No "Demon" the Ki.44

Boogey

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I've found a letter of Mr. Osamu Tagaya published in the AIR ENTHUSIAST Volume 3 Number 5 November 1972, p. 249,
who explains problems with translation of the Japanese name of Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki. Here I insert the original text :
No "Demon" the Ki.44
It is indeed satisfying to see Japanese aircraft being given adequate coverage in a British aviation magazine
after so many years of neglect. My praise to AIR ENTHUSIAST. However, the old problem of the language barrier
between East and West would appear to persist despite diligent and commendable efforts towards its eradication.
I should like to say that the translation of Shoki as "Demon" (July 1972) is quite inaccurate.
The Shoki is a quasi-deity in Japanese folk religion whose origin is traced back to Chinese Taoist mythology.
His primary function is to expel and ward off "spirits of misfortune" (hence the fierce countenance given him
in artistic representations). He is, in fact, the "Devil-Queller", the exact oposite of a demon!
www.onmarkproductions.com/html/shoki.shtml
 
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