Prince Harry’s new CHIMPO job title is funny in Japan for all the wrong reasons

Prince Harry is carving out a new life for himself over in California, complete with a beautiful mansion, a second baby on the way, and a new job (or two).

Yet, while being appointed “Chief Impact Officer” at a San Francisco-based mental health start-up is hardly side-splitting stuff to most of us, the title has caused a stir in Japan.

Not the full title, that is, but its commonly used acronym: CHIMPO.

And why is it so hilarious, you ask? Something to do with monkeys? No. Because “chimpo”, in Japanese slang, means “penis”.

That’s right, some people think the Duke of Sussex is becoming a dick.

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Scores of social media users in the Asian country have shared their delight at the job title, with their reaction helpfully translated by local news site SoraNews24.

“Imagine if he came to Japan and introduced himself as a ‘chimpo’ to officials? I’d love to see their faces!” one person reportedly wrote.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are, the word ‘chimpo’ always raises a smile,” commented another.

While a third added: “I bet this news made junior high school boys happy.”

Despite the cheeky tittering on the other side of the world, Harry has said he’s “really excited” to be taking up the role at BetterUp.

The company was founded in 2013 and provides mobile-based professional coaching, counselling and mentorship.

In a statement released last month, the duke said his aim as the firm’s CHIMPO is to “lift up critical dialogues around mental health, build supportive and compassionate communities, and foster an environment for honest and vulnerable conversations”.

He added: “Self-optimisation is not about fixing something that’s broken. It’s about becoming the best version of ourselves, with whatever life throws at us – someone who is ready for the next challenge and can meet setbacks with courage, confidence and self-awareness.”

Well, whatever his new job – and title – throws at him, we’re sure he’ll handle it with confidence, self-awareness, and a healthy dose of good humour.