Learn Japanese rapidly! Are you trying to stay abreast of Japanese current events? If you are, here's one you'll love. It's called the New Word and Buzzword-of-the-Year Grand Prix. What in the world could this be, you wonder...

This Japanese Culture Class is the place to learn about the New Word and Buzzword-of-the-Year Grand Prix. It's the new word that best reflects the condition of society, and it's based on the votes of dictionary readers. You won't believe how this kooky contest came about, and you'll have fun learning about past winners. There's even a sneak peek at a popular Japanese television show. This is one Japanese culture class you can't miss!

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New Word and Buzzword-of-the-Year Grand Prix
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Rooma-ji / "Translation"
Shin-go / "new word"
Ryuukoo-go / "buzzword"
Taishoo / "Grand Prix"

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What is the "New Word and Buzzword-of-the-Year Grand Prix?"
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The New Word and Buzzword-of-the-Year Grand Prix is presented annually by a publishing company called Jiykkokumin-sha and a related education company called U-Can. This event awards the words or phrases that reflect social conditions and have had a strong impact on society. The words or phrases are nominated by the votes of readers of Gendai YMgo Kihon Jiten ("Modern Term Dictionary"), which is published by Jiykkokumin-sha.

The awards were established in 1984 and are usually held during the first week of December. The result is reported by major newspapers.

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The Grand Prix of 2008 New Word and Buzzword of the Year
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guu This is a punch line created by the comedian Edo Harumi. She prolongs the gu ending words while flashing the thumbs-up sign.

Sample Sentence
Mainichi 10kiro ran'nin...gk.
"I run ten kilometers every day."

arafoo This is the abbreviation of "around forty," which refers to women who are around the age of forty. The women of this generation are considered more independent, both mentally and economically, than women of the preceding generations. This word became popular thanks to the T.V. drama known as "Around 40 - Women Who Are Demanding."

Sample Sentence
Saikin, arafM o t
getto ni shita zasshi ga Mi.
"There are a lot of magazines targeting women who are around forty years old."

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