Takaichi Wins 2025 Top Buzzwords in Japan

Tokyo, Dec. 1 (Jiji Press)–“Hataraite, hataraite, hataraite, hataraite and hataraite mairimasu” (I pledge to work, work, work, work and work) and “josei shusho” (female prime minister), both linked to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, were named this year’s top buzzwords in Japan on Monday. Japan’s first female prime minister made the repeating remark in her victory speech just after winning the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election in October. In the speech, she also declared that she would abandon the idea of work-life balance, which stirred controversy. Dressed in a blue jacket and dark skirt, Takaichi explained at the award ceremony that she wanted to express her determination to “contribute to everyone.” “I have no intention of encouraging the public to work too much,” the prime minister said. “I will strive to achieve a strong economy, diplomacy, national security and a prosperous life.” Responding with a smile to a question about her health management, Takaichi said: “I take a bath in the morning and at night. It’s a blissful time for me.” This year’s top 10 buzzwords list was announced on Monday by publisher Jiyukokuminsha in partnership with insurance group T&D Holdings Inc. The list also included “Toranpu Kanzei” (Trump tariffs), a high tariff policy introduced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who returned to office in January. Another entry was “Kokokomai (old, old, old rice),” referring to stockpiled rice released by the government amid soaring prices and harvested more than three years ago. Also on the list were words related to “Kokuho (national treasure),” Japan’s highest-grossing live-action film excluding animation, which was released in June, “Myaku-Myaku,” the official mascot character of the 2025 World Exposition in the western Japan city of Osaka, “Ehho Ehho,” a phrase popularized on social media describing urgency to do something and “old media,” referring to newspaper outlets and TV broadcasters. The special jury award went to “Mr. Pro Baseball,” a nickname for Shigeo Nagashima, the former manager of the Tokyo-based Yomiuri Giants baseball team, who died in June at the age of 89. The 2025 ranking, the 42nd of its kind, was selected from 30 nominations by a jury of six people including cartoonist Mitsuru Yaku, columnist Nameko Shinsan and actor Shigeru Muroi. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]