10 Japanese Buzzwords for 2013

Every year publisher Jiyu Kokuminsha publishes a list of buzzwords that capture the things that were popular. Everything from popular catchphrases on television to political terminology and even niche terms used on the internet.

Over on Gakuran.com, I translate and explain these words as they are published annually. This year, I also had the good fortune to discuss a top 10 list with Gaijinpot host Anthony Joh.

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As well as being an insightful look into contemporary Japanese culture, there is also a lot of great language tied up in some of these expressions useful to the learner of Japanese. So for this entry, just sit back, relax and listen to me explain 10 of the hit words to come out of Japan this year. The podcast is entirely in English, so even though some of the words may be tricky to use, learners of all abilities can enjoy it. Interview begins at 4:10.



Here are the terms you’ll hear in the podcast:

  • 弾丸登山 – Bullet Climb
  • バカッター – Twit-ter
  • じぇじぇじぇ – Jejeje
  • ブラック企業 – Black Corporation
  • 追い出し部屋 – Purging Room
  • ご当地キャラ – Local Characters
  • アベノミクス – Abenomics
  • ダイオウイカ – Giant Squid
  • おもてなし – Omotenashi
  • ダークツーリズム – Dark Tourism
  • If you have any questions, leave them in the comments!


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