What Does “Gator” Mean in Dandadan?

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Summary

  • Mixed-gender onsen dates back to the 9th century – a long-standing tradition in Japan.
  • Western culture has historically dismissed mixed gender onsens.
  • “Gators” are perverts who stalk hot springs, derived from the term “wani.”

As an observer with a keen interest in cultural nuances and a long-standing appreciation for Japanese folklore, I find it both fascinating and troubling to delve into the world of mixed-gender hot springs, or “onsen,” as they are known in Japan. The tradition dates back to the ninth century, reflecting a deep respect for community and harmony that is uniquely Japanese. However, it’s disheartening to see how this once revered practice has been tarnished by modern-day perverts who, ironically, have earned the moniker “gators.”

The term “gator,” derived from the Japanese word “wani,” which refers to a mythical sea monster capable of transforming into human form, is a chilling reminder of the darkness that lurks within society. It’s a stark contrast to the serene and communal nature of the onsen, where nudity was once viewed as neutral and respectful.

The decline of mixed-gender bathing in Japan, primarily due to Western influence and its puritanical views, is a testament to how cultural practices can be reshaped by external forces. It’s a cautionary tale about the power of perception and the importance of preserving traditions that foster harmony and respect.

On a lighter note, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony of using an American alligator as a symbol for a Japanese sea monster. If only those gators were as harmless as their namesake! But alas, the real danger lies in human nature, not in creatures of myth and legend.

TRIGGER WARNING: The following article addresses sexual assault/harassment.

In one of the more unsettling scenes from ‘Dandadan‘, we find ourselves in season 1, episode 12, titled “Let’s Go to the Cursed House.” Here, Momo is targeted by multiple older men at a mixed-gender hot spring. Before these men pursue Momo, they inquire about ‘gators’, a colloquial term used in Japanese culture to refer to predatory males frequenting hot springs. Curious fans of ‘Dandadan’ who are not well-versed in Japanese culture might question the origin of this term.

In Japanese folklore, a “gator” is known as “Wani,” a reptile that bears a resemblance to a lizard. Interestingly, in modern Japan, individuals who frequent mixed-gender hot springs with the intention of observing others in their natural state are often referred to as “Wani otoko” or “crocodile men.” Delve deeper into this topic to uncover more about gators, the tradition of mixed-gender bathing in Japan, and its decline over time.

Mixed Gender Hot Springs Are Rare in Modern Japan

Over time, shared bathing experiences between men and women, which were once prevalent in Japan, have become less common since the 1800s. This shift can be attributed to disapproval from Western societies that saw nudity as a social faux pas during that era. However, certain traditional mixed-gender onsen have managed to endure through history.

Mixed Gender Onsen Have Existed Since the Ninth Century

In Japan, a custom called “Konyoku” – mixed-gender bathing – has been around since the ninth century. During the Edo era (1603-1868), this practice was an integral part of Japanese society. These public bathhouses were communal spaces where individuals of all ages and genders would gather to unwind.

In Japan, communal bathing symbolizes the importance of community ties in their culture. Unlike Western societies such as the U.S., that emphasize individualism, Japanese customs consider individuals as integral components of a larger collective. This idea is deeply rooted in Japanese society and is represented by the term “wa,” which signifies unity and harmony within a group.

Due to konyoku being a shared, communal activity, its guidelines prioritize respect and courtesy. Gawking at others’ bodies is not acceptable, everyone must clean themselves before entering the spring, and patrons are prohibited from fully submerging their heads underwater. These rules ensure that bathers can coexist in a nude environment without objectifying each other. Essentially, the Japanese approach to nudity was impartial and respectful.

Western Culture Dismissed Mixed Gender Onsen

During the Meiji Restoration (1868), the practice known as konyoku saw a substantial decline due to the disapproval from Western cultures such as the US and Britain. These cultures, being more conservative regarding nudity, often associated it with sexual activities. Consequently, the notion of co-bathing, particularly between individuals of opposite genders, was met with disfavor.

In the 20th century, numerous public bathhouses started separating bathers by gender to cater to Western preferences. By the 1950s, onsen (traditional Japanese hot spring baths) that allowed mixed-gender bathing were found mainly in remote regions of Japan. Yet, some modern onsen establishments schedule specific hours for women-only bathing as a means to ensure safety and provide comfort to their patrons.

“Gators” Are Perverts That Stalk Hot Springs

Although communal bathing can be seen as a traditional and respectful practice, regrettably, there are individuals who disregard these customs. For example, those who exploited Momo at the mixed-gender hot spring are often referred to informally as “gators.

The Term Is a Translation of “Wani”

It’s appropriate for a Western audience to refer to someone who lies in wait to ambush others as a “gator,” but it’s important to note that crocodiles and alligators are not native to present-day Japan. Instead, “wani” is a creature from Japanese folklore, similar to the concept of a gator in Western mythology.

Giant sea creatures known as Wani share characteristics with dragons, sporting fins and serpentine bodies. They possess the unique ability to breathe both air and water, and they exhibit an omnivorous diet. What may shock some is that these creatures can transform into human-like forms, leading to the concept of a human Wani, or “Wani Otoko.” Given this information, it’s not entirely unexpected when considering the idea of a Wani in human form.

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2025-01-03 00:35