Sanae Takaichi's 'I will work and work and work...' Wins 2025 'Words of the Year' Grand Prize

The phrase 'I will work and work and work and work and work' (働いて働いて働いて働いて働いてまいります), uttered by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi upon her victory in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election, has been selected as the Grand Prize winner of the 2025 'Words of the Year and Buzzword Awards'. This statement by Takaichi, who assumed office as Japan's first female prime minister, has garnered significant national attention and sparked various debates.

The phrase is said to have been used by Prime Minister Takaichi to express her strong commitment to serving the public and her duties. Following the announcement, immediate reactions spread across social media. While congratulatory messages for Prime Minister Takaichi emerged, the selection criteria and the implications of the phrase have also generated both praise and criticism.

Supporters of Prime Minister Takaichi have praised her stance, with comments such as 'Congratulations, Prime Minister Takaichi, on winning the Grand Prize!' and 'People who work vibrantly look youthful.' Some believe that her drive and passion resonated with the public, leading to this award.

However, numerous voices question the actual popularity of the phrase, with comments like 'It's not truly popular' and 'No one I know uses it.' Critical opinions regarding the selection process, such as 'It's a fixed race' or 'a result of sontaku (undue consideration),' are also prevalent. Furthermore, many express concerns that the phrase might symbolize the current state and future of Japan's working environment, with remarks like 'feeling of a bleak future' or 'Is work-style reform over?' Some comments also reference Prime Minister Takaichi's own clarification that 'there was no intention to encourage overworking,' acknowledging the different ways the phrase has been perceived.

Additionally, opinions are circulating that other phrases, such as 'situation threatening Japan's existence' (存立危機事態) or 'Myaku-Myaku' (the Osaka Expo mascot), might have been more deserving of the Grand Prize. The selection for this year's Buzzword Awards appears to have transcended mere linguistic trends, instead prompting the public to deeply reconsider their assessment of the Takaichi administration and the meaning of 'work' in contemporary society.

The Context

The "Words of the Year and Buzzword Awards" (新語・流行語大賞, Shingo Ryūkōgo Taishō) is an annual event in Japan that recognizes words or phrases which have captured public attention and reflect the social trends, events, or cultural phenomena of the year. The selection often sparks significant debate, as it can be seen as either a genuine reflection of popular speech or a politically influenced choice.

Sanae Takaichi is a prominent conservative politician within Japan's Liberal Democratic Party. In this hypothetical scenario, she has become Japan's first female Prime Minister. Her phrase, "働いて働いて働いて働いて働いてまいります" (Hatarate hatarate hatarate hatarate hataraite mairimasu), literally meaning "I will work and work and work and work and work," emphasizes her dedication, but has been interpreted in various ways, ranging from inspiring to potentially endorsing overwork in a country known for its demanding labor culture.

The term "sontaku" (忖度), mentioned in the article, refers to anticipating and acting in accordance with someone's wishes or unspoken expectations, often those of a superior or powerful entity. In a political context, it often carries a negative connotation, suggesting sycophancy or deference to power that might influence decisions or selections, such as the Buzzword Awards.

Other suggested phrases for the award include "存立危機事態" (sonritsu kiki jitai, "situation threatening Japan's existence"), a term frequently used in national security debates regarding Japan's self-defense capabilities, and "ミャクミャク" (Myaku-Myaku), the official mascot for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, which gained widespread recognition and discussion due to its unique and often divisive design.