It¡¯s the language that gave us the world¡¯s first novel, birthed commonplace words from tycoon to emoji and produced three winners of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Why, then, is the Japanese Word of the Year such a dud?
Every year, a panel of the country¡¯s writers, commentators and celebrities picks a buzzword or phrase that has been introduced into the lexicon, frequently a comedian¡¯s catchphrase or reference to some sporting achievement. It¡¯s a headline-making annual tradition, organized by publisher Jiyu Kokuminsha.
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