If you’ve read my posts, you know that whenever I mention one of the Japanese heavyweights (examples: Miyamoto, Kondo, Uematsu, Iwata, Mitsuda, etc.) I tack on the honorific -sama. Ever wonder what that word means?
For the uninitiated, Japanese uses words called honorifics. To quote Wikipedia:
An honorific is a word or expression that conveys esteem or respect when used in addressing or referring to a person. “Honorific” may refer broadly to the style of language or particular words or grammatical markings used in this way, including words used to express honor to one perceived as a social superior. Sometimes the term is used not quite correctly to refer to a title of honor (honorary title).
-Sama, then, is the honorific used to show great respect to someone. By reffering to Japanese gaming heavyweights like this, it means that I have a great respect for the person in question.
So now you know why you see things like “Miyamoto-sama” in my writings.
Happy gaming,
SparklingBlue
