Whether you prefer subs or dubs, English-speaking anime and manga fans inevitably find localization differences that modify the source material's context or meaning. Many fans might be able to pick up a smattering of words, like "baka" or "senpai" as they watch or read, but audiences mostly rely on translators to preserve context and meaning. Since Japanese is structured very differently from English, there is often plenty of room for varied interpretations. Even small dialogue changes can have significant consequences for what we know about the world and its characters in a given story.
Dr. Stone is one such title affected by localization differences. The story's hero is Senku Ishigami, an unparalleled scientific genius trying to rebuild the primeval "stone world" of the distant future into a Kingdom of Science. Dr. Stone's manga and anime are famous for their catchphrases, and several of these come from Senku. One of these is "10 billion percent," which stays consistent between the two adaptations. The other catchphrase depends on whether you watch the anime or read the manga in English. Fans are likely to recall it as either, "This is exhilarating" or "Get excited."
This seemingly minute difference exemplifies how translations can alter meanings and change how audiences perceive the characters who say them. In the Crunchyroll anime dub, Senku says, "This is exhilarating." In the Shonen Jump manga translation, his catchphrase is, "Get excited." These remarks aren't so different at first glance, and both are true to the character and his experiences. However, these two different versions of one catchphrase showcase differing aspects of Senku's character.
"This is exhilarating" perfectly encapsulates Senku's relationship with science. While Senku is a passionate person, he is not an emotional one. He prides himself on being logical and rational and isn't as interested in human relationships as he is in improving the world around him. However, if there's one emotion he does convey to others, it's an inexhaustible sense of adventure. To Senku, science isn't a tedious subject reserved only for school. Instead, it's the most incredible adventure a person can undertake. He views science as the path to shaping a better world for all humanity. Senku loves the thrill of conducting experiments, regardless of whether the results are setbacks or successes. Science is Senku's expression of excitement and joy -- hence, "This is exhilarating."
"Get excited," meanwhile, conveys to manga readers a more external quality: leadership. Senku perceives science as humanity's great adventure. While he acts detached and even egotistical in his interactions with most people, he knows that he can't transform the world into the humanity-saving Kingdom of Science he envisions on his own. When he says, "Get excited," he's encouraging the people around him to feel the way he does about science. Senku wants others to share his passion because he knows how much life can improve with a little adventurousness, creativity, and effort. "This is exhilarating," meanwhile, sums up how Senku feels about science. "Get excited" shows him trying to help others feel the same way.
Dr. Stone's anime and manga localization differences of the same catchphrase tell the audience important things about Senku's personality and priorities. Still, it's interesting to see how a translation can change a character's dialogue, which revolutionizes the ways we get to know and relate to them.
