While COVID-19 is still a popular topic, two big elections may result in a landslide of political lingo in your day:

  • 総裁選 (sōsaisen, presidential election) — The ruling 自民党 (Jimintō, Liberal Democratic Party) will elect a new president on Sept. 29 who will then become prime minister of Japan. The term used here is comprised of the "選" from 選挙 (senkyo, election) and 総裁 (sōsai, president/party leader). With the horse race heating up for party leader, you're also likely to see 出馬 (shutsuba, running for election) comprised of the "出" from 出る (deru, to go out) and 馬 (uma, horse). Ex.: 総裁選に、4人の候補者が出馬している (Sōsaisen ni, yo-nin no kōhosha ga shutsuba shite-iru, Four candidates are running in the [party’s] presidential election).