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2014: The Winning Words

  • Hashimoto Koyuki (left) and Nakano Sōko won with their signature comedy phrase. (© Jiji)

    Hashimoto Koyuki (left) and Nakano Sōko won with their signature comedy phrase. (© Jiji)

  • The new constitutional interpretation could give Japan's Self-Defense Forces a more proactive role overseas. (© Jiji)

    The new constitutional interpretation could give Japan's Self-Defense Forces a more proactive role overseas. (© Jiji)

  • Though not technically illegal, these substances have had harmful effects that make this status unlikely to continue for long. (© Jiji)

    Though not technically illegal, these substances have had harmful effects that make this status unlikely to continue for long. (© Jiji)

  • Yōkai Watch toys are a common sight on the wrists of Japanese—and soon the world's?—children. (© Jiji)

    Yōkai Watch toys are a common sight on the wrists of Japanese—and soon the world's?—children. (© Jiji)

  • At the December 1 award ceremony, representatives for each of the finalist words gathered to accept the prizes for 2014. (The Abe administration did not send anyone to collect the top prize for shūdanteki jieiken.)

    At the December 1 award ceremony, representatives for each of the finalist words gathered to accept the prizes for 2014. (The Abe administration did not send anyone to collect the top prize for shūdanteki jieiken.)

  • From left: Kāpu joshi Furuta Chisako, Ōi Chihoko, and Amano Megumi accept the award for the “Carp girls” term.

    From left: Kāpu joshi Furuta Chisako, Ōi Chihoko, and Amano Megumi accept the award for the “Carp girls” term.

  • Yamazaki Kento accepts the award for kabe don. In the movie adaption of breakout comic L♥DK (Rabu dōkyo, or “Living Together in Love”), the actor’s character uses the move of putting his arm up on the wall to box in and sweet-talk the leading lady.

    Yamazaki Kento accepts the award for kabe don. In the movie adaption of breakout comic L♥DK (Rabu dōkyo, or “Living Together in Love”), the actor’s character uses the move of putting his arm up on the wall to box in and sweet-talk the leading lady.

  • Singer and actor Miwa Akihiro used the salutation gokigen yō to end each episode of the popular NHK morning drama Hanako to An (“Hanako and Anne”), which was based on the life of the Japanese translator of Anne of Green Gables.

    Singer and actor Miwa Akihiro used the salutation gokigen yō to end each episode of the popular NHK morning drama Hanako to An (“Hanako and Anne”), which was based on the life of the Japanese translator of Anne of Green Gables.

  • Popular Yōkai Watch characters Jibanyan, right, and Komasan.

    Popular Yōkai Watch characters Jibanyan, right, and Komasan.

  • Legends: Chūnichi Dragons pitcher Yamamoto Masa, left, became the oldest player to record a win in Japan’s professional baseball league when he hurled a winning game in September at the age of 49. Professional golfer Aoki Isao, at 72, has been plying the greens of the pro circuit for over 50 years. He is still active on the senior tour. Ski jumper Kasai Noriaki was unable to attend the ceremony, but continued his rejendo status by breaking his own record as oldest jumper to log a win by taking an event during the World Cup in Finland on November 29.

    Legends: Chūnichi Dragons pitcher Yamamoto Masa, left, became the oldest player to record a win in Japan’s professional baseball league when he hurled a winning game in September at the age of 49. Professional golfer Aoki Isao, at 72, has been plying the greens of the pro circuit for over 50 years. He is still active on the senior tour. Ski jumper Kasai Noriaki was unable to attend the ceremony, but continued his rejendo status by breaking his own record as oldest jumper to log a win by taking an event during the World Cup in Finland on November 29.

  • Android widow Akemi 3, played by Hashimoto Koyuki, deflects the amorous appeals of elderly Hosogai, played by Nakano Sōko. The comic duo Nippon Erekiteru Rengō won the top prize with their wildly popular catch phrase Dame yo. Dame dame.

    Android widow Akemi 3, played by Hashimoto Koyuki, deflects the amorous appeals of elderly Hosogai, played by Nakano Sōko. The comic duo Nippon Erekiteru Rengō won the top prize with their wildly popular catch phrase Dame yo. Dame dame.

  • Miwa Akihiro and comedian Hashimoto Koyuki share a smile before posing for a group photo with other award recipients.

    Miwa Akihiro and comedian Hashimoto Koyuki share a smile before posing for a group photo with other award recipients.

  • Nippon Erekiteru Rengō’s Nakano Sōko spars with Yōkai Watch character Jibanyan after the group photo session.

    Nippon Erekiteru Rengō’s Nakano Sōko spars with Yōkai Watch character Jibanyan after the group photo session.

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