Web Japan > Trends in Japan > Archives > Buzzword 2005-2006
shokuiku
(January 2006)
Education about food and nutrition
metoseku otoko
(December 2005)
Young urban men of refined taste who like to look good
namari
(November 2005)
A regional accent or dialect
yabai
(October 2005)
Very bad or very good, depending on the context and the age of the speaker.
mottainai
(September 2005)
A keyword for global environment issues, meaning "Don't waste what is valuable."
shikaku
(August 2005)
Ruling-party candidates with public appeal whose prime mission is to defeat opponents of the prime minister's postal privatization plan.
Cool Biz
(July 2005)
A campaign to encourage men to go to work in the summer without a jacket and tie.
haka maira
(May 2005)
People who visit cemeteries as a relaxing hobby
famiresu keigo/konbini keigo
(March 2005)
Honorific Japanese used by staff at family restaurants and convenience stores.
