"Masashi Tashiro" is definitely the "Person of the Year" among the internet community in Japan.
He is a ex-celebrity fallen from grace due to his scandalous behaviour, which was widely reported by the Japanese Mass Media.
His downfall and subsequent expulsion from entertainment business was sympathised by many, who identified his human weakness and unfortunate circumstance to that of their own. With massive layoffs currently conducted by companies while unemployment is at record highs in Japan, there are other things people are more concerned about than the 911 tragedy.
So called "2channel bulletine boards" is the gathering place for those unfortunate Japanese known as "Chu-bo",who have very litle hopes for the future with economy in extreme recession. Perhaps "2channel" is the only place they can speak their mind and express their own frustration without the restriction of the strict code of conduct bestowed upon them by the rigid Japanese society. Therefore, the downfall of once a hero Masashi Tashiro may have hit closer to the heart of Chu-bo's, than say the heros such as NY firefighters who are so far remove from them, and therefore very hard to identify with.
For example, more people died in the 1995 Kobe earthquake than on 911, which also was a tragedy of massive proportion, but the attention paid by non-Japanese mass media to that event was minimal compared to the tragedy of 911. The amount of donation was nothing compared to the donation collected for those who lost their loved ones on 911...
The "Person of the year" as far as a voter is concerned just depends on his/her circumstance and not necessarily a person involved in the most widely reported event by the mass media.
To some people President Bush is a hero, but there are also some who look upon Usama Bin laden as a hero too. It is just a matter of opinion and which side you happen to be on.
I hope the "person of the year" will be chosen fairly, reflecting the opinion the voters.