Publisher Jiyukokuminsha and U-Can Inc. this week revealed the 50 candidates for their annual buzzword of the year award, which were picked from a wide range of topics including hit movies, government policies, a fake Beethoven and a questionable scientific breakthrough.

The buzzwords were first awarded in 1989. Winners for this year will be announced on Dec. 1. Here is a rundown of some of the nominated words and how Japan Real Time covered them.

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