Skip to content
Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Japan Naattu

From Inspector Manaivi · 1976

Lyricist
Kannadasan
Singer
P. Susheela
Music director
Shankar Ganesh
Details
Inspector Manaivi1976

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Japan naattu kappaleri oruththi vanthaalaamIt is said a woman arrived aboard a Japanese ship
Thangam pondra angangalai maraikka vanthaalaamShe came to cover her gold-like golden limbs
Hae japan nattu kappaleri oruththi vanthaalaamHey, it is said a woman arrived aboard a Japanese ship
Thangam pondra angangalai maraikka vanthaalaamShe came to cover her gold-like golden limbs
Female
Vannangal jaadaiyile vairangal aadaiyilaeColors in her gestures, diamonds in her dress
Female
Japan naattu kappaleri oruththi vanthaalaamIt is said a woman arrived aboard a Japanese ship
Thangam pondra angangalai maraikka vanthaalaamShe came to cover her gold-like golden limbs
Female
Europe pengal ellaam vellai kanigalEuropean women are all white fruits
Asia-vin mangayarthaan pillai kiligalAsian women are young parrot-like maidens
Europe pengal ellaam vellai kanigalEuropean women are all white fruits
Asia-vin mangayarthaan pillai kiligalAsian women are young parrot-like maidens
Female
Hong kong lady thaan cut shot body-thaanShe is a Hong Kong lady with a sculpted body
Inainjaa jodythaan inbam kodithaanIf matched together, it is a grand pair with infinite bliss
Female
Japan naattu kappaleri oruththi vanthaalaamIt is said a woman arrived aboard a Japanese ship
Thangam pondra angangalai maraikka vanthaalaamShe came to cover her gold-like golden limbs
Female
Aadaamal aadugiraen angae nillungalI dance without dancing, stand right there
Podaamal podugiraen alli kollungalI give without offering, gather it for yourself
Aadaamal aadugiraen angae nillungalI dance without dancing, stand right there
Podaamal podugiraen alli kollungalI give without offering, gather it for yourself
Female
Man is temple sirMan is a temple, sir
Mind is mongey sirMind is a monkey, sir
Girl is bold sirThe girl is bold, sir
Smile is mind sirA smile is the mind, sir
Smile is mind sirA smile is the mind, sir
Female
Japan naattu kappaleri oruththi vanthaalaamIt is said a woman arrived aboard a Japanese ship
Thangam pondra angangalai maraikka vanthaalaamShe came to cover her gold-like golden limbs

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This upbeat cabaret-style track from 'Inspector Manaivi' (1976) portrays a stylish and alluring woman making a grand entry. Through playful imagery, the singer compares women across different global regions—describing European women as fair fruits and Asian women as sweet, parrot-like beauties—while flirting with the listener using clever wordplay and Tanglish phrases. Composed by Shankar-Ganesh and penned by Kannadasan, the song captures the trendy, Westernized club music style popular in 1970s Tamil cinema, brought to life by P. Susheela's dynamic vocals.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Upamai (Simile)

Thangam pondra angangalai maraikka vanthaalaam

Comparing golden limbs using the explicit comparative word 'pondra' (like).

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Europe pengal ellaam vellai kanigal / Asia-vin mangayarthaan pillai kiligal

Directly equating European women to white fruits and Asian women to young parrots without comparative words.

Edhugai (Second Letter Rhyme)

Aadaamal aadugiraen / Podaamal podugiraen

Rhyming the second consonant sound 'da' across lines for rhythmic fluidity.

Code-Switching (Tanglish)

Man is temple sir / Mind is mongey sir

Playfully blending simple English phrases with Tamil rhythm to reflect modern club culture.

Did you know?

Trivia

This song stands as an example of lyricist Kannadasan's versatility in writing trendy, youth-centric Tanglish cabaret numbers alongside his deeply philosophical devotional and tragic songs.

Keep listening

More from Inspector Manaivi