What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]

First there was kabe-don, then there was agokui. Now, there's katazun! Along with the former terms, you may not have even known that there was such a term for something like katazun, but you've probably seen them in action in one anime or another. Even if you haven't seen it, you've most likely experienced it one time or another.

Definition
What is katazun exactly? It's the term used to describe a scene in which someone's head hits someone. Well, that's the basics of it. Technically, it's the sound effect used to describe when someone's head lightly hits someone, though it's usually on the shoulder and is in no way a headbutt! It's generally an accident, though sometimes it can be intentional due to certain circumstances depending on the characters.


Definition

What is katazun exactly? It's the term used to describe a scene in which someone's head hits someone. Well, that's the basics of it. Technically, it's the sound effect used to describe when someone's head lightly hits someone, though it's usually on the shoulder and is in no way a headbutt! It's generally an accident, though sometimes it can be intentional due to certain circumstances depending on the characters.

When Does It Happen?

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]

Usually the circumstances are something along the lines of when one character is extremely tired after a long day, they may nod off on the train and their head will lightly hit and fall onto their neighbor's shoulder. While Izumi from Lucky Star says it can happen any time, most anime tend to just show katazun between close characters.

There's another time when katazun happens, but this situation is seen more in shoujo anime and manga than other types of series. It occurs when the male protagonist resigns or is exhausted so, while facing the heroine, he slumps over and his head lands on her shoulder. Usually this type of situation occurs when the male lead has been desperately trying to save the heroine or something dire happens that puts stress on the male lead.

Why Katazun?

Ignoring the real life situation that Izumi highlights in which you can katazun a stranger on the train, katazun is something that shows just how intimate two characters can be. Despite how much characters can bicker, when you see two characters katazun after a long day, you know that they are close.

That doesn't mean it has to be just between couples. Siblings and friends can katazun as well. It shows you just how comfortable they are with each other to let themselves be vulnerable.

Lovely Complex

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]
  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: April 2007 - September 2007

Risa is taller than most girls while Otani is shorter than most boys. Together, they crack up the class as a comedy duo. Although that's how everyone sees them, Risa soon realizes she has feelings for Otani. How will that affect their comedy duo now?

The romance in Lovely Complex can be quite frustrating a lot of the time, but it's in those brief moments and small gestures that make the romance as exciting as it is. Risa and Otani are an unusual couple that seem to have a love-hate relationship, but when Risa's exhausted and ends up doing a katazun with Otani, you know that they are close and Otani isn't as repelled by her as he seems to act! Such a small gesture, but the katazun shows you that these two do like each other.

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]

Lovely Complex Opening 1

Fruits Basket

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]
  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: July 2001 - December 2001

Honda Tooru is an orphaned girl who, under special circumstances, is asked to live in the home of her classmate Souma Yuki along with his cousin Kyo and Shigure. However, Tooru soon learns that they have a special secret: when certain members of their family are embraced by the opposite gender, they change into animals of the Chinese Zodiac! Now, Tooru must keep their secret, but there is so much more to this curse than she knows.

Kyo had lived his life full of hate and loneliness. People were unwilling to accept him due to his true form, but Tooru was willing to accept all of that. In the last episode, you see them cuddling katazun style showing just how close they had gotten to each other and how Tooru was able to break through his defenses and accept him for who he was. Even if you manage to miss the emotional scene, you can still feel the magnitude of how Tooru saved Kyo in that one moment.

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]

Fruits Basket - Collector's Edition - Available Now On DVD - Anime Trialer



Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!)

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]
  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: April 2015 - September 2015

Gouda Takeo is extremely popular thanks to his build and size. Well, he's popular with the guys and various athletic clubs, but when it comes down to girls, they all flock to his best friend and neighbor Sunakawa Makoto due to his bishounen appearance and kind nature. Although Takeo is pure at heart and caring, his love life just doesn’t take off. Then, one day he saves Yamato Rinko from a pervert on the train. He falls in love at first sight, but it looks like she likes Makoto so he takes it in his hands to set them up despite his own feelings.

As far as shoujo tropes go, Ore Monogatari!! has a good amount of them, but just like with the rest of the anime, you can expect them to be hilarious as Takeo takes on the role of an unusual shoujo heroine. Thanks to Takeo's large size, he manages to make katazun more of a funny situation than a show of intimacy. Yes, it shows just how close he is to Makoto, but overall Takeo does a good job at turning a typical shoujo situation around to make it different and funny.

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]

Ore Monogatari!! Official Trailer

Conclusion

Although katazun isn't widely known as a term, you've probably seen it in action plenty of times. There aren't too many sources outside of pictures defining it, so hopefully you now know that it is the sound effect used to describe someone's head lightly hitting or falling on someone. It's a sign of intimacy and friendship, so it's not something to be missed!

Fullmetal-alchemist-wallpaper-667x500 What is Katazun? [Definition, Meaning]

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Author: Jenangelx3

California based workaholic. Current mottos are “I don’t care” and “I’ll try almost anything once”. Interests include traveling, eating, video games, and weightlifting. Currently living life to the fullest, pursuing my happiness, and conquering my fears. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

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