Japanese Voices 日本語のままクールジャパン is a regular series designed for learners of Japanese to enjoy real Japanese language programming from Nippon Broadcasting System, one of the biggest commercial radio stations in Japan.

In our first round, we bring you @17 no Gokitaku Shimasenka? あっとせぶんてぃーんのご帰宅しませんか? (@17's Won't You Come Home?), a weekly short radio show featuring the idol unit @17 composed of active maids at the popular @home cafe in Akihabara. Their cafe on the airwaves is open for business, ready to serve masters and mistresses everywhere!

Menu #25: Inside scoop on their new single

ring, ring!

Welcome home, masters and mistresses!

We're Kuroko and Kagetora, at your service!

© Infinia Co., Ltd.

On this week's menu, Kuroko and Kagetora talk about @17's fifth single, Natsu no Kanaria 夏のカナリア (A canary in summer) and reveal some fun behind-the-scenes details.

Here's the music video for your enjoyment:

They also talk about the coupling songs Heartbeat wo tomenaide ハートビートを止めないで (Don't stop my heartbeat), Natsumonogatari 夏物語 (Summer story) and Sayonara wa hajimari no asa ni さよならは、はじまりの朝に (Say goodbye on the morning it begins).

Do you notice anything different? Take a look at their new cute maid outfits!

© Infinia Co., Ltd.


Menu #25

Post-show talk

If you'd like to read the original Japanese at the show's home page on the Nippon Broadcasting System website:

Menu #25 (9/21): Inside scoop on their new single


Today's Hosts

NAME: Kuroko

Birthday: September 13th
Origin: University Town
Blood Type: B

Social Media

Twitter: @kuroko_0913
Instagram: kuroko_maid_17

NAME: Kagetora

Birthday: July 21st
Origin: Riceland
Blood Type: z

Social Media

Twitter: @maid_kagetora


Special Glossary

  • Goshujinsama ご主人様 = master = male listener
  • Ojosama お嬢様 = mistress = female listener
  • Hoso-jo no oyashiki ni go-kitaku 放送上のお屋敷にご帰宅 = returning home to the manor on the airwaves = listening to the show
  • Hoso-jo no okyuji 放送上のお給仕 = service on the airwaves = broadcasting the show to the listeners
  • Aikome あいこめ = abbreviation of aijo wo komeru koto 愛情を込めること = sending love
  • Moe-henkan 萌え変換 = changing normal language into moe words

More Information

@17

© Infinia Co., Ltd.

@17 is an idol unit composed of active maids at the @home cafe in Akihabara (who are forever seventeen). It's also a coming-of-age story in which maids leave the fantasy world of @home cafe and bravely set out to follow their dreams.
In hopes of becoming cute and dreamy pop icons who can make everyone smile, the maids of @17 hope to pursue activities in music, fashion, art, anime and more. Using the magic they learned at home, they hope to deliver the best possible service to "masters" and "mistresses" all over the world. The maids' new adventures begin now!

Website: @17.

Nippon Broadcasting System, Inc.

Nippon Broadcasting System Inc. is the one of biggest commercial radio stations in Japan and is well-known for its call sign, JOLF. In addition, it plays a central role in the radio network called NRN (National Radio Network) across the nation. Since its establishment in 1954, the company has produced a massive array of Japanese-language programs including entertainment, sports, culture and news, headlined by “All Night Nippon”, one of the most popular and longest-running radio talk shows in Japan which has been broadcast for the past 50 years.

Website: Nippon Broadcasting System.


By - Ben K.