Four new words and catchphrases have been named "Buzzwords of the Year" in the annual contest held by publishing house Jiyukokuminsha in collaboration with correspondence education provider U-Can.
Winners of this year's grand prize were: "Ima desho" (Why not now!), "Baigaeshi" (Double payback), "Omotenashi" (Hospitality spirit) and "Jejeje" (a phrase expressing shock).
It was the first time in the contest's 30-year history that four phrases shared the top prize, the organizers said Monday.