Aniplex of America has apologized for an “error” in the subtitles of the fifth episode of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, where it included references to social distancing not found in the original Japanese.

As previously reported here on Nicchiban, season 2 episode 5 of Kaguya-sama: Love is War included an inaccurate translation, instead referencing the real life social distancing orders and recommendations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

We had assumed this was purely down to Funimation. Earlier this year we reported that Kaguya-sama: Love Is War would be streamed exclusively in the west by Funimation. We assumed this made Funimation in charge of the translation, along with any editorial decisions.

However, with Aniplex of America holds the shows licence in North America. Some business deals may have meant Funimation would have subtitled the show as the exclusive streamer. Aniplex’ apology does not automatically confirm either party.

Twitter user “Seri3ma” [1, 2] provides both the original Japanese line, and what a more accurate translation should have been.

English: “What’s the deal with the social distancing?”
Original: “何でそんな遠い所にいるんだ？” (“Why are you staying away from me?”)

English: “Of course not! The social distance will be set at no less than 50 centimeters!”
Original: “もちろんです！50センチ以内の接近も禁止します！” (“Of course! I will forbid being within less than 50 cm each other.”)

Now in an official tweet, Aniplex explain that part of the translation in episode 5 was an error, and have “implemented a revision.”

“Aniplex of America has been notified of an error in the subtitles in Episode 5 of ‘Kaguya-sama: Love Is War?’ and have implemented a revision. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.”

While the implication that Aniplex of America have implemented the change themselves would seem to indicate they subtitle the show, they may have issued strict instructions for Funimation to implement.

We have yet to confirm what the revised line in episode 5 will be, but we will update this article as necessary as more details come to light.

Currently both anime and video game fan communities are abuzz with discussion over what role localizers can and should play in editorializing the content they license in the west. MangaGamer recently drew ire for their localization of visual novel The House in Fata Morgana (using “fragile male ego“ instead of “tsundere” as in the original).

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is available via Funimation.