15 Japanese Buzzwords 2017 (2017の流行語) image 0
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32 Japanese Buzzwords 2022 (2022の流行語)

Here are the Japanese Buzzwords 2022 which topped our list this year. The 流行語 (Ryuukougo) or buzzwords are fashionable slogans or terms which have become popular in their own right. They usually have an infamous backstory to explain their sudden claim to fame too.

流行語 (Ryuukougo) or Japanese Buzzwords

We have included the following list of the most notorious Japanese references below:

1. 〇〇ファースト (ふぁーすと or Faasuto)

The most well known and repeated phrase from both Trump’s political campaign and Presidency is ‘America First’. Even for non-Americans, it would have been difficult to dodge the hype. Alas, that nationalistic tone has found its influence over the Tokyo area too.

The Tokyo Governor Ms Yuriko Koike has also embraced the phrase for own agenda. She coined the phrase ‘Tomin Faasuto’ (Tokyo citizens come first), to build up her local support.

The phrase itself, however, is very versatile, lending itself to other variations such as ‘レイディズファースト’ (Ladies First) used to describe gentlemen or general rules of respect.

2. インスタ映え (いんすたばえ or Insutabae)

I am referring specifically to the Social Network addicts of Instagram here. These are the types of people who will go to the nth degree to ensure their precious photo is picture perfect. Of course, I exaggerate, but these people are motivated by ensuring their mobile work of art is as aesthetic as possible. Through a choice of filters, and even colour settings, like hue, contrast, saturation levels and more they can. Maybe you know a person or 3 like this …

3. うんこ漢字ドリル (うんこかんじどりる or Unko Kanji Doriru)

These are contemporary, yet highly enjoyable kanji textbooks for elementary students. Inside they introduce various kinds of Kanji (Chinese Characters) via references to ‘うんこ’ (poo) in example sentences or phrases. It is definitely more engaging for this particular demographic to try to appeal to them through toilet humour.

Furthermore, if popularity is any indicator, apparently it has been successful in its endeavour to educate children. These days the range of books is expanding into the ‘Onara’ (fart) range too. We’re just glad the books don’t carry any of the woeful odours you associate with these kinds of images.

4. 共謀罪 (きょうぼうざい or Kyoubouzai)

Literally translated into English it means ‘conspiracy’. However, in the context of 2017, it relates to a recent change in regulations granting additional powers to police in relation to terrorist plots and activity. The latest change gives police greater strength to detain (and potentially arrest) an individual or group of people. Even if they only considering a terror attack, without actually follow through action. This is sufficient to warrant an arrest.

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5. Ginza Six

This is the newly constructed and glitzy mall situated in the fashionable shopping district in Ginza, Tokyo. Decked from top to bottom in premium brand outlet stores and flashy restaurants. The mall can be found on the sixth block of the Ginza district (銀座6丁目). It is generally viewed as an exclusive place for the richer echelons of society or tourists with plenty of cash to burn.

6. Jアラート (Jあらーと or Jaraato)

The warning system established by the Japanese Government was developed to notify its citizens in the event of impending danger. Its main purpose was to alert the public of incoming North Korean missile’s. Additionally, it also serves to inform the community about other natural disasters including earthquakes, floods, typhoons, tsunamis and more. The technology is meant to provide a warning via TV and Radio broadcast and via mobile phone message alerts too.

7. 忖度 (そんたく or Sontaku)

A simple reference to people who try to guess other people’s desires or expectations. These people are usually acting with the intention of pleasing someone more senior (usually a manager or superior). 

8. 人生100年時代 (じんせい100ねんじだい or Jinsei 100 Nen Jidai)

This refers to the record number of Japanese aged 100 or above. Perhaps you have heard about Japan’s ageing population or exceptionally long life expectancy? Well, combine these two factors and the result is a whopping 67,000+ people aged either a century or more. This record even surpasses the number from the previous year which was said to in the 65,000 mark.

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9. 睡眠負債 (すいみんふさい or Suimin Fusai)

Is the common name for ‘Sleep debt’ or ‘Sleep Deficit’. That is, the lack of sleep one accumulates over time if they continue to cut short the amount of slumber they get per night. More recently, Stanford University released a book with a similar title warning of the dangers of continued sleep deficit. It explained the long-term risks and impact that it can have on the body.

10. 働き方改革 (はたらきかたかいかく or Hatarakikata Kaikaku)

Recently, the Federal Government and broader business community have been pushing for better working conditions. This includes improvements in reducing overtime, increasing wages and encouraging greater investment into innovation and development. The government have been partially successful in capping overtime so far. Yet, it is easy to argue that there is still a long road ahead in terms of change.

11. プレミアムフライデー (ぷれみあむふらいでー or Puremiamu Furaidee)

The highly ambitious campaign was designed to encourage employees to leave their workplaces at 3 pm on the last Friday of every month. Despite this, the campaign was almost over before it began. It drew in little support from the corporate sector. Moreover, it failed to reinvigorate the consumer sector nor help ease the burden on stressed and overworked staff.

12. ハンドスピナー (はんどすぴなー or Handosupinaa)

Popular toys or spinning gadgets have been quite the rage for young and old, referred to as ‘Finger Spinners’ in English. Many even took to Social Networking to debut their latest designs and iterations. These can range from simple spinners to dangerously close replicas of Shuriken (sharp ninja stars) and more. This simple invention is a fidgeters dream gadget, keeping one amused for hours at a time. Particularly, during extended periods of boredom or like long meetings or lectures.

13. フェイクニュース (ふぇいくにゅーす or Feiku Nyuusu)

Yet another term picked up from Trump’s overused word bank. This time it relates to not only respectable media outlets but basically anyone with a website or blog. In pure terms, it means creating fictional or untrue stories for the sake of attracting attention (click bait). It is probably safe to say that no one is safe out there now…

14. ユーチューバー (ゆーちゅーばー or Yuuchuu Baa)

The popular name was given to personalities who have found fame and fortune through Google’s online video platform. As a YouTube personality, of course you are responsible for your own content. They can take advantage of affiliate advertising, sponsorship, product placement and more to make money too. Currently, it is an aspiring career for the younger generation of Japan. The desirability levels could now be comparable to that of a famous Movie or TV star.

15. ワンオペ育児 (わんおぺいくじ or One Ope Ikuji)

Originating from the term describing a single person who single-handedly operates every aspect of their own business. The definition now extends to single or independent parents who raise their children on their own. This is also symbolic of the increasing trend towards single-parent families. Plus, married mothers and fathers who take on responsibility for caring for their children without any help from their partner.

16. (Sodane or Soudane)

Words selected as the buzzword is (Sodane or Soudane) definition Thats it or Thats ok. It was the Japans curling group nod of approval. Actually, it was the winning motto that got them to their bronze medal at this years Winter months Olympics. The group, originally from Hokkaido, in their natural language extend the last audio of the expression. It was considered both adorable as well as caught on as Japanese spectators enjoyed on in supporting their team to third place.

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17. e (ESupottsu)

If youre familiar with South Korea, you will certainly understand E-Sports is an extremely prominent competition. Therefore, the phrase e (ESupottsu or E-Sports) has actually arrived on the scene, describing extremely affordable computer or video game competitors. It has actually just recently ended up being a very popular competition in the Japanese room.

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18. (Hampa naitte)

This year we likewise observed Globe Mug fever, as well as Japans team were successful ahead of time to the final 16. The expression (Hampa naitte) indicates extraordinary, as well as was particularly focused on the Yuya Osako. His leading efficiency contributed in aiding his team progress thus far.

19. (Ossanzu rabu)

The surge of a prominent Japanese Television drama also gave rise to the expression (Ossanzu rabu). The expression is made use of in reference to the love triangular that exists in the office in between an older manager and also his 2 more youthful male staff member. It checks out just how workplace national politics and culture can make complex partnerships, even for same-sex partners.

20. (Gohanronp)

The term (Gohanronp) literally converted means rice flavoring. It is the only politically relevant term to make the top ten this year. Hosei University professor Mitsuko Uenishi created the term, recognizing it as a political tactic to deliberately dodge or misunderstand a concern. He utilized the word gohan as an instance to elicit a variety of different responses. This is due to the reality that the word can mean either dish or rice and is easy to misinterpret.

21. (Saigaiky no atsusa)

This years summer season heat was uncommonly severe, with lots of days getting to document high temperatures. Because of this, the expression (Saigaiky no atsusa) definition Tragic Heat, was a popular term. It began with Japans Meteorological Agency that utilized the expression to identify the danger of the extreme climate, which killed greater than 60 people.

22. (Suupaa Borantia)

The use of the term (Suupaa Borantia or Super Volunteer) remained in recognition of one senior males brave rescue of a kid. Haruo Obata, a 79-year-old guy located a little 2-year-old child that was missing for 3 days. He had actually found the young boy on among Japans western islands as well as brought him to safety.

23. (Nara Hantei)

Japans boxing world was shaken when they found out about the believed detraction involving Akira Yamane, Chairman of the Japan Amateur Boxing Federation. There were allegations of Mr Yamane giving preferential treatment to fighters originating from his home town of Nara. He was likewise presumably charged of trying to take care of suits in favour of Nara born boxers. Thus, the expression (Nara Hantei) converts straight right into Nara Reasoning or mention his prejudice to his very own hometown.

24. Booto Ikiten Jyanee Yo

This expression, while somewhat impolite, stems from one of NHKs late-night variety program characters. Chiko-chan, who is just 5 years old, uses the phrase (Booto Ikiten Jyanee Yo) as a sudden joke. Its subtlety normally means Youre not even believing or Youre not even attempting. She makes use of the expression specifically when individuals react with basic I do not know or I don’t recognize responses.

25. MeToo

Japans ultimate embrace of theMeToo hashtag movement began late after it was created in the US. It captured on when a women Journalist utilized it to make allegations of rape against a high profile male reporter. The male journalist additionally had connections to Head of state Abe, that made the news story a hot subject in the Japanese media.

26. OneTeam (Wan Chiimu)

This term was extensively supported as the leading buzzword for 2019, throughout Japans very first time holding the Rugby Globe Mug. Japans success at a global degree of rugby reaching the top 8 was a historic achievement. The host nation came together as one group in front of their local group, bringing them on an exciting and emotional roller rollercoaster. They continued to be unbeaten up until their quarter-final birth, only to be outclassed by an extra experienced competitor. South Africa then took place to win the tournament, yet Japan can still hold their heads high with such an accomplishment.

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The blossoms success exceeded the stadium too, bringing an entire nation with each other as one group to sustain them via each suit. Rugby was never ever much of a speaking factor in Japan till the globe mug. Currently, some could argue it could turn into one of the much more popular sporting activities enjoyed by the population.

27. Reiwa

The name of the new Age as well as a new emperor, it was also one of one of the most well known days by newlyweds. Pairs intending to make use of the new Emperors rising as a prosperous beginning to their new life with each other.

In a similar way, the brand-new Eras name was about brining Japan with each other in consistency to remain to succeed in the years in advance

28. Keigen Zeiritsu (Minimized Tax Rates)

The freshly increased 10% usage tax obligation was presented from 1 October 2019. Yet, what might appear like a straightforward boost, really caused complication as well as chaos for local business owner. The increase from 8%, only affected a particular variety of items, and with some exceptions, confusion followed. Therefore, a mirky and also convoluted dual consumption tax system came true.

To make issues much more complicated, cashless settlements can gain individuals a 5% money back incentive on some items. For that reason, the end-user only pays 3% or 5% consumption tax depending upon the products. Wait what?

29. KuToo

The combination of Kutsu () meaning footwear as well as using the word too similar in noise to tsu was trying to catch the #MeToo activity. It meant to increase recognition concerning the strict requirements positioned on Japanese ladies in the work environment. The motion was about kicking back certain requirements relating to high heels, and also the stress of work environments requiring this criterion on ladies. Extra generally, it additionally considered things like using get in touch with lenses, demonstrating a double-standard in outfit requirements between genders.

30. Pei

Cashless payments were in vogue in 2019, with a big variety of service providers going into the foray. PayPay as well as Line pay were some of the larger names to enter the ring with the similarity Apple Pay or Google Pay.

China which has actually come to be a leader in cashless repayments through providers like Alipay has actually expanded past its boundaries to Japan also. Particularly, as the country experiences an increase of vacationers from the nation.

31. Certificate Handover (Menkyo Hanno)

The increase of senior vehicle drivers associated with car mishaps, especially covered by the media is elevating understanding regarding imperfections in the present driving permit program. The Japanese Government has thwarted to presenting a system to check vehicle drivers at the age of 75, but until now no system has been elected into parliament.

As people beyond 80, particularly in even more backwoods depend on their car to navigate, they are reluctant to turn in their license as their only mode of transportation.

32. Shady Company Practices (Yami Eigyo)

The concept of suspicious company techniques is not a new revelation in the corporate market, however this year it plagued the Entertainment industry. The rumor which Yoshimoto Kogyo, probably one of the most significant as well as most widely known funny giants, was at the base. In addition, some big-name comics were associated, being caught captivating some shady characters for added fees. These individuals were ultimately release, but the expression had actually currently been developed and the market tarnished in pity.

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