curious to know what’s been going on. What happened at the border battle, Takumi?

Takumi: That battle... it was a struggle. We fought by Izumo’s border at first... But before long the battle extended all the way to the Infinite Chasm. During the march there, I got separated from Ryoma.

Kamui: I see, so you don’t know where he is either...

Takumi: During the battle, the enemy’s attack triggered a massive rockslide. I got caught up in it... and fell into the Infinite Chasm.

Kamui: The Infinite Chasm!?

Hinoka: But... you’re alive. How did you manage to come back?

Takumi: That I still don’t know... Everything after that is a blur... I can’t remember anything before I woke up here.

Hinoka: I see... Well, at any rate, I’m relieved that you’re back alive. It’s a miracle you were able to survive that bottomless pit.

Takumi: Hey... what have I been doing all this time?

Aqua: It's best not to worry about it, Takumi. Some horrible magic took hold of you and brought you here against your will. That’s all it is.

Takumi: No... that can’t be it. Hinoka’s arm has been grazed by an arrow. It looks like it was cause by the Fujin Yumi... I attacked her, didn’t I?

Hinoka: Well, that’s... 

Takumi: Tell me... what did I do in front of all of you?

Kamui: ...... ...Takumi. When you met us here, you immediately started attacking us. Until your sanity came back, you were fighting Hoshidan troops.

Takumi: !! That’s...! Attacking my own countrymen... Unforgiveable. I don’t think I’m qualified to be a part of Hoshido’s army after doing that...

Kamui: No, being qualified doesn’t matter. I was in a similar situation, being raised as a prince of the enemy country... but even so, you all accepted me without hesitation.

Takumi: No... I wasn’t like that... 

Kamui: Er, well, be that as it may... What matters now is you’re here with us. If you feel you’ve made a mistake, you can make up for it from now on. I’d really like to fight alongside you, Takumi. Do you feel likewise?

Takumi: ...... I will, if you can forgive me for the harsh words from earlier.

Kamui: Of course. Those are things of the past. 

Takumi: ...Thank you, brother. And thank you too... Sister.

Aqua: ...No, it’s quite all right. ......

Kamui: ...Aqua, are you okay? You look kind of pale...

Aqua: ...I’m fine, just a little tired. Don’t worry, I’ll get better soon. 

Kamui: Um, okay...

Treehouse

Sakura: Brother! I'm so glad you're back to normal. We were all so w-worried about you.

Hinoka: (voice clip of her saying “I won’t allow it!”) Yeah. Don't ever do that again, OK?

Takumi: Whoa, guys! Stop crying. You're making me all embarrassed.

Sakura: I don't care. We didn't know if we'd ever see you again. And then when you showed up all weird like that...

Hinoka: Yeah. We didn't know if you'd ever be the same Takumi we know and love again.

Takumi: Well, it's definitely me guys. Thank you for your concern. And I'm sorry I made you all worried.

Corrin: It's good to have you back, Takumi. But as much as I would like to savor this moment. Ryoma is still missing. Can you tell us anything about what happened to you two?

Takumi: Yeah. It was insane. We ran into Nohrian troops just outside Izumo and began fighting. Ryoma and I were separated in the early stages of combat, before we had to retreat. We were outnumbered...and pushed to the brink of the Bottomless Canyon.

Corrin: So we still have no idea where he is...

Takumi: No, I'm afraid not. Something triggered a massive landslide, and I was caught up in it. That's how I fell into the canyon.

Corrin: You actually fell into the Bottomless Canyon? How are you still alive?

Hinoka: I've never heard of anyone returning from there before.

Takumi: I...I have no idea. All I remember is falling. There was a period of darkness, and then I woke up here.

Hinoka: Well, I'm just glad to have you back. It's a miracle you survived a fall like that!

Takumi: So, um, can anyone tell me how I ended up here? Or what, exactly, I was doing before I woke up just no?

Azura: It's best you don't worry about it for now. Just get some rest.

Takumi: No, I need to know. My Fujin Yumi was in my hand when I came to. And some of you have wounds in your backs...

Hinoka: Well...

Takumi: Tell me! What did I do?

Corrin: Takumi...you must have been under some sort of spell. You stumbled out of the woods and started attacking our party. Please, try not to worry about it. We know it wasn't really you.

Takumi: Oh, what have I done? A prince attacking his own men? How can I show my face in Hoshido again?

Corrin: Please! Someone... or something...was controlling you. We know you were not in your right mind.

Takumi: That's small comfort right now, I'm afraid.

Corrin: Well, I'm sorry you feel that way, but all that matters now is that we're all here. Will you join us in the search for Ryoma? Perhaps something along the way will jog your memory. Can we count on you?

Takumi: Yes. If you can forgive me for all the hurtful things I’ve said and done.

Corrin: Of course. We must move forward—not dwell on the past.

Takumi: Thank you, Corrin. I also need to thank you...Sister.

Azura: Oh! You called me— I mean...you're quite welcome, Takumi. Ahem... *cough* *cough*

Corrin: Is everything OK, Azura? You don't look well.

Azura: I'm fine. I think I'm just a bit tired. Please, don't worry about me. I'll be better in no time.

Corrin: If you say so.

Hinoka was made kind of... less concerned over Takumi in the localization. Or at the very least, less worried like how an older sibling would be, where her crying is replaced with more of a reprimand. 

In the JP version, Takumi specifically mentioned attacking Hinoka and her having an arrow wound to signify it, the localization changed it to a general “some of you have wounds in your backs.” 

The instance of Corrin comparing his own situation to what just happened with Takumi was cut and replaced by talking about the possession (even thought it’s been talked about already), meaning a nice moment of character bonding and calling back to previous scenes was cut. 

And lastly, there’s another instance of Treehouse Corrin in Birthright acting like an douchebag that I actually missed in my general Birthright post. In the JP version, when Takumi says he wasn’t as accepting of Corrin at first, Corrin tries to just shift the conversation to something Takumi can be more positive about. Treehouse replaced it with Corrin basically saying “well, I’m sorry that you feel that way, but can you help us now” which is such an asshole thing to say to someone who’s just now realizing he hurt his sister and has lost his memory up until this point.

Chapter 11 (before battle)

JP Version

Kamui: ...Phew. We made it to a ship just before it set sail. I never thought there’d be Nohrian soldiers at the port. We haven’t been attacked since Fuuma (Mokushu), so my guard was down.

Sakura: Yes. But somehow we managed it. Big Brother... you should probably rest a little bit, at least.

Aqua: I don’t understand... how did those soldiers track us down in the first place? No one should know that our party is crossing into Nohr.

Takumi: Don’t tell me... there’s a spy in our mix, isn’t there?

Aqua: Spy?

Takumi: Yeah. Haven’t you considered it? There could be a spy among us working for the Nohrians, reporting our movements. That mage... he’s especially suspicious.

Zola: H-huuuuh!? I am!?

Hinoka: ...Well, you are suspicious. Very much so.

Takumi: Big Brother Kamui said... before joining you guys, he tried trapping all of you. I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried something again.

Zola: W-what!?

Hinoka: ...Right, then. As promised, I’ll strike to kill.

Zola: Eeeek!

Kamui: ...No. Please stop, everyone. It’s not good to doubt your comrades.

Hinoka: Kamui...

Kamui: All right? There’s no proof that he’s a spy. Once we decide to believe someone, let’s keep believing them.

Takumi: Brother... Even so, I can’t trust this man.

Kamui: Yes... Well, it’s not something I can explain right now, Takumi. I’m sorry. Let’s talk about it later. For now, I’d like for you to trust in him a bit.

Takumi: ...... ...Very well. If you’re insisting that much, I’ll make an effort to believe him, too. 

Zola: Lord Takumi...!

Takumi: What is it now? I never said I’d trust you right away. I’ll start considering it after hearing what my brother has to say. And stop saying my name so casually.

Zola: Gah! No, sir. I'm sorry, sir.

Treehouse

Corrin: Well, this should be interesting. I've never sailed before. And we made it just in time to catch the last boat leaving the harbor. How lucky!

Sakura: I know. It's been such a long march—I'm really looking forward to r-resting a bit.

Azura: I wouldn't get too comfortable. Remember, we are on our way to Nohr. Some of the passengers on this ship could be our enemies.

Takumi: Yes, and there could be a spy among us.

Azura: What are you talking about, Takumi?

Takumi: You know exactly what I'm talking about. That whiny little mage from Nohr! Whose idea was it to let him tag along?

Zola: Gah! I'm no threat, guys! I promise! Haven't I been helpful so far?

Hinoka: Don't worry, Takumi. I've been keeping a very close eye on him.

Takumi: I don't know. Didn't he set everyone up back in Izumo? I wouldn't be surprised if he were plotting something.

Zola: But...but...

Hinoka: OK, I'll get my knife ready...

Zola: Eeeek!

Corrin: Calm down, everyone. I trust Zola, and I believe you should as well. He stood with us through one battle without stabbing anyone in the back. Besides, how could he even really information to Nohr? It's a preposterous notion.

Takumi: Sorry. I can't just take your word for it. I don't trust him.

Corrin: That's fine. A little healthy skepticism won't hurt. Just try to be civil, OK?

Takumi: I'll do my best.

Zola: Lord Takumi...

Takumi: What's wrong with you? Did I say that you could speak my name?

Zola: Gah! No, sir. I'm sorry, sir.

Never caught this before. In the JP version the party apparently got ambushed by Nohrian troops at the port, and that’s why the topic of there being spies is brought up, since Azura wonders how the soldiers even knew of the party’s whereabouts. Treehouse cut out this information.

Takumi in general is more abrasive, which is consistent to how Treehouse has been so far. I’d also like to note that Corrin’s insistence on believing in people is diluted a bit in Treehouse’s version, where he says civil skepticism is fine instead of trying to get Takumi to trust in people more. While this can make Corrin seem more palatable and smart, this doesn’t line up with his established character. He’s supposed to have a backbone when it comes to trusting in people and peaceful, diplomatic solutions. It’s why he almost got killed by Xander for not wanting to kill prisoners of war. If Corrin actually believed in “healthy skepticism” he wouldn’t let Zola in the party, especially after almost hurting Sakura. 

Also, Takumi’s supposed to be softening up to Corrin as a brother at this point and be more willing to listen to him, and Treehouse’s version of the exchange-while not bad in the logisitic sense-does a poor job in showing a family bond growing between them. A family bond which, if you recall, was mentioned in the JP version all the way back in the prologue. So... points for being consistent in cutting out themes, I guess.

Chapter 11 (after battle)

JP Version

Kamui: All right, we took care of them.

Takumi: No problem. Even invisible, there’s no way they could beat us.

Kamui: Haha, you’re very reliable, Takumi.

Takumi: (Smiling portrait) Well, yeah. I have to make up for my mistakes. A certain someone told me as much, anyway.

Kamui: (Smiling portrait) Takumi...

Treehouse

Corrin: That's the last of them.

Takumi: Ha! Those stupid things didn't know who they were messing with.

Corrin: Well, I'm glad to see that you're feeling like yourself again. Takumi.

Takumi: Me too. (Frowning portrait) After all, I have a long way to go to redeem myself...

Corrin: (Neutral portrait) Takumi, that's simply not true.

Corrin in the JP version: Takumi and I are starting to get along and he’s happy, that makes me happy too :)

Corrin according to Treehouse: Takumi, you’re really fuckin up the vibe :/

Jokes aside, it really does baffle me what Treehouse’s obession is with a) making Corrin kind of a dick and b) not letting Takumi smile/be happy more often, like wtf. I know that Corrin saying Takumi doesn’t have to redeem himself could be taken positively, but since a specific tone has already been set by Treehouse, it unfortunately comes off as patronizing instead.

Chapter 11 (after Zola protects Takumi)

JP version

Kamui: Are you okay, Zola? Thank you for helping Takumi earlier.

Zola: No need for thanks... That was something I wanted to do. When I saw Lord Takumi in danger, my body moved on its own.

Kamui: Even so... thank you.

Takumi: Hey... Zola.

Zola: ! L-lord Takumi! Ah, forgive me. I said your name again...

Takumi: No, it’s fine. You can call me whatever you like. I’m sorry for doubting you earlier, Zola.

Zola: What...?

Takumi: Yeah. You just saved my life at the risk of your own. If you hadn’t done that, that guy could’ve killed me. So I’m sorry I didn’t have faith in you.

Zola: That’s...! Please raise your head, Lord Takumi! There’s no need to thank me for this. I merely did what Lord Kamui did for me back in Izumo, when Lord Leo was about to execute me.

Takumi: What!? Kamui, you did something that reckless?

Kamui: Ah... haha... well, something like that... 

Zola: Yes. Since then, I’ve changed. Thanks to Lord Kamui.

Takumi: ...I see. Well, with a story like that, I have no choice but to believe it. I’ll be counting on you as a friend from now on, Zola.

Zola: Likewise... thank you very much.

Kamui: (Smiling portrait) ......

Treehouse

Corrin: That was extremely courageous, Zola. Are you all right?

Zola: It was nothing. I'm just glad that Lady Sakura was able to heal me.

Corrin: I beg to differ. It was not nothing. It was a remarkably selfless act.

Takumi: Zola...I have something to say to you.

Zola: Yes, Lord Tak—I mean yes, milord?

Takumi: Please. You've more than earned the right to speak my name. I'm sorry for doubting you.

Zola: Really? You mean that?

Takumi: Yes. Talk is cheap, and I still think I was smart not to trust you at first. But you may have just saved my life. It was a heroic act.

Zola: Thank you, Lord Takumi! I'm just following Lord Corrin's lead. If it weren't for him, I may have died at the hands of Lord Leo in Izumo. Now maybe you'll have the chance to perform a similar gesture.

Takumi: Wait, Corrin jumped in front of an attack meant for you? Right after you tried to kill him?

Corrin: Ha! No, Takumi. It wasn't exactly like that. I merely asked Leo to spare Zola's life. He was helpless and defeated.

Zola: Yes. And that kindness was enough to sway Lord Leo. He merely exiled me instead of taking my life.

Takumi: I see. Well, I just hope we can put all of this behind us.

Zola: Of course, milord!

Corrin: (Neutral portrait) Yes. It's time to focus on what's next. Who knows what's waiting for us in Nohr...

Takumi in the JP version is more willing to admit a mistake without a kind of “but I was still right” line, Treehouse adds one in anyway.

Also Treehouse made Corrin into a buzzkill, in other news, the sky is blue.

In further chapters, it’s mostly the same routine. Takumi is more abrasive and certain tender family moments involving him are diluted. I mentioned back in my general Birthright post that Takumi in his sickness, bed ridden delirium in chapter 16 talks in bigger detail about the “truth behind this war” and while this doesn’t have much to do with Takumi in particular, I thought I’d bring it up again.

Chapter 24 (pre battle, Takumi talks to Iago about possession)

JP version

Takumi: How dare you manipulate and mock me? What you said earlier about my feeling inferior is true... but I've learned something in this fight. There’s things only I can do! That's why... I would never betray my beloved siblings or my precious friends! As a proud prince of Hoshido!

Treehouse

Takumi: I just woke up for good. That's what happened. You were able to exploit some of my deepest fears and flaws, but that's over. My brothers and sisters need me, and I won't let them down. I'm a proud prince of Hoshido, and from now on I will live up to the title!

Both are fine, but the JP version is a bit more self actualizing, whereas the Treehouse version is more dependent on Takumi feeling like his siblings need him.

Chapter 24 (Takumi vs. Iago boss conversation)

JP version

Takumi: I’ll never forgive you...How dare you...how dare you take advantage of me. Macbeth...

Macbeth: You just regained your senses, and already such cheek...! You should’ve stayed as a good little pawn right until the end.

Takumi: When I was freed from your control, I remembered everything... How I’d send an owl with information of my whereabouts every night. How I’d lose all memory of it every morning. How I suspected my allies without knowing I was the traitor all along... What an absolute disgrace...

Macbeth: Then repent for your sins and quickly die. Isn’t that better than living a life of shame?

Takmui: Shut up! I'll live to pay for this crime! First, I’ll start making up for what I’ve done by defeating you here, Macbeth!

Treehouse

Takumi: Yes! I was hoping I'd get a chance to kill you myself. This is for everything you've put me through!

Iago: *yawn* You know I chose you because you were the weakest, right? You should never have come out of that spell—now you're going to suffer!

Takumi: Wrong! Now that my head is clear, my aim is truer than ever. I'm going to turn your face into my own personal bull's-eye.

Also touched on this in the Birthright post. The fact that Treehouse cut out the entire explanation for how exactly Takumi relayed information to Iago is freaking weird. Like... why?

Overall, though that’s about it for major changes to Takumi in Birthright’s story. Now for Conquest.

Chapter 10 (pre battle conversation) 

JP version

Hinata: Lord Takumi, it seems the Nohrian army is stationed at the port.

Takumi:  …An ambush, is it? Well, I expected no less of them. We won’t run away with our tails between our legs. It’s what they want.

Treehouse

Hinata: Lord Takumi! It seems the Nohrians aren't going to back down.

Takumi: So they plan to fight us, do they? I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Nohrians aren't like normal, decent people. They live for the thrill of battle. All the better. I shall delight in putting those cowards in their place.

While I’ve said before that Conquest’s localization changes aren’t as egregious as Birthright’s (at least when not concerning Xander), I do find it funny that Takumi is consistent for the most part, aside from taking little jabs like he does in Treehouse’s version. Here’s another example: 

Chapter 10 (Corrin vs. Takumi)

JP version

Takumi: ! Kamui...

Kamui: Takumi... 

Takumi: Never expected to see you here, Prince Traitor. For the person who left Hoshido in such a wreck, you’re sure doing well for yourself.

Kamui: I’m sorry... I’m afraid I have nothing to say to that.

Takumi: Hm... guess you’re still man enough to feel guilt, after all. Then you can start regretting your mistake as I kill you right here!

Treehouse

Takumi: Any last words, Corrin?

Corrin: Takumi... In your heart you must know this is the last thing I ever wanted.

Takumi: Ah, how quaint. More pretty words from the Prince of Betrayal. How can you stand to live after the horrors you caused in Hoshido? My suspicions must be accurate. Nohrians don't have souls.

Corrin: Words could never express my sorrow for what took place...

Takumi: Oh? Are you still human enough to feel remorse? Fascinating. It's a fitting last emotion. I hope you feel its sting as I strike you down!

Takumi being a little shit towards his enemies is always hilarious, that’s one thing that Treehouse did that I think is fun. Another one I like is in chapter 13, where when Camilla calls Scarlet a traitor, Takumi responds with “Nohrian logic never ceases to amuse me.” And again in chapter 23 where, while not funny but more dramatic, he tells Corrin he “...shall cherish the sound of life leaving your body for all eternity.” Lines like these weren’t in the JP version, but since they are harmless additions and not replacing anything, they’re all fine. It only becomes an issue to me when said moments start replacing genuine tender scenes or cutting out details, like in Birthright.

Endgame (Corrin talks to Takumi in purgatory)

JP version

Takumi: Thank you. It would have been if we had fought alongside each other. Kamui. The truth is... I always wanted us to get along as siblings. I wanted to call you ‘brother.’ I wish I could have said that when I was still me... but I'm so stubborn that I just couldn't be honest with you. ...... I'm sorry.

Kamui: I’m sorry, too... Your resentment is my doing. ...I have always wanted you to call me ‘brother’, as well. Once the war was over, we could have been close as siblings should be. And yet...I am so sorry that things turned out this way.

Takumi: No, it’s all right. You accepted my resentment and came all this way. That's enough. Thank you, brother...

Treehouse

Takumi: Thank you, Corrin. I wonder…what it would have been like to fight on the same side as you. I always wished we could have been close, as you are with your Nohrian siblings. Right up until my last moments, I wanted so badly to call you my brother. To look up to you and love you…and never allow anything to come between us. I wish I had told you that before I died. While there was still a chance… I was just so stubborn, so hurt. I couldn’t admit those feelings even to myself. For that, I am truly sorry. I’m so sorry for letting you slip away, dear brother.

Corrin: Takumi…I’m sorry too. I caused you so much pain. The truth is, I longed to have you accept me as your brother too. I never let go of the dream that after the war we could all be together again… I’m so sorry things turned out the way they did.

Takumi: It’s all right, Corrin. We finally got to say all the things we needed to say. You have done more than enough. My heart… It’s finally at peace. Thank you, Brother…

I mentioned in my Conquest post that, while the Treehouse version is perfectly fine, it could potentially be read as putting more of the onus of Takumi and Corrin’s falling out on Takumi rather than Corrin. The JP version makes it more clear where each party is responsible.

Anyway, since Conquest’s localization has a fraction of the issues that Birthright’s has and Takumi showed up less frequently since he was an enemy, time to move on to Revelation... or at least, I would, but like Conquest, Revelation doesn’t have nearly as many localization issues as Birthright. Plus, Takumi has to share the spotlight with 7 other siblings and Azura, soooo... not many lines to screw up, anyhow.

So instead, time for supports and other general dialogue!

Corrin Support

In the JP version, when Corrin notes that it’s harder to draw a bowstrong than he imagined, Takumi notes that it takes a lot of physical and mental strength to do so. Localization just has him say “Well of course, did you think it’d be easy?” Similar message, but fewer details. Corrin then notes that because of that, he realized once again how talented Takumi is. In the JP version, Takumi gets flustered and nervous, in the localized version, he asks if Corrin is being sarcastic. Again, same message, but comes across a bit differently.

Other than those things and few lines being rearranged, the support chain is pretty faithful for the most part.

Felicia Support

In the JP version at the end of the A support, Felicia says that, while satisfied with Takumi’s apology for being rude, she still wants to share stories of her hometown, so he should be prepared. In response, Takumi laughs and says something like “Is that so?”. Treehouse changed this to have Takumi say outright “No more Ice Tribe stories anymore.” The reason why this was changed is most likely to fit in with how the S support is framed, where Takumi says he was frustrated with Felicia only talking about her hometown all the time instead of about herself. The JP version kept it intentionally ambiguous because there’s no guarantee that Takumi and Felicia will S support one another, so meh. Not a huge mistake, but thought I’d mention it. Other than that, the support was done well.

Azura Support

Again, not many major differences. Just in the JP version of the A support, Takumi says “from now on, let’s get along like brother and sister” whereas Treehouse has him say “we’ll both make more of an effort.” Less familial, so it can be seen as lacking a bit.

Sakura Support

JP version of the C support has Takumi mention that prominent aristocrats of Hoshido will attend the party/banquet attending, so that’s why he and Sakura can’t skip it. Treehouse cut out this small detail. Also, in the JP version Takumi says the atmosphere of these kinds of parties are stuffy, whereas Treehouse has him say “I wish we could leave all this highfalutin stuff to someone else”, which honestly got a chuckle out of me. Love words like that.

Treehouse version of the B support adds the line where he suggests lighting the guests hair on fire and running for cover, alongside the pre-existing line of faking being sick. Again, pretty funny to me tbh. Takumi saying crazy shit is a-ok to me, so long as it’s not at the expense of other lines being removed or moments being ruined.

Hinata Support

C support in the Treehouse version has Takumi pull rank by saying “Is that any way to address your superiors? “Show yourself”? Seriously!?” JP version just has him say “If you need anything, just tell me.” The idea of Takumi pulling rank isn’t exactly surprising per se, but he’s more the type to lash out at unfamiliar people speaking too casually with him. Hinata is a close friend and retainer, so it’s a bit out of place.

Oboro Support

In the Treehouse B support, Takumi says the fabrics that Oboro chose get the “Takumi seal of approval.” Not a negative addition at all, it’s cute.

Kagero Support

In the Treehouse C support, Takumi says “It seems like stealth comes naturally to you. After all, just a moment ago you popped up and scared me so bad I peed a little.” The peeing line wasn’t in the JP version. They made my son a pissbaby.

Kana Child Support

I felt obligated to mention how Takumi says “Well mold my onions, aren't you clever?” in response to how Kana has been helping Corrin out during the little father-son contest. Not in the JP support, obviously. But y’know. Onions, lol.

Camilla Support

Bit of a change here.

JP version

Takumi: I may seem unreliable as I am now, but if it's for you...I will definitely become even stronger, no matter what it takes!

Camilla: ......

Takumi: That's why...please marry me!

Camilla: Prince Takumi...You were...very dashing just now. I...didn't know you could be so bold.

Takumi: Princess Camilla...

Camilla: I...happily accept your proposal. Please let me watch over your growth by your side, okay?

Takumi: Yes. Of course.

Treehouse

Takumi: I know you still see me as cute, or childish, or as a fun plaything. But I have more to offer than that! Give me the chance to prove it to you!

Camilla: Hmmmmmmm... That was shockingly mature, for you. I've never known you to be so solemn and direct.

Takumi: Princess Camilla, I...

Camilla: I accept your proposal. Perhaps I flatter myself, but I suspect it's my care which has helped you along. In which case, staying by your side for years to come will only improve you further.

Takumi: N-not exactly the response I was hoping for...but I'll take it. Here's to our life together!

Like Camilla says herself in the Treehouse version, she flatters herself more. She also says him being mature is a shock, which is kinda mean, and that feeling only gets cemented when Takumi says it wasn’t exactly the response he was hoping for. JP version more or less has Camilla be more genuinely surprised at how bold he is.

Leo Support

More significant differences. First is a part of the C rank.

JP version

Leon: I'm telling you in advance that we probably won't be getting along well.

Takumi: Hm, What a coincidence. To tell you the truth, I thought so too.

Leon: What...?

Takumi: That haughty attitude, and that condescending way you look at other people... I knew you were a disgusting sort of person from the beginning.

Leon: ………… …Okay then, your childish way of thinking makes me want to vomit. I won't ever approach you, so you also must never approach me.

Treehouse

Leo: We might as well get this out of the way. You and I are not going to be friends.

Takumi: What a coincidence! I was just thinking the same thing.

Leo: Of course you were. You have such an arrogant attitude and—

Takumi: Me?! I'm not the one going around patronizing everybody! You're the jerk!

Leo: Is that the best you can do? You sound like a whiny, little brat. Just as expected. Let's make a deal. You stay away from me, and I'll stay away from you. Think you can manage?

Consistent with certain other instances of Treehouse, the same message is getting across, but the tone is a bit different. Both are definitely hostile, but the Treehouse one could come across more... immature, I guess. I personally don’t take issue with it, but I thought it was relevant to bring up. Now on to a part of B rank:

JP version

Leon: Prince Takumi... What's your favorite food?

Takumi: I like miso soup...

Leon: Miso soup?

Takumi: Ah, you mix miso and dried bonito in hot water, season it, and add other ingredients such as vegetables or tofu to boil and then eat.

Leon: Wha...?

Takumi: Hm, what's wrong?

Leon: I... like food such as soup and stew. To put it simply… Food where you mix meat and vegetables in boiling water which you then season …In other words, it's something like miso soup.

Takumi: Wh-what?

Leon: W-well then, what's your favorite kind of book to read? Novels or essays, or poetry anthologies? What's your favorite genre?

Takumi: Books, huh… I read all kinds, though I mainly like philosophy books. Philosophers from the past who expresses a different way of thinking compared to the people who are living now. That's what's interesting to me...

Leon: H-how is this possible!? How can this be the same too!?

Takumi: Then, what about your favorite pastime... What's your hobby!?

Leon: I-I like chess. Chess is a strategic game where you use pieces to battle on on a board.

Takumi: Th-that's... In Hoshido, that's something called Shogi!

Leon: ...And do you like this Shogi game, Prince Takumi?

Takumi: Like is an understatement, I'm the best in our family. How... how do we have so much in common?

Leon:  …………

Takumi:  ………… Hey, Prince Leon. Maybe getting to know one another isn’t such a bad idea after all.

Leon: What a coincidence… I was thinking the same. Do you want to continue talking about each other's tastes?

Takumi: Y-yeah. Who knows, we might find out about other things we have in common.

Leon: In the unlikely event we do hit it off, I’m sure we’ll get along well, h-hahaha...

Takumi: Hahaha...

Treehouse

Leo: They say that people with similar personalities like the same things.

Takumi: I like miso soup.

Leo: Mee-so soup?

Takumi: Yeah. It's a Hoshidan dish. You got a problem with that?

Leo: No. My favorite food is beef stew. It's kind of like a soup. Hmm...

Takumi: What kind of books do you read?

Leo: I read all kinds of things, but I have a passion for history.

Takumi: Is it...because you love to study the strategy behind past battles?

Leo: Gods, don't tell me... Do you like to read history books too?

Takumi: Yes, but I'm sure our hobbies are different.

Leo: My favorite game is chess. It's a tactical board game where—

Takumi: In Hoshido, our version is called shogi.

Leo: And do you like to play this "show-gee" thing?

Takumi: I'm the best shogi player in my whole family.

Leo: I can't believe it. Who would have guessed we have so much in common?

Takumi: I don't know, but I'll tell you—it's hard to hate someone with such excellent taste!

Leo: No kidding. I was about to say the exact same thing. Hmm... Maybe we should do this again sometime.

Takumi: Ahaha! Oh? So now you want to be best friends?

Leo: Ha! Of course not. That will never happen.

Takumi: Never!

Once again, similar message gets across, but lines are rearranged. However, this time, some details are cut, such as discussion of how both Takumi and Leo take their miso soup and stew respectively. One significant change is how originally Takumi and Leo loved philosophy books, but Treehouse changed this to battle strategy and history. Don’t know why this was changed, I thought it was neat. Also near the end, while both versions of the support have a kind of “in-denial” aspect about becoming friends, it can come across a bit differently. Though this is just linguistics in general, tbh. Japanese itself is a more... indirect language when it comes to speaking. There’s also Leo saying “mee-so” and “show-gee”, which some can probably think is cringe, but meh. It fuels my “Hoshido and Nohr speak different language” headcanon, so I’m fine with it.

Anyway, in the JP A support there’s another description by Leo of the miso soup recipe and him detailing a bit why he enjoyed it, but other than that, that’s it for their support. And for supports as a whole, too. 

Private Quarters 

When inviting:

JP version

"Brother, what did you want?"

"Brother, what should we talk about?"

"Brother, I’m here. What’s going on?" 

"What’s wrong? ...Am I in the way of something?" (When Married to someone else)

Treehouse

"What is it? Did you want to tell me little secrets or something?"

"What's with all the racket in here? Are you playing the drums or something?"

"What do you want? There's no point in sparring. You couldn't keep up!"

"Huh! If this is how it is, I'll get my slippers. We can all cuddle." (When Married to someone else)

The JP version of these lines are a bit generic, so I appreciate the changes Treehouse made here.

Last, but not least, while there are other changes to his lovers lines in Private Quarters, his S rank line in particular I wanna bring mention too.

In Treehouse’s version, it’s this: 

“I would do anything for you. Would you do anything for me? I need to know...”

In the JP version, however, it’s this: 

“I love you. If there were another world in which I raised a hand against you… at that time kill me to stop me. Promise me that you will definitely do that.”

Big difference. Treehouse did this a lot with certain private quarters lines and confessions, where references to story happenings get outright replaced. Off the top of my head, Xander’s S rank private quarters in the JP version talks about how he’d be fine with dying if Corrin was the one doing it, referencing his death in Birthright. Elise, Ryoma, Flora, and as seen here, Takumi, have similar cases. It’s a shame that these were replaced, because I find it pretty neat that tragedy involved with these characters gets invoked in personal settings.

Anyway, I couldn’t find any more significant differences! I looked at DLC lines, My Castle lines, and the like to make sure, but all of it was pretty faithful to the original script. Overall, yeah, there are pretty significant changes here, with Birthright being the main offender as per usual. Some of them are baffling, some are effectively harmless, but regardless thought to do this because Takumi remains one of my favorite characters in Fates and Fire Emblem as a whole.

I hope you all enjoyed reading it!

[randomnameless]

I feel like it's not even worth it to even attempt to discuss Three Houses with Edelstans any more. They're not even talking about Fire Emblem 16 any more but rather some combination of Treehouse's and their own fanfiction.

Well,

I'd say everything boils down to what you expect from a discussion, sometimes I don't reply because I'm lazy and everything's been said, and some other times, when an edelstan reblogs or sometimes comment on one of my post, I'm just considering what will be the probable outcome, and if I have enough time to waste with it.

Granted, I reconsidered Claude's actions in Sreng thanks to someone pointing it out, so I guess that counts as a positive interaction?

But whenever the discussion grows around "grooming" "State of Quo" "Crusts" I know it's usually a sign that whatever will follow isn't worth both time and effort. Then some other signs are the tone of the post, the aggressivity and whetever or not the person posting it has set as their goal to "convert" you to their side, or just to be agressive against what they perceive as "an enemy".

Like, seriously, it's fandom, go argue your headcanons with someone else by writing a fic, instead of sharing your salt with people who don't really need the sodium intake.

[fayesdiary]

If I had to sum up the way Treehouse localizes games it would be "4Kids with better voice acting", and I'm not talking just about the censorship

[bearofohu]

personally i think nintendo treehouse should’ve changed joker’s name to morbius instead of jakob

[featherquillpen]

The Trans Femme Hubert Manifesto

So you may have noticed that I don't write Hubert von Vestra as a cis man in my FE3H fics. Here's why.

Note: I am going to use she/her pronouns for Hubert for the purposes of this essay, but I think other trans femme readings like genderfluid/nonbinary femme/etc are totally valid.

Part 1: The Text

Let's talk about Hubert's advice box question about Pegasus knights, which are a gender-locked class in Fire Emblem: Three Houses. I provide here the text as localized in English by Treehouse, and the direct translation from the Japanese given by Teaspoon Translations.

English:

Despite my appearance, I have long wished to be a Pegasus Knight that I may indulge in the lofty view. Yet that dream has always seemed out of reach. Can you guess why?

Because heights make you uneasy? (Correct answer)

Because you never learned to ride a horse?

Because you're afraid?

Japanese TL:

Despite appearances, I am actually interested in Pegasus Knights. The view from up high must be very pleasant. However, it is an unattainable dream…

Because you're afraid of heights? (Correct answer)

Because you can't ride a horse?

Because you're a man?

In the original Japanese, "Because you're a man" is available as an answer, and it's true on its face: Hubert is gender-locked out of being a pegasus knight. But that's the wrong answer. The answer Hubert wants to hear is not that she can't be a pegasus knight because of being a man, but because of her fear of heights. (Gee, thanks, Treehouse, for making this less queer in English just like you do with everything in FE3H.)

What makes me so brainworms about this advice box is that you never see any indicators in any part of the game that Hubert loves Pegasus knights except in this one ANONYMOUS CHURCH CONFESSIONAL. This indicates a level of intense shame and ex-Catholic guilt about these feelings about Pegasus knights. If Hubert talked about this in any other context, it wouldn't feel remotely as trans as putting in an ANONYMOUS CONFESSIONAL IN CHURCH and nowhere else.

The other thing is that it is a form of femininity to long for that you would really not guess. Hubert doesn't want to be a witch or a sorceress, she longs to be a PEGASUS KNIGHT, despite the fact that she vocally hates chivalry. It's a vision of heroic femininity. An Ingrid figure. A Catherine figure as seen by the masses (not the reality of Catherine.)

The "despite appearances" part of this advice box absolutely kills me. It's so rare to depict this clearly that a person who looks like Hubert, a long angular cadaverous sort, as having gender dysphoria.

That is pretty clear textual support for the idea of Hubert being trans femme. Everything from here on out is subtextual.

Part 2: Poor body image

Hubert has very poor body image. She covers her entire body from the neck down at all times, and covers half of her face with her hair. Hubert consistently covers her entire body, even more so than Edelgard, who is almost certainly scarred by medical torture. If you choose Hubert to dance for the White Heron Cup, she refers to the sight of her dance as "grotesque." This also comes up in the Hubert and Bernadetta support:

Hubert hides her own smile from Bernadetta because of this self-image as a frightening ghoul. Clearly Hubert sometimes has fun scaring people, but in this support, it's a source of sorrow because she just wants to be Bernie's friend.

Part 3: "I have a role to play"

This hit me like a truck watching the Hubert and Edelgard A support in Three Hopes.

"I have a role to play as the cold, crafty, unreadable servant. I am happy with the casting, so let us leave it at that."

This is a wildly trans sentiment. This is what you tell yourself when you feel these trans feelings. I have role to play in my family/society/etc as a (man/woman). Let's just leave it at that. And the role that Hubert has to play is a masculine role. Cold, sinister, armored, emotionless, unreadable. But it's not true that she is happy with the casting. This is a lie, and the game shows it to you. It comes up in the support chain with Bernadetta. "I am frightening. I know. I'm told so often." Hubert is sad that Bernadetta can see only this frightening facade and not a fellow human being who wants to be kind to her. Hubert expresses jealousy to Byleth that they can stand beside Edelgard as an equal. She is not happy with the casting, but tells herself that, because the alternative of finding a new role is terrifying. The role is protection. From Thales, from Edelgard's many many enemies.

Part 4: Emotional repression

This also hit me like a truck watching the Hubert and Edelgard A support. Hubert: I have to play a role in which I repress all emotion or I will face devastating violence (from Thales and TWSITD). I am happy with this role so don't worry about it. This is not in any way a metaphor for the spiritual damage caused by needing to perform masculinity. Consider this: the Insurrection occurred when Hubert was about 13. At that point, Thales and TWSITD became a dangerous factor in the court that Hubert had to live with. Hubert talks about fear of violence from Thales if she were to express any love or care toward Edelgard. So presumably that threat came into effect when Hubert was 13. Before this, Hubert had some rather extravagant displays of care, love and concern for Edelgard, like the whole incident of chasing after her for days. Age 13, there started to be serious consequences of violence for expressing love and emotion. Interesting. This is also the age when boys start to be restricted in a tighter and tighter gender cage, at risk of violence. It's one thing for a prepubescent boy to cry and express love for his best friend. It's different for a 14 year old boy to do so. This is when Hubert really became trapped in this role of the terrifying servant with no emotions.

This continues to be the case for the whole time we see Hubert in Houses. The threat is always there, looming. When Hubert goes off to fight the slitherers in Shambhala, she is breaking the last fetters that chain her to this emotionless, icy role that she has had to play for over a decade, for her and Edelgard's sakes. I think we can argue that this is a metaphor for breaking the last chains that fetter Hubert to this masculine performance that she clearly hates. Which also often happens at the age that Hubert is at the end of Houses. I came out as non-binary at that age myself (26).

I am now really enamored with the idea that Hubert was more emotionally expressive and less of a looming goth creepsona before the Insurrection. This is a metaphor for the latitude and openness that prepubescent boys get to have before puberty ends that freedom. Then the cage descended at the Insurrection and Hubert had to live under this constant threat, and closed off, and put on the spooksona that has never felt comfortable since.

FREE HUBERT. Free Hubert from this cage of masculinity.