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Tuesday, 1st December 2015
In Japan Entertainment News,
Japan?s annual buzzwords announced
Language evolves in all cultures and the new additions to the dictionary each year tell an interesting story about everyday life.
With this in mind, it is interesting to see which words have been popular in 2015 in Japan, as the annual list is released.
At the very top are bakugai and toripuru suri, which jointly claimed the number one space for this year, reports the Japan Times.
Bakugai is defined as an explosive shopping spree and is often used in referring to Chinese tourists, who have come in record levels to Japan for a spot of retail therapy.
Toripuru suri is a little more niche, as it refers to a baseball player who has done well in three categories, literally translating at triple three.
To achieve this title, the player must get a .300 or better batting average, at least 30 home runs, and 30 or more stolen bases.
Only Tokyo Yakult Swallows’ Tetsuto Yamada and the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks’ Yuki Yanagita have managed this in Japan this year.
The Jiyukokuminsha publishing house 2015 U-Can Shingo Ryukogo Taisho (2015 U-Can New Words and Buzzwords Awards) also highlighted a number of phrases that have come to prominence.
Among them was 'Anshin shite kudasai, haite masu yo', or 'Don’t worry, I have my underwear on', which does seem a little bizarre.
It is the catchphrase of comedian Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura, who has become popular for his very unique show.
He takes to the stage in just his underpants and cleverly strikes poses that make him appear completely naked, before calling out the phrase.
Another item on the list is Mainichi, Shuzo or The Daily Shuzo, which is something many Japanese people are familiar with.
It is the name of a hyperbolic motivational calendar that was produced by the former tennis ace Shuzo Matsuoka, which overs an over-the-top mantra for every day of the year.