Almost forgot to post this year's:

Japanese words/translations + descriptions and links from the always great Pink Tentacle: http://pinktentacle.com/2009/11/top-60-j...s-of-2009/

"Publisher Jiyu Kokuminsha has released its annual list of the 60 most popular Japanese expressions of the year. The words and phrases (listed below in no particular order) reflect some of the major trends, events, and people that captured the attention of the Japanese mass media in 2009. Included are plenty of references to Japan’s recent political shake-up, the ailing economy, and the blurring of traditional gender roles. From this list, a panel of judges will select the 10 trendiest Japanese expressions of 2009 and announce the results in early December."

Bonus: Kanji of the Year: http://cityunderredsun.com/2009/12/11/20...-the-year/

Yep, just knew 新型インフルエンザ would make it. I kinda expected it to be higher though. Wasn't that pretty much Japan's biggest fixation of the year? But 政権交代 does deserve number one -- that was a pretty big event for Japan.

Thanks for sharing

edit: this is a great read for watchers of Japanese news -- although it's hard for me to follow the news completely, I learned I took in a lot more than I realized.

I can't believe the Japanese media doesn't go for the political throat with this like American or British news would.

3. “…to Venus in a UFO” [UFO de kinsei ni - ＵＦＯで金星に]: Colorful first lady Miyuki Hatoyama drew worldwide attention with her claim to have traveled to Venus aboard a UFO. Her account first appeared in a book entitled “Most Bizarre Things I’ve Encountered,” which features interviews with prominent people about unusual experiences. “While my body was sleeping, I think my spirit flew on a triangular-shaped UFO to Venus,” she said. “It was an extremely beautiful place and was very green.”

Problem is, if you use these lists to learn the words, you'll always be a year out of fashion. -_- And if you read 日本語 pop culture news a lot, you'll probably know them already. Still, better late than never, and much fun to learn even if you don't pay attention to the news, and useful to keep tabs on the evolving language/cultural trends.