Why does Bermuda always address characters as -kun?

Question

In the manga of Katekyo Hitman Reborn! (also commonly just "Reborn!" for obvious reasons) after the future and Shimon Arc ends, the Arcabaleno Arc begins and reveals that:

Bermuda, the arcobaleno of the eighth element of night, bargains with Reborn in Chapter 384-ish to take his life for future generations and use his life to kill Checker Face.

While reading it, I noticed Bermuda calls all characters "-kun"! Since it's obviously a term more for guys, and yet it was used on Chrome and weaker players like Lal Mirch etc., I thought it was a little strange. I don't think it's a translation error either - since 「―くん」is pretty obviously "-kun".

Is there any explanation for this? Is it something to do with his personality?

please edit your question, the spoiler tag should be used a single >! on a new line before the spoiler, see http://anime.stackexchange.com/editing-help — grasshopper, Dec 12 '12 at 13:24
Gah! Thank you! I saw so confused. I've been spamming forums way too much! ^3^ — Grace, Dec 12 '12 at 13:27

score 7 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 12 '12 at 14:49

7

In this case I believe Bermuda is looking down on all the characters as if they were his subordinates or just addressing in an endearing sense (he is way older than them).

In company or school situations in Japan "-kun" is by superiors when addressing subordinates of both genders. Alternatively "-kun" might also be used as a term of endearment towards the (younger) male characters (similar to "-chan" with females).

answered Dec 12 '12 at 14:49

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Awesome, thank you. I wasn't aware the -kun was used in such a way :) – Grace Dec 13 '12 at 10:25

score 5 · Answer 2 · edited Dec 13 '17 at 07:20

This is usually misunderstood by a beginner in Japanese language. It is generally taught that -kun is used with men while -chan with girls. But, in real usage, this is not always the case.

In fact, Japanese suffix are not used according to genders but personal relationships. -kun is used with a junior person to show endearment. For -chan, it is to show intimacy but there are nuances that I cannot explain in words as well.

Why does Bermuda always address characters as -kun?

2 Answers2