Sayaka Kamata
Student, 21
The elections were a turning point for the opposition. They showed that if politicians focus on personality, and their opinions are shallow, they won't win. Change won't come soon, but I think it has started.
Melky Nainggolan
Ex-teacher, 24 (Australian)
The protests in Okinawa. Removing references to the military's involvement in the Okinawan civilian suicides really shifts accountability and misrepresents important, historical events.
Mari Aoki
Housewife
The big news was all the tainted food scandals. I believed those companies and trusted them. Now many people doubt other established companies. To be careful, I'm going to make my food myself!
Nick Gloster
Teacher, 27 (Australian)
The collapse of Nova had a huge impact on my friends and I, not to mention thousands of people all over Japan. It definitely dominated conversation throughout the year.
Miho Watanuki
'Ikebana' teacher
The pension issue was big, but I think the biggest news was when the prime minister quit. People had been urging him to quit after the election, but he stayed on. I don't know why he had to quit when he did.
Atsushi Koizumi
Store manager, 29
The cost of oil has gone up and it affects everyone. Japan doesn't produce any oil, so the costs associated with oil products are all rising. We have to find a new energy source.
