On Wednesday, publishing company Jiyu Kokumin Sha announced its list of nominations for Japan’s Buzzword of 2025. Here are the 30 words and phrases in contention. The winner will be announced on December 1.
All Japanese Buzzword Nominations for 2025
Ehho Ehho – エッホエッホ
Dutch photographer Hannie Heere’s 2021 picture of an owl running became a meme here this year, and people associated it with “ehho ehho,” the Japanese sound for huffing and puffing.
Orudo Media – オールドメディア
A social media reference to legacy media outlets, such as television and newspapers, that are viewed by some younger people as outdated or biased.
Otetsutabi – おてつたび
A portmanteau word combining casual work and travel, otetsutabi refers to a working holiday service, connecting travelers with local accommodation facilities or farms.
Onkaji – オンカジ
This is an abbreviation for online casinos — a form of gambling that is illegal in Japan — that many celebrities and sports players were caught using this year.
Kigyo Fudo – 企業風土
“Corporate Culture,” has been in the news in Japan this year due to various issues, including a lack of awareness at the workplace regarding safety and gender consideration.
Kyoko Senkyo – 教皇選挙
A papal election was held in May to elect a new pope following the death of Francis. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was chosen after the fourth ballot.
Kinkyu Juryo and Kuma Higai – 緊急銃猟（クマ被害）
With a significant increase in the number of deaths and injuries caused by bears in 2025, a new ruling was introduced in September, allowing for the “emergency shootings” of bears and other potentially dangerous animals in populated areas under certain conditions.
Kokuho – 国宝
A kabuki-themed movie directed by Lee Sang-il, Kokuho has become one of the highest grossing domestic live action films ever in Japan.
Kokokomai – 古古古米
With the price of rice soaring, the government decided to start releasing stockpiled rice (referred to as old, old, old rice), from the 2020 and 2021 harvests.
Shichigatsu Itsuka – 7月5日
Originating from the Japanese manga The Future I Saw by Ryo Tatsuki, a false rumor spread online about a catastrophic earthquake that was due to hit Japan on July 5, 2025. The date passed without a disaster occurring.
Sengo 80 Nen and Showa 100 Nen – 戦後80年（昭和100年）
2025 marked the 80th year since the end of World War II and the 100th year since the start of the Showa period.
Livestream Image from the Vote of No Confidence | SBS
Sotsugyo Shosho 19.2 Byo – 卒業証書19・2秒
After Ito city Mayor Maki Takubo was accused of falsely claiming she had graduated from Toyo University, she was requested to present documents to an investigation committee. Asked if she had done so, she replied, “Yes, for 19.2 seconds.”
Chappie – チャッピー
A nickname used for the AI chatbot ChatGPT. As of 2025, ChatGPT’s website is among the five most-visited websites globally.
Chocomint Yorimo An-a-ta – チョコミントよりもあ・な・た
“Ai Scream,” the debut song of AiScReam, became a social media hit this year. The track features the line, “I love you more than chocolate mint.”
Toranpu Kanzei – トランプ関税
In April, Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs around the world, including a 24% levy on imports from Japan. It was later agreed that Japan would pay a baseline 15% tariff rate.
Nagasode wo Kudasai – 長袖をください
A line uttered by Atsuhiro Tsuda of the comedy duo Diane, which roughly translates to, “Give me something with long sleeves please.” It was used in a skit about him being sent to Niigata on the “Detective Tsuda” section of Wednesday’s Downtown.
Niki – 二季
As the weather becomes more extreme, experts are warning that Japan’s famous shiki (four seasons) may be reduced to niki (two seasons) in the future.
Nuikatsu – ぬい活
An increasing number of people are taking their stuffed toys (nuigurumi) out with them when they travel, go shopping or visit restaurants.
Hataraite, Hataraite, Hataraite, Hataraite, Hataraite and Josei Shusho – 働いて働いて働いて働いて働いてまいります／女性首相
Shortly before officially becoming Japan’s first ever female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi controversially said, “I myself will abandon the idea of work-life balance. I will work, work, work, work and work.”
Biju Ii Jan – ビジュイイじゃん
The song “Ii Jan” by boy band M!LK, featuring the line, “Looking Great Today,” has garnered more than 21 million views on YouTube.
Hyoroku – ひょうろく
Enigmatic comedian Hyoroku is known for his pranks and deadpan expressions. He has gained significant popularity this year and has started appearing in serious dramas.
Bukkadaka – 物価高
A general term for inflation that refers to the economic situation where prices for goods and services rise faster than wages.
Furiransnsu Hogoho – フリーランス保護法
The Freelance Protection Act went into effect in November 2024. Its aim is to protect freelancers and other individual operators from being treated unfairly by businesses.
Heisei Joji – 平成女児
Females of the Heisei era, who went to elementary school in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are now driving consumer and cultural trends looking back nostalgically to that formative period.
Hoitara ne – ほいたらね
A phrase that means “see you again soon” in the Tosa dialect of Kochi Prefecture, it became popular after being used in the NHK drama Anpan, about Nobu Komatsu, the wife of Anpanman creator Takashi Yanase.
Maratan – 麻辣湯
The Japanese pronunciation for the Sichuan soup malatang. An increasingly popular dish, diners can adjust the level of spiciness to suit their tastes.
Myaku Myaku – ミャクミャク
The official mascot of the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, it was seen as a little creepy at first. However, it soon became a fan favorite, helping to boost souvenir sales.
Yakuzen – 薬膳
Known as “medicinal meals,” these dishes mix fresh seasonal ingredients with additives to prevent illness and maintain health.
Labubu – ラブブ
Created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lung, these funny-looking characters with rabbit ears and jagged teeth have proved hugely popular since 2024, when Blackpink’s Lalisa showcased the toys on her Instagram page.
Rikabari Uea – リカバリーウェア
Known as “recovery wear,” this high-tech clothing is said to help athletes bounce back after a challenging training session. The items have also proved popular for non-athletes.
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Updated On November 6, 2025
