This time of year, two major events capture people’s attention in Japan: the New Words and Buzzwords Award and the Kanji of the Year. Together, they highlight the ideas and trends that have defined the past twelve months. Let’s dive in and see what Japan talked about.
New Words and Buzzwords Award 2025
🥇働いて働いて働いて働いて働いてまいります
（はたらいてはたらいてはたらいてはたらいてはたらいてまいります
hataraite hataraite hataraite hataraite hataraite mairimasu）
“I will work, work, work, work and work.”
This phrase comes from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s speech as Japan’s first female leader. She used it to show her determination, saying she would “throw away the idea of work–life balance.” She later clarified that she wasn’t encouraging overwork, but expressing her personal commitment to the role.
古古古米（こここまい kokokomai）
Triple-old rice
This word refers to rice that has been stored for several years and became a buzzword when the government released older stockpiled rice to help stabilize prices.
“古” means old. 古米 (old rice) becomes 古古米 (older rice) after another year in storage, and then 古古古米 after an additional year.
二季（にき niki）
Two seasons
Japan experienced prolonged extreme heat this year. As climate change blurs the transitions between the traditional four seasons (四季・しき shiki), many people feel that only two seasons, summer and winter, remain, and spring and autumn become unnoticeable.
チャッピー（ちゃっぴー chappii）
“Chappie”(nickname for ChatGPT)
Some people in Japan talk to ChatGPT about anything, frustrations, advice, daily worries, even love. Because of this casual, friendly relationship, the AI has started being called “Chappie” (チャッピー), almost like a close friend rather than a tool.
You can see the full list of buzzwords on the official website here. These words offer a glimpse into what Japan discussed in 2025.
Kanji of the year 2025
The Kanji of the Year for 2025 was also announced last Friday!
🥇 熊（くま kuma）
This year’s kanji 熊 (bear) was chosen because of many bear-related incidents that occurred across Japan during the year.
🥈 米 (こめ kome), meaning “rice,” came in a very close second. It reflected rising rice prices and broader concerns about food costs.
This event is organized by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, which gathers suggestions from people all over Japan and selects the one character that best reflects the year’s atmosphere. The final character is announced every December 12, Kanji Day, at Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, where the chief priest writes it in bold, beautiful calligraphy.
You can see more details about the Kanji of the Year on the official website here.
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