“Thank You 2025” Sweeps Japan's Social Media on New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, with just a few hours left in 2025, the hashtag "Thank you 2025" took social media by storm. From individuals to corporations, artists, and sports organizations, countless people expressed their gratitude for the past year and shared their hopes for the new one.

From the music and entertainment industry, posts were seen expressing thanks for the collaboration of &TEAM K × LEO at TBS's "The 67th Japan Record Awards," and Lucky Kilimanjaro raising a toast to their dancers. ArtLed also released a playlist of songs from 2025, looking back on their activities throughout the year. Artists and groups such as "Haihapi!!", "Otonari Ainie," "Mousou Refrain," and "Setsunasou" also conveyed their appreciation to fans through live performances and music, vowing to make great strides in the coming year. It appears that PK shampoo concluded 2025 with a sold-out, enthusiastic live performance at Shimokitazawa Laguna.

Many companies and services also embraced "Thank you 2025" to express gratitude to their customers and users. Universal Studios Japan (USJ) commented, "Thank you for bringing so many smiles and excitement." Kandatsu Snow Resort (KSR) thanked ski and snowboard fans, saying, "The season started with heavy snowfall" and "Every smile, every snowflake, and every memory made it the best season." Home fitness brand STEADY encouraged those who maintained their health, stating, "Take care of yourself after running through the year." Sports teams like FC Ryukyu and SMBC TOKYO SOLUA, along with the esports league LJL, also looked back on 2025 as "a year of new challenges" and "a year that created history" while thanking fans and stakeholders, pledging further development in 2026.

Individual users also posted messages of gratitude for encounters, learning experiences, daily events, and overcoming difficulties. Model Renka Fujimori expressed thanks for "a year filled with many encounters and learning." Illustrators, creators, bloggers, and general users alike reflected on their respective "2025," offering heartfelt thanks to those who supported them and their followers. Social media was filled with warm messages like "Have a happy New Year," creating a peaceful atmosphere to close out the year.

The "Thank you 2025" trend reflects the shared wish of many people who, after a tumultuous year, hold hope for the coming 2026. With gratitude in our hearts, we step forward into the new year.

The context

This article describes a social media trend in Japan where people, businesses, and organizations used the hashtag #ThankYou2025 on New Year's Eve to express gratitude for the year 2025. It's a common practice in Japan, and globally, to reflect on the past year as it concludes. The article highlights various examples, from popular musical acts like &TEAM K × LEO and Lucky Kilimanjaro, to theme parks such as Universal Studios Japan, ski resorts like Kandatsu Snow Resort, fitness brands like STEADY, and sports teams including FC Ryukyu and the LJL esports league. It also touches upon personal reflections from individuals like model Renka Fujimori, illustrating a widespread cultural phenomenon of collective reflection and appreciation before the start of a new year.