New Mario Catchphrase Claim Debunked

by Tom Misch
in Action, News, Release
on 25 June 2024

A recent claim that the beloved Nintendo character Mario says “Itsumi Mario” instead of his famous catchphrase “It’s-a-me, Mario” has been proven false. The claim, which originated on social media, suggested that “Itsumi” translates to “super” in Japanese, implying that Mario is actually saying “Super Mario” in the iconic platform game series.

However, a closer look at Nintendo’s official website and various other sources reveals that the catchphrase is indeed “It’s-a-me, Mario.” Snopes, a fact-checking website, found multiple examples of the catchphrase being referred to as such in various countries, including on Nintendo’s French-Canadian store. Moreover, a Mario figurine called “It’s-A Me, Mario! Figure” was found on the Japanese video game company’s online store, clearly stating the catchphrase.

Furthermore, the voice actor for Mario, Charles Martinet, also references the catchphrase in his Instagram bio and uses the username “charlesmartinetitsame.” Martinet appeared in a Guinness World Records YouTube video titled “Charles Martinet: It’s-A Me, Mario!” where he proudly embraces the iconic line.

By using Google’s translation tool, it is evident that “super” translates to “Subarashī” and “superb” translates to “Subarashīdesu” in Japanese, not “Itsumi.” Additionally, “Itsumi” in Japanese is a surname and a female name, which do not align with the meaning of “super” in the context of Mario’s catchphrase.

In light of these findings, it is clear that the claim of Mario saying “Itsumi Mario” instead of “It’s-a-me, Mario” is false. Nintendo’s consistent usage of the latter catchphrase, as well as the confirmation from the Mario voice actor himself, solidify the fact that “It’s-a-me, Mario” remains the beloved catchphrase of this iconic character.

Additional relevant facts:
– Mario, created by Nintendo, first appeared in the video game Donkey Kong in 1981.
– The catchphrase “It’s-a-me, Mario” was popularized in the game Super Mario 64, released in 1996.
– Mario has since become one of the most recognizable and iconic characters in the gaming industry, appearing in numerous games and spin-offs.
– The voice actor, Charles Martinet, has been voicing Mario since 1990 and is known for his energetic and enthusiastic portrayal of the character.
– The Mario series has sold over 600 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.

Important questions:
1. What was the original claim about Mario’s catchphrase?
The original claim suggested that Mario says “Itsumi Mario” instead of “It’s-a-me, Mario” and that “Itsumi” means “super” in Japanese.

2. How was the claim debunked?
The claim was debunked by examining Nintendo’s official website, various sources, and the confirmation of the catchphrase by the voice actor, Charles Martinet. Multiple examples and merchandise clearly show that the catchphrase is “It’s-a-me, Mario,” while “Itsumi” does not carry the intended meaning.

Key challenges or controversies:
One key challenge associated with this topic is the spread of misinformation on social media. False information can quickly gain traction and mislead people, requiring fact-checking websites and credible sources to debunk such claims.

Advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of debunking false claims include ensuring the accuracy of information, preventing the spread of misinformation, and maintaining the integrity of well-established catchphrases or brands. Disadvantages may include the time and effort required for fact-checking and addressing multiple instances of false claims.