Eren Yeager is a revolutionary character. Do you know why? There are multiple reasons but one of them is just one word: “Tatakae”.
This word is probably one of the most hyped ones in recent history. It has been with Eren right from the start of season 1 to the end of season 4 of Attack on Titan.
In this blog, I will discuss why this Japanese word is so dominant and how it acts as a motivation for others.
Let’s get started.
What is Tatakae?
For starters, Tatakae is a Japanese word which means “fight” in English.
If you have been following Eren’s character in Attack on Titan, you would know how this 7-letter word is a big part of his life.
Eren has been using this word to motivate himself in difficult situations. When his character is required to act or where a lot of motivation is required to push through, this word shows him the path to getting moving and conquering his objectives.
The protagonist just says “Tatakae” and everyone knows what is about to happen.
How to pronounce Tatakae?
Tatakae is pronounced as “tata” but not with a “t” sound.
And “kae” as “ka” + “aey”.
As simple as that.
When did Eren say Tatakae?
Eren’s majestic voice actor, Yuki Kaji, has said this word many times in the entire story.
Below are some of the times that Eren said tatakae: –
- In Season 1, when he was going to put a boulder to block a hole in the wall in the Trost District.
- During his childhood, when he saved Mikasa from her kidnappers.
- In Season 4, in front of a mirror in the jail in Paradis.
This “tatakae” of Eren just shows his resolve and determination to fight for the freedom of his people and their island of Paradis.
How does Tatakae move people?
As I mentioned, “Tatakae” is not just a Japanese word, it is something more.
Just as in Attack on Titan, Eren uses this word to get himself moving in tough situations, fans in the real world too, take this word as a motivation to complete the tasks that they are required to do.
Some people even say this word out loud or in their minds when they are depressed.
The other reason why this word sounds so authoritative and motivating is, of course, the voice of the legendary voice actor, Yuki Kaji.
Through Eren, Yuki delivered a phenomenal message which has been hyping up people for more than 8 years now.
A while back on my Instagram profile, @deepfictionanime, I posted a post related to this powerful word titled, “How Eren’s tatakae moves people?”.
That post reached more than 32k people and received a great reception (2000+ likes) from my community as well as many others outside of my follower count.
On that post, people commented why they too, say “tatakae”.
The reasons were to get them motivated or energized, and even to poop!
This shows how this word is making a big impact on people’s lives and motivating them to do things.
Tatakae and Kamado Tanjiro
Do you know Tanjiro of Demon Slayer is also related to this word?
What did Tanjiro say?
Well, in the Demon Slayer Mugen Train movie, when Akaza (arguably the best villain in Demon Slayer) was running away from the battle scene due to the Sun, Tanjiro called him out and simply said, “don’t run away, coward!”
He also meant to say that fight, don’t just flee.
Tanjiro has been using this word a lot in the Demon Slayer story and I bet, Eren would be proud.
Conclusion
Through Eren and Yuki Kaji, Isayama has created one of the most hyped dialogues in recent times.
With the sheer emotion of Yuki’s voice and the ultimate resolve of Eren’s character, this “tatakae” word is sure to increase anyone’s heartbeat.
Keep saying this word and keep moving forward.
