What Japanese expression is your top favorite? That was the theme of an essay contest in Japanese for students of the language around the world.
Entries were received from 97 countries, and award winners were announced recently. Let me introduce just a few examples here.
“Tadaima” (I’m home) has completely charmed Sara Esmaeli, 21, an Iranian university student who noted that this salutation can be used only if you have a home to go back to, complete with someone who’s there to welcome you.
This, she said, is something extraordinary that is to be truly cherished, never just taken for granted. “Tadaima is a magic word that’s totally comforting,” she added.
Bo Lisa, a 19-year-old Cambodian, picked “ganbaru” (to do one’s best). “This expression has helped me through difficult times,” she noted.
On the other hand, 20-year-old Meidan Wu from China recalled the huge relief she felt when someone told her, “There is no need for you to ‘ganbaru.’” Being accepted for just being yourself gives you the strength to move forward, she explained.
One of the participants was moved by the spirit of gratitude in the phrase “itadakimasu,” which is usually said when sitting down to a meal.
Another described “mune kyun,” an expression denoting the tightening of the chest when falling in love, as “a phenomenon that enriches life.”
Reading these essays made me aware of so many beautiful words that surround us.
The contest was organized by Kazuo Omori and his wife, Hiroko, both 85 and residents of Tachikawa in western Tokyo.
For more than 30 years, the couple have used their own methods to provide support to foreigners studying Japanese.
The most recent essay contest was the 27th in the series. More than 73,000 people have participated to date.
There are many people who are interested in Japan and trying to learn the language, and there are people like the Omoris who continue to support them steadily.
When varied thoughts and perceptions criss-cross, words gain brilliance.
I would like to add my favorite—arigato.
–The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 1
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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
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