If you thought 2022 was a battle, this year's top kanji pick shows you weren’t alone
The kanji of the year for 2022 is used for wars and struggles, while this year's buzzwords referenced sports lingo and a Norwegian pop tune.
Merriam-Webster saw a huge spike in people looking up the word “gaslighting” in 2022, and Japan is also no stranger to the concept.
From 'HTT' and 'SusHi Tech' to 'NHK,' Koike’s way with words falters
The Tokyo governor is known for her past catchy policy terms such as Cool Biz, but lately her choice of expressions has failed to resonate with the public.
Is JLPT language test the best metric for hiring foreigners in Japan?
The exam's multiple-choice format of passive reading and listening skills, with no sections for speaking or writing, casts doubt over its suitability.
Yakult Swallows slugger 'Murakami-sama' tops Japan 2022 buzzword list
Another word that made the list was "kokusōgi" (state funeral) after such a funeral was held in September for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Quebec plans to bar long-term immigrants who don’t speak French
The nationalist Coalition Avenir Quebec party was re-elected with a huge majority in October, partly on a platform of protecting French as the dominant language in the province.
Leg booty? Panoramic? How TikTok is changing language
A new vocabulary — a little fun, a little dystopian — has emerged on the social video platform, as creators try to get around algorithms and strict content moderation.
Trial of English speaking test for Tokyo high schools faces opposition
Some parents and experts are demanding that the test be called off due to a perceived need for more transparency on who will score it and the standard for deducting points.
The new geopolitics demands a new vocabulary
Terms such as 'the West' and 'the East' are lazy, awkward and inaccurate geopolitical signifiers in the Post-Cold War era.
Chinese JETs cherish links to Japan despite soured ties
On the 50th anniversary of Japan-China ties, Chinese participants on the JET Programme tout its ability to foster understanding between the two countries.
Can sex, gender and language live happily ever after?
Politicizing language adds to polarization and compromises elegance. There’s a better approach, if we’re capable of it.
Japanese elementary school offers rare English-immersion program
With the exception of international schools and private schools that offer lessons in English, the use of the language is usually limited at Japanese elementary schools.
