The Cutest Way of Counting (Patreon)

I can't remember when I first heard this, but I've always loved it and just randomly sing it out for now reason. 

In English when we count by twos, it's two, four, six, eight, ten.

In Japan its, "chu- chu- tako kai na-." Sort of a nonsense phrase, but keep in mind "tako" does seem to refer to "octopus." And the onomatopoeia "chů" is an adorable way to say kiss. Chů chů = kiss kiss! It's like pursing your lips.

Below is takochů. Octopuses have that little kissy-looking mouth. So the word chů is often associated with them. 

Real quick about the phrase, chu chu tako kai na.

Here's a short clip of what it sounds like. 

There are different theories as to why this little sing-song came about when a person wanted to count to ten by twos.

1) One is that it comes from the Heian Era from the word chůni (重二) which was used in a sugoroku (board) game when counting something two at a time. Chůni means "two layered" or "two on top of two." Overtime, the word turned into just chů evidently. 

I don't quite get the logic or math to this, but chūni (two layered) equals four. So, chů chů meant 4+4. That equals 8. Makes sense so far. Then tako, an octopus (has eight legs). "Kaina" was the archaic word meaning upper arm. Somehow "tako kaina" meant octopus legs. But wait, 4+4 = 8. Then add 8 = 16. Not ten. 

2) The second theory says it's an Edo Era phrase. It's from a nursery rhyme that went something like: "Chůni chůni tako wo kuwaete jů." Here the chůni I guess means just 2. 

It means something like "two, two, add an octopus and you have ten! 

Wait! No! That's 12. Argh! This is doing my head in.

The good news is, I don't think any Japanese person knows the origin story of Chů chů tako kai na. They just use it when they need to. And it's cute. 

And if you're in the mood for a more upbeat boogie woogie version, I found this song. 

Hey! I just learned that Kyoto and Osaka have their own versions:

In Kyoto they say: Chū chū tā kaino tō. (At least they end on "tō" = ten!!)

While in Osaka they say: Chů chů tama kaina jů. (Also ending with "jū", another way to say ten!)

My head hurts and I need to do some deep breathing.  

XOXO,

t