Japan’s 2025 Buzzword Nominations

On Wednesday, publishing company Jiyu Kokumin Sha announced its 2025 Japanese buzzword nominees. Here are 30 controversial words and phrases. The winner will be announced on December 1st.

All Japanese Buzzword Nominations 2025

Uh uh uh uh – uh uh uh uh

Dutch photographer Hannie Heere’s 2021 photo of a running owl became a hot topic here this year, with people linking it to “ehho ehho” (Japanese for “out of breath”).

Oru Multimedia – Old Media

Social media refers to traditional media such as television and newspapers, which some young people view as outdated or biased.

Otetsutabi – Otetsutabi

A compound word that combines leisure work and travel, Big siblings Refers to a working holiday service that connects travelers with local accommodation or farms.

Onkaji – Onkaji

This is short for online casino, a form of gambling illegal in Japan that many celebrities and sports players have been caught using this year.

Keep moving – corporate culture

“Corporate culture” has been in the news in Japan this year due to various issues, including a lack of safety and awareness of gender considerations in the workplace.

Kyoko Senkyo – Papal Election

After Francis’ death, a papal election was held in May to elect a new pope. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected after the fourth vote.

Kinkyu Juryo and Kuma Higai – Emergency Gun Hunting (Bear Damage)

With the number of deaths and injuries caused by bears increasing significantly in 2025, a new regulation was introduced in September to allow “emergency shooting” of bears and other potentially dangerous animals in densely populated areas under certain conditions.

national treasure – national treasure

Kabuki-themed movie directed by Lee Sang-il, That’s it It became one of the highest-grossing domestic live-action movies in Japan’s history.

Kokokomai – the ancient and ancient rice

As rice prices skyrocketed, the government decided to start releasing rice stocks (referred to as old rice, old rice). The 2020 and 2021 harvests.

July Five Rivers – July 5

From Japanese comics The future I see By Ryo Tatsuki False rumors are circulating online about a catastrophic earthquake that will hit Japan on July 5, 2025. That date passed without disaster.

Sengo 80 Nen and Showa 100 Nen – 80 years after the war (Showa 100)

2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Showa era.

Live images of vote of no confidence | SBS

Sotsugyo Shosho 19.2 Byo – Diploma 19.2 seconds

Ito Mayor Maki Takuho was accused of falsely claiming to have graduated from Toyo University and was asked to provide documents to the investigative committee. When asked if she did, she replied: “Yes, it lasted 19.2 seconds.”

Chappie – Chappie

The nickname of the AI ​​chatbot ChatGPT. As of 2025, ChatGPT’s website is one of the five most visited websites in the world.

Chocomint Yorimo An-a-ta – More than just chocolate mint

AiScReam’s debut song “Ai Scream” became a hit song on social media this year. The song features “I love you more than chocolate mint.”

Toranpu Kanzei – Trump Tariffs

In April, Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs around the world, including a 24% tariff on Japanese imports. Later both sides agreed that Japan would pay a base tariff of 15%.

Nagasode wo Kudasai – Please wear long sleeves

There’s a quote by Atsuhiro Tsuda of the comedy duo Diane that roughly translates to “please give me something with long sleeves.” The term was used in a “Detective Tsuda” skit about him being sent to Niigata. Wednesday downtown.

Niki – Season 2

As weather becomes more extreme, experts warn Japan’s famous Shiki (four seasons) can be reduced to Nikki (Two Seasons) Future.

New Victory – New Victory

More and more people are bringing their stuffed animals (nugurumi) Hang out with them when they travel, shop, or go to restaurants.

Halite, Halite, Halite, Halite, Halite, Book of Holy Week – I want to work, work, work, work, work / Prime Minister

Shortly before officially becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi controversially said, “I personally will give up the idea of ​​work-life balance. I will work, work, work, work, work.”

Biju Ii Jan – Bijuiijan

Boy band M!LK’s song “Ii Jan” features “Looking Great Today” and has more than 21 million views on YouTube.

Soldier Six – Soldier Six

The mysterious comedian Hyoroku is known for his pranks and deadpan expressions. He gained a lot of popularity this year and started appearing in serious dramas.

Bukkadaka – high prices

Inflation, a general term, refers to an economic condition in which the prices of goods and services rise faster than wages.

Furiransnsu Hogoho – Freelancer Protection Law

The Freelancer Protection Act comes into effect in November 2024. Its purpose is to protect freelancers and other self-employed people from unfair treatment by businesses.

Heisei Castle – Heisei Castle

Heisei-era women attended elementary school in the late 1990s and early 2000s and are now driving consumer and cultural trends nostalgic for that formative period.

Hoitarane – Hoitarane

This is a phrase for “see you soon” in the Tosa dialect of Kochi Prefecture, popularized by its use in an NHK TV series red bean breadabout Nobu Komatsu, wife of Anpanman creator Takashi Yanase.

Maratan – spicy soup

The Japanese pronunciation is Sichuan soup malatang. The dish is growing in popularity and diners can adjust the spiciness to suit their tastes.

Miaomiao – Miaomiao

As the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, it was initially considered a bit creepy. However, it quickly became a fan favorite, helping to boost souvenir sales.

Medicinal Diet – Medicinal Diet

Known as “medicinal meals,” these dishes combine fresh seasonal ingredients with additives to prevent disease and maintain health.

Labubu – Labubu

These comical characters with bunny ears and jagged teeth were created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung and have proven extremely popular since Blackpink’s Lalisa showcased the toys on her Instagram page in 2024.

Rikabari Uea – Recovery Software

Dubbed “recovery clothing,” the high-tech clothing is said to help athletes recover after challenging workouts. It turns out these items are popular with non-athletes, too.

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Updated on November 6, 2025