PRINCE Harry’s new job title has left people in Japan in stitches as the acronym is slang for ‘penis’.
The Duke of Sussex bagged the role of chief impact officer – often shortened to ‘chimpo’ in the US – at a Silicon Valley startup last month.
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Harry, 36, said he wanted to “create impact” after being named as part of the leadership team with BetterUp Inc – a coaching and mental health firm in the US valued at £1.25bn.
Brits thought his new role sounded a little odd, but brushed it off as just a funny word.
But many in Japan had a right laugh due to its phallic meaning in the country.
Social media users highlighted that ‘chimpo’ in Japanese is the socially appropriate way to refer to the penis.
One person said: “I read the #PrinceHarry is now a ‘chimpo’ (chief impact officer).
“My Japanese friends are having a good giggle about this since chimpo describes a certain part if the male anatomy in Japanese. Oops.
“Perhaps he might want to ditch that title.”
Another said: “In Japanese, the sound of the word ‘Sussex’ sounds like “having sexual activity”.
“Now, it is a great pleasure that the Duke of Sussex HRH has been appointed as Chimpo (a vulgar expression in Japanese that means penis).”
Harry’s new position was announced one year after he quit the Royal Family.
Harry told the Wall Street Journal in an email: “I intend to help create impact in people’s lives.
“Proactive coaching provides endless possibilities for personal development, increased awareness, and an all-round better life.”
BetterUp CEO Alexi Robichaux said while the prince would not manage employees, he was expected to be a part of all-hands meetings and special company events.
He said: “It’s a meaningful and meaty role.”
Mr Robichaux revealed he had started speaking with the royal last year after being introduced through a mutual friend.
It is unclear what the royal’s salary will be, or if he will be compensated at all, however he is listed on the company’s website as the chief impact officer.
In an online bio accompanied by a black and white photo of Prince Harry, the royal is described as a “humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist”.
It adds: “As co-founder of Archewell, he is focused on driving systemic change across all communities through non-profit work as well as creative activations.”
BetterUp is a career and life coaching platform that provides life coaches to help their clients.
Last month, it was valued at $1.73bn – or £1.25bn.
