The One With The Buzzwords (流行語)

Buzz·word (bŭz’wûrd’)　n.
A stylish or trendy word or phrase.

Every year, publisher Jiyu Kokuminsha (自由国民社) announces the Japanese buzzword of the year. This year’s crop of nominees comprised of a wide-ranging selection of 60 words and expressions — many of which come from the worlds of politics, sports and entertainment — were selected based on suggestions from the general public, and they provide an interesting look at some of the events, people and trends that had an impact on Japan in 2007. A panel of judges will choose the year’s grand prize winner and top 10 buzzwords from these 60 nominees. The final results will be announced on December 3.

Apart from the famous “そんなの関係ねぇ” and “オッパッピー” from the now-omnipresent Kojima Yoshio (小島 よしお), I have only heard a handful of them. This includes KY – 空気が読めない, 別に and Dice-K.

The man, Kojima Yoshio.

Read more here (English) and from the official website (Japanese).

And I guess that it’s about time I post some random pictures.

My Japanese colleague Kikuchi-san (right) and myself, at an Ootoya (大戸屋) near my office during lunchtime.

It’s the persimmons season. They are going really cheap at the supermarkets around my place now. And the various persimmon trees around my place have started to bear fruit.

Baskin Robbins is affectionately called 31 or サーティワン (Saatiwan). Man, gotta watch the calories…

Sushi. Plates and plates of them.

Meanwhile, check out how cute baby hippos can be.

~ by tutousan on November 27, 2007.