Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Japan’s “words of the year” for 2009, as selected by Jiyukokuminsha publishing company, capture the mood of a nation undergoing political and economic upheaval—but whose citizens are still managing to enjoy themselves…

Seiken koutai (“change of government”) highlights the most significant news of the year: the transfer of power from the Liberal Democratic Party to the Democratic Party of Japan following the August 31 Lower House elections.

Reki-jo, an abbreviation of rekishi joshi (“history girl”), describes the obsession young Japanese women have developed for historical topics. The craze was triggered by period movies, TV series and games—especially those with hunky leads. The movement found its most visible proponent in model Anne, the daughter of Last Samurai actor Ken Watanabe

Kodomo tencho (“child manager”) refers to a character played by pint-sized actor Seishiro Kato (right), who charmed TV viewers as the manager of a Toyota dealership in a series of popular commercials

Fast fashion is the Japlish term referring to the newfound mania for inexpensive, casual clothing.