Old Town Versifier: Tips on Learning Japanese

by Anthony Foliot

OH-MI-AGI

means I got a baggie

full of itty-bitty gifts

for all my friends

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OH-SO- RASHI

is a word that’s just as flashy

and if you think it’s scary

that depends

‘cause if you hear me say

HAJI-MAY-MASH-TEY

and you’re lookin’ kinda worried

and you don’t know what to do…

just click your heels together and give a little bow

and say “ you’re very pleased to meet me too”

ORI-GAMI

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is a paper game with Granny and

MOSHI-MOSHI

on the telephone

UCHI-NE HIDORI-DE-IMAS

is what you have to say

if you want to get a

girl alone

‘cause if you hear me say

FUTARI-BUN-NO-SEKI

and you’re lookin ’kinda worried

and you don’t know what to do…

just click your heels together and give a little bow

and show me to a table set for two

KARAEOKE

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when you’re drunk and singin’ hokey

and HOKA-HOKA-BENTO

time for lunch

ITA-DAKI-MAS

before the plate you pass

of beans and greens and riceballs

I’ve a hunch

‘cause if you hear me say

OH-MA-TASE

and you’re pissed off cause

you waited here till two

just grab your bag and coat and give a little huff

then walk away and leave me feelin’ blue.

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