Due to our total lack of creativity at the moment (ending the year with a bang, I’m tellin’ ya), we thought we’d do exactly what you’d expect, and tell you what our favorite posts were. One thing we are going to do is let the three Tofugu authors (which includes myself) come up with their own favorites. I was surprised, we picked completely different stories.

Well, everyone have a great new year, and take a look if you want to look back on our dirty past (my commentary included).

Viet’s Top 5:

1. My Japanese Video Final from High School: This is a good one. It’s one of the worst movies you’ll ever see, all in terrible Japanese, starring myself, Viet, and several others who don’t want to be named. Understandable.
2. Japanese People Aren’t Actually Impressed with your Japanese: Don’t worry, they kind of are, but often times for the wrong reasons. In one way, this post is horrible and mean. In another way, hopefully it’s motivational in a sick, sadistic way.
3. The No Gaijin Allowed Mentality: At the time of this article, a lot of anti-gaijin sentiment was running around the internet. I’m here to tell you that you that it’s not that bad. Breathe deep.
4. Physical Traits of Buddha: Want to know how close you are to Buddha-hood? You can find out here.
5. Stare-apy For the Socially Inept: Ever thought if you had a digital friend to stare at you (kinda like Magibon, perhaps?) you would suddenly become less socially awkward. I know I have.

Erin’s Top 5:

1. Jesus’ Grave in Japan: Remember learning about Jesus in Sunday School, and all about his life in Japan? I think it’s mentioned in John, somewhere.
2. Japanese Online Translators. They Laugh at You: Don’t use online translators…That’s all there is to say.
3. Six Reasons why Kanji is Necessary: So many people want to know why they need to learn kanji. Why can’t you just use hiragana? Psht. Don’t be lazy.
4. Physical Traits of Buddha: I think this is the only crossover. Must be a good article.
5. Resolutions for Learning Better Japanese in 2008: Just pretend this article has a 2009 instead of a 2008, then we all good.

Koichi’s Top 5(ish):

1. Top 10 Resources for Learning Japanese for Free: Everyone loves Japanese, and everyone loves free (even those that don’t love Japanese). Great list if you’re on the Japan train.
2. Vote Now! Nara’s New Mascot Contest: It was fun to do this. Nara came out with a terrible mascot, so the readers of Tofugu responded in the form of their own mascots!
3. Godzilla’s New Life 5: American Buildings are too Tall: This is it, Godzilla has hit bottom. Stay tuned for season two, coming soonish.
4. Dragonball Live Action Movie. Makes Super Mario Bros Seem Oscar Worthy: If you’ve been reading Tofugu, you’ll know how much we hate the new Dragonball Movie. Here’s where it all started.
5. Kyokasho.net – Relive your Childhood by Defacing Historical Figures: This is one of my favorite websites, even now. Definitely check it out for a nice chuckle.
6. The Curse of Colonel Sanders: Did you know Colonel Sanders was involved in a Japanese baseball curse (kind of like the Great Bambino!). This is good history, right here.
7. Kobayashi Loses Hot Dog Eating Contest Again – Shouldn’t Swim for at Least 30 Minutes: Another guy we love is Kobayashi and his giant stomach. We were very disappointed that he lost here, but luckily he did better later on.

So, there you have it. What were your favorite articles from the year? Let us know, we’d love to hear!

Everyone have an excellent new year, and be safe! We’ll see you on the other side.